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Straits Times, 18 Jan 05 Call to promote S'pore icons that bind by Natalie Soh CELEBRATING the accomplishments of icons such as former sprinter C. Kunalan, the late playwright Kuo Pao Kun and centenarian volunteer Teresa Hsu can help anchor and give Singaporeans a sense of rootedness to the country. So, too, can promoting landmarks such as Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens, the Night Safari, Geylang Serai market and even the Zouk nightspot, as these can evoke a sense of emotional attachment and stir warm memories. The idea behind looking to such diverse people and places, said the Political Development Feedback Group, is to help give Singaporeans a stronger sense of home. Faced with the twin challenges of scarcity of talent to ensure long-term success, and the possibility of losing talent in a borderless world, the group says Singapore must develop and nurture people and talent by leveraging on emotional linkages. Drawing on familiar people and places is but one approach, it said in a report released yesterday. The report, which has been given to ministries, will be discussed at a Jan 29 conference where various feedback groups will present ideas gathered almost a year ago. 'Singapore does not lack the history or the tradition. What is lacking is an emphasis on and appreciation for this heritage... 'National symbols, faces and places provide a rich tapestry that we can draw on to anchor our young people to the nation,' said the group's report, presented by chairman Viswa Sadasivan. But it also suggested other approaches - including having a broader definition of citizenship, which would tap into the large number of Singaporeans who are working, studying or have emigrated abroad. 'Many Singaporeans, as well as ex-Singaporeans, still have a strong sense of loyalty to Singapore as a country they were born and brought up in,' the report said. It cited a telephone survey of 538 people here last November, in which eight out of 10 respondents said they 'could be overseas, but Singapore is home'. This indicated that a sense of rootedness and belonging to a country is not restricted to where they reside. 'Singapore should step up and reinforce the message to our fellow citizens abroad that we still consider them part of our extended family; that we are interested in what they are doing, how they are faring and most certainly would like to share their joy of success,' the report added. And one way to signal that they are valued is to involve them in the electoral process, by allowing them to vote in the General Election. The group also said the Government had to address the perception of a 'climate of fear' surrounding political discussion in Singapore. 'Despite all the measures and talk of opening up, people still feel this way. Something must be done to change it,' said Mr Viswa, who said the group encountered it during their dialogue sessions. In a straw poll the group did with 118 young people in the universities, junior colleges and Institute of Technical Education, almost three in 10 were reluctant to give their opinions on national issues for fear of offending the Government. This, said Mr Viswa, could explain why Singaporeans were not coming forward. Singaporeans by nature are not uncaring and apathetic and the recent overwhelming response to the Asian tsunami disaster proved that, he said. The Government could be more 'open-minded' when it comes to organisations or individuals lobbying for a cause. By discouraging people from petitioning or lobbying, 'we would allow apathy to creep into their lives'. Said Mr Viswa: 'If the Government is seen as taking the lead in solving all problems, then the sense of passion, ownership and belonging is lost.' He also said there was a need for the Government to give the assurance that Singaporeans will not get rapped for saying things that go against the grain. On the issue of national education, the group suggested, among other things, that it be made 'a lot more hip, interactive, exciting and a multi-sensory experience'. |
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