The document provides information about multiculturalism in Singapore, including its racial, religious, and linguistic diversity. Singapore has significant Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian populations that practice a variety of religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional Chinese beliefs. There is religious harmony in Singapore, with places of worship from different faiths located near each other. The culture also reflects cross-cultural influences through foods like fish head curry.

1. MULTICULTURALISM

2. Racial composition 76% Chinese 14% Malays 8% Indians 2% Eurasians, Jews, Arabs and other minority groups

3. Religious composition 51% Buddhist or Taoist 15% Muslims 15% Christians 4% Hindus 15% Freethinkers, Sikhs, Jews, Zoroastrians, Baha’is Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) consists of one representative from each religion

4. Did you know? Singapore is the least racist and xenophobic countries in the world (compared to Britain and Australia) Interracial Marriages President S. R. Nathan is Tamil; his wife is Bengali; their son-in-law is Chinese Muslims: 23% Non-muslims: 9%

5. Did you know? Religion St Theresa’s Church beside Chinese Temple At Waterloo street, within 2 city blocks, we have a Jewish synagogue, a Roman Catholic church, a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple The Hindu temple included a statue of the Goddess of Mercy in its premises  many Buddhists pray regularly at the Hindu temple There is also a Chinese temple which included a Hindu shrine in its premises  Hindus pray at the shrine Many non-Hindu Chinese contribute to the building funds of Hindu temples Novena services attended by both Catholics and non-Catholics

6. Did you know? Food Cross-exchange between Chinese and Indian cuisine produces Fish Head Curry and Mee Goreng Cross-cultural exchange between the British and their Hainanese cooks give rise to Inche Kabin and pork chops Can you think of any more examples?

7. History During the days of colonial rule, the British segregated immigrant races into different living quarters in the city to divide and rule the place more easily.

8. Racial Riots 1950s: Maria Hertogh Riots 1960s: between Malays and Chinese in July and September

9. Policies 1989: HDB Ethnic Integration Policy  to prevent racial enclaves from forming. Education policies: language

10. Singapore writers Goh Sin Tub ( 1927 – 2004) One of the pioneers of Singapore literature teacher, civil servant, banker, builder, social worker and former chairman of the St. Joseph's Institution (SJI)'s Board of Governors Wrote a collection of short stories in Malay First Malay book Cherpen Cherpen Pilehan : compilation of written articles; pen name: Akbar Goh  won the second prize in the National Malay Literature Competition in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. Bestsellers: Honour and Other Stories , The Nan-Mei-Su Girls of Emerald Hill , The Ghost Lover of Emerald Hill , Ghosts of Singapore , Loves of Sons and Daughters , 12 Women and their Stories , Moments in a Singapore Life , and his One Singapore trilogy.

11. Today’s focus Short stories collection (1995): “If you too could do Voodoo, who would you do Voodoo to?”  “ A Gift of Roots”