Singapore. Crafting Unity in Diversity

(Seeds of Knowledge — National Identity Series #8)

Singapore is one of the world’s most diverse nations, a vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities, with four official languages and multiple religions.

Unlike many older nations rooted in centuries of shared culture, Singapore’s modern identity is consciously constructed, built after independence in 1965 on a vision of unity through diversity.

This offers valuable lessons for any country or school seeking to foster national identity in pluralistic, globalised contexts.

1. Deliberate nation-building through education
Singapore’s founders recognised early that national identity could not be left to chance. It had to be cultivated through:

• Common values

• Civic responsibility

• Respect for all cultures

The education system plays a central role. Civics and Moral Education, National Education, and Social Studies are key subjects where students learn about the country’s founding values:

• multiracial harmony

• meritocracy

• rule of law

• economic development

• global competitiveness

2. Building a shared civic identity
In Singapore, national identity is not tied to ethnicity. Instead, it is civic-based, focused on shared responsibilities and contributions to the nation. All students, regardless of background, are taught:

• National symbols and history

• The significance of Racial Harmony Day

• The importance of multilingualism and multicultural respect

This helps cultivate a sense of “we”, Singaporeans of many cultures united by common values and aspirations.

3. Multicultural inclusion in school life
Cultural celebrations (e.g. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas) are embraced across the school calendar, promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Mother Tongue Language education is also supported, ensuring students remain connected to their heritage languages (Mandarin, Malay, Tamil), while also learning English as a common language of unity and global connection.

4. Preparing students for global citizenship
Singapore’s identity is framed as national and global. Students are encouraged to be proud Singaporeans while developing global awareness and competitiveness, an essential mindset for a small, highly connected nation.

As former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong once said:

“Our identity must be strong enough to anchor us in a fast-changing world, yet open enough to embrace change and diversity.”

An evolving identity for a diverse future

Singapore’s experience shows that national identity can be deliberately built:

• around shared civic values

• through inclusive education

• with deep respect for cultural diversity

It provides a model for 21st-century societies seeking to foster unity without uniformity, where diversity is a source of strength, not division.

In our next article, we will explore we will explore a global community in an international school, with over 50 nations with in its school body.