To strengthen the understanding and ties between people of different races and religions in the workplace, a Heritage Leaning Journey was organised by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Community Engagement Programme (CEP) on 5 October 2013 for tripartite partners of the MOM CEP.
Around 63 participants visited the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, the Al-Abrar Mosque and Masjid Jamae along a walking trail to famous heritage sites along Telok Ayer Street.
Guides from the Preservation Monuments Board (PMB) provided stories, folklores and historical background of the area surrounding these sites.
To complement the historical tour, MOM Director of Labour Relations Felix Ong launched CEP Unit’s latest collateral, ‘Celebrating Our Unique Culture’, an activity book that features team bonding activities which employers can use to bring colleagues closer together amidst racial and religious differences.
Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union member Shaifulazlil Ghazali found the event beneficial. “As Singaporeans, it is important for us to understand the culture of the various religions and races and learn to be understanding towards our differences. That way, we can minimise conflicts and live harmoniously with one another,” he said.
Thong Wee Sin, Singapore Chinese Teachers’ Union First Assistant Secretary shared similar sentiments. “As a union leader, it raised my awareness of the differences in the various cultures and beliefs and therefore heightened my belief on the importance of racial harmony in Singapore,” he said.
Hosted by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), partners who participated in the event include National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), Singapore Business Federation, The Association Of Small and Medium Enterprises as well as the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Original article written by Joshua Joseph, and can be found in NTUC This Week (18 October 2013)
