Singapore’s Social Tissues Unpacked Amid the Covid‑19 Storm
Grace Fu, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, rolled out a sharp, yet heartfelt, analysis of how the pandemic has highlighted deep‑rooted racial faultlines in Singapore. She spoke at a “Regardless Of Race” dialogue that brought together about 150 folks—members, academics, journalists and activists—to unpack why foreigners and locals have been split apart lately.
Why the Rift? The “Visceral Reaction” to Foreigners on the Streets
The Minister pointed to a recent video that showed a group of expatriates chilling at Robertson Quay, literally “flouting” social‑distancing rules. She explained how, before the police could even finish their investigations, rumours of expats’ misbehaviour had already sparked calls for deportation.
“When that video came out, my friends told me there were also expatriates gathering in the Botanic Gardens, and so on. It’s not just one spot—when we see a group that looks different from ourselves, we get that punch of reaction,” she said.
Race, Religion and the Red‑Tinted Lens of Pandemics
Fu warned that, in such chaotic times, people often lean on their differences—race, religion, or nationality—rather than seeing the true common enemy: a virus that doesn’t care about borders.
She recalled a bizarre case involving a self‑proclaimed “sovereign” woman who locals instinctively labelled a foreigner, even though she was Singaporean. “It’s a cautionary tale that our biases can cloud even those closest to us,” she added.
The Dialogue: From Zoom to Zealous Solutions
Organised by OnePeople.sg, Roses of Peace, and SMU Apolitical, the online chat on Zoom ran in its fourth session, drawing participants from all walks of life. Key speakers were:
- Dr. Augustine Pang – communication management professor at SMU
- Zakir Hussain – news editor at The Straits Times
- Ms. Fahima Farha – vice‑president of Roses of Peace
- Dr. Alicia Altorfer‑Ong – board president of Sunshine Initiative Singapore (protects sex workers)
What Was Talked About
- How xenophobia and racism flare up during crises and what heaps of traffic‑cabbie tactics can help disembark them.
- The media’s role in either building resilience or fuelling fear.
- Ground‑up community efforts that are turning mundane “check‑ins” into tangible support.
Real‑World Ripples of the Pandemic
Fu illustrated how the virus’s spread has spotlighted other cracks:
- Singaporean Chinese were beaten up abroad in the UK and Australia, victims of racially‑motivated backlash over the virus’s origin.
- Home‑based learning revealed economic divides: not every family could spare a laptop for each child or set up a smooth internet‑ready environment.
Continuing the Conversation Beyond the Dialogue
Fu’s bill of tactics included leveraging the power of the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony, Inter‑Racial and Religious Confidence Circles and other community coalitions. She urged people to creatively engage—countering hateful posts with positivity, telling uplifting local stories, and building genuine connections.
“The help we give in tough times becomes the memory that defines us for years to come. This is our chance to prove what kind of people we truly are,” she said.
Key Takeaway
In a nutshell, the pandemic has acted as a magnifying glass over Singapore’s social seams. Yet, with collective intent, lively discourse, and grassroots action, there’s a real path toward mending those seams—and perhaps, a fresh start that reflects the very best of the island’s diverse spirit.
