At a celebratory dinner marking the 35th anniversary of the Taoist Federation and Singapore’s 60th year of independence, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a powerful message on the importance of social cohesion. Speaking to around 1,000 guests on April 1, including leaders from major religious communities, Wong emphasized the need to guard against forces that threaten to fracture society along racial and religious lines. His remarks come at a time when global divisions are deepening, underscoring Singapore’s unique challenge—and strength—in maintaining unity in diversity.
A Milestone of Harmony and Resilience
The event, hosted at a prominent venue in Singapore, brought together representatives from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism, reflecting the city-state’s commitment to interfaith dialogue. PM Wong highlighted that this harmony is not a given but the result of decades of deliberate effort by Singaporeans across generations. “This did not happen by chance, but is the result of hard work by successive generations of Singaporeans” he said. He credited the government’s protective laws and policies, the dedication of religious leaders in fostering mutual trust, and the active role of citizens in building a united society.
Switching to Mandarin to underscore cultural resonance, Wong referenced the concept of “yi jia zi,” a 60-year cycle in Chinese tradition symbolizing a complete life journey. He drew parallels between this milestone and Singapore’s own trajectory since gaining independence in 1965. “Many did not look favourably on Singapore when it became independent in 1965” he recalled, noting the skepticism about the nation’s survival. Yet, against the odds, Singapore not only endured but flourished into a “prosperous little red dot,” as Wong described it, offering opportunities to all regardless of race, language, or religion. 
Navigating a World at a Turning Point
Wong’s speech took on a more urgent tone as he addressed the contemporary global landscape. He described the world as being at a “turning point,” with many nations grappling with internal strife fueled by racial, religious, or political divides. For a small, resource-scarce nation like Singapore, such fragmentation could be catastrophic. “Larger countries with abundant resources can continue to operate under such circumstances, but not Singapore” he warned. The Prime Minister stressed that unity is not just an ideal but a necessity for survival, urging all sectors of society to redouble efforts to overcome emerging challenges.
Central to Wong’s vision is Singapore’s multiculturalism, which he called a defining strength. “We have different religious beliefs, but we have always respected each other and lived in harmony” he said. This ethos, he argued, has allowed Singapore to stand out as a model of coexistence in a fractious world. However, maintaining this harmony requires constant vigilance, especially as external pressures—such as geopolitical tensions and online misinformation—threaten to sow discord even in tightly knit societies.
The Role of Religious Organizations in Unity
A significant portion of Wong’s address focused on the contributions of religious organizations like the Taoist Federation in safeguarding social cohesion. He praised the federation for not only promoting Taoist teachings and uniting its community but also for fostering collaboration across faiths. As a member of the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony and the Inter-Religious Organisation, the federation has actively encouraged its members to build ties with other religious groups, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Wong highlighted specific initiatives, such as the federation’s partnerships with the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and Jamiyah Singapore to provide bursaries for students from lower-income families. Additionally, in 2024, several Taoist temples contributed to the Racial and Religious Harmony Circles’ fund-raising campaign to support civilians in Gaza, demonstrating a commitment to global humanitarian causes. “The Taoist Federation and other religious groups must play a more crucial role in strengthening mutual trust among our people” Wong urged, positioning these organizations as vital pillars of Singapore’s social fabric.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Wong framed the 60-year milestone as both a celebration and a call to action. “Yi jia zi is not only a happy ending, but also a new beginning” he said, emphasizing the need to prepare for future challenges. This forward-looking perspective was echoed by Mr. Tan Thiam Lye, president of the Taoist Federation, which represents over 500 members. Tan outlined the federation’s plans to focus on youth training, inter-religious cooperation, international exchanges, and enhancing bilingual and online communication. “I urge all members to seize the opportunity to keep pace with the times and promote the faith, while contributing to Singapore’s racial and religious harmony” he said, expressing confidence in the federation’s growth over the next two decades.
Wong’s remarks also touched on the broader implications of Singapore’s journey for its citizens. The nation’s founding leaders, he noted, laid the groundwork for a society where success is accessible to everyone, irrespective of background. This egalitarian ethos remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s identity, but it must be actively nurtured amid shifting global dynamics. The Prime Minister’s call for unity resonates as a reminder that Singapore’s achievements—economic, social, and cultural—are tied to its ability to remain cohesive.
Singapore’s Unique Position in a Divided World
Singapore’s emphasis on social cohesion is particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of global trends. In many parts of the world, populist movements and identity politics have fueled division, often exploiting racial or religious differences for political gain. Singapore, with its diverse population and history of managing communal tensions, offers a counterpoint. The city-state’s policies—ranging from strict laws on hate speech to public housing quotas designed to prevent ethnic enclaves—reflect a proactive approach to integration.
Yet, challenges persist. The rise of social media has amplified polarizing narratives, even in Singapore, where misinformation can spread rapidly across tightly connected online communities. Additionally, external influences, such as regional conflicts or economic disparities, could strain domestic harmony if not addressed. Wong’s speech implicitly acknowledges these risks, positioning unity not as a static achievement but as an ongoing project requiring collective effort.
Religious organizations, as Wong noted, are uniquely placed to counter these threats. By fostering dialogue and joint initiatives, groups like the Taoist Federation can bridge divides that might otherwise widen under pressure. Their role extends beyond spiritual guidance to include social outreach, education, and advocacy for mutual respect—key ingredients in sustaining Singapore’s multicultural model.
Reflections on a Shared Future
As Singapore commemorates 60 years of independence, PM Lawrence Wong’s address at the Taoist Federation dinner serves as both a reflection on past triumphs and a blueprint for the future. The nation’s ability to transform from a vulnerable post-colonial state into a global hub is a testament to its resilience and unity. Yet, as Wong cautioned, this success is not guaranteed in an increasingly fragmented world.
The Prime Minister’s call to action—directed at religious leaders, citizens, and policymakers alike—underscores the stakes involved. For Singapore, maintaining social cohesion is not merely a cultural aspiration but a strategic imperative. As the nation embarks on its next chapter, the question remains: can it continue to defy global trends of division and serve as a beacon of harmony for others to follow?
