More 'safe spaces' must be created for S'poreans to discuss issues where they don't see eye-to-eye: PM Wong

Diversity does not have to lead to polarisation or fragmentation, nor does unity require erasing differences, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Mar. 29.

PM Wong noted that Singapore is becoming more diverse in life experiences, worldviews and perspectives.

While such diversity enriches Singapore's society, it can also pull Singapore apart if not managed well, he added.

Singapore must therefore strive for a balance where one can have healthy debates, agree to disagree where necessary and still maintain an overall unity of purpose.

Giving REACH a new mission

Wong was talking at the ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of REACH, the lead government agency involved in collecting feedback from the public regarding national and social issues.

The ceremony took place at Jewel Changi Airport.

The Prime Minister added that in light of Singapore's increasing diversity, he was giving REACH a new mission of building bridges in such a society.

REACH's public engagement must therefore go beyond just government-to-people dialogues and include people-to-people engagements to facilitate mutual trust and understanding.

Wong said, "We have to create more common and safe spaces for Singaporeans of different backgrounds to meet, talk and build a common understanding, especially on issues where it is difficult to see eye-to-eye."

Hence, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, REACH will organise a series of such sessions.

The agency will bring together civil society leaders to engage one another on difficult topics such as race and religion, social mobility and the effects of rapid technological changes.

"Building these bridges will not be easy. But we will take the first step. And with time, hopefully, it will become smoother and easier," he said.

Government will continue to play its part

In addition, the government will continue to play its part, he said.

"We will keep our policies inclusive, balance competing needs and create opportunities for engagement," Wong added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted some measures that the government has taken so far, such as convening Citizens' Panels, where individuals have come together and discussed ideas over a wide range of topics, including tackling diabetes and improving employment resilience.

Wong also pointed towards the launch of youth panels in 2023 where the government gave young Singaporeans the opportunity to research, consult and develop policy recommendations.

These proposals have led to initiatives to boost financial literacy, job opportunities, recycling digital resilience, he said.

More of these panels will be convened in future and if the ideas are good, they will be tabled as recommendations in a White in Parliament for instance, he said.

Wong acknowledged that the process of collaboration is not always straightforward, however.

He said:

"There will be divergent views, there will be disagreements. Inevitably, the journey comes with some messiness, and the solutions may take a longer time to be developed, but I firmly believe that a more open and participatory society will strengthen, not weaken, Singapore."

Singapore must be prepared to try new ideas, agencies must not be deterred by public backlash

PM Wong also pointed out that not everything has to be done "in-house".

"Many agencies already have processes to partner with the public. But there is still room for improvement," he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted how some agencies are keen to do more and to "experiment" with new approaches.

"But they are also mindful that not every experiment will succeed, and when outcomes fall short of expectations, they worry about public backlash. They worry that they will be taken to task for not using public funds properly," he added.

While these are the concerns on the ground, they should not deter Singapore from trying.

"We must be prepared to take calculated risks, test new ideas and learn from both successes and failures at same time," he added.

Top photo by Khoo Wen En