When Indian national Anandha Pradeep came to Singapore five years ago for work, he was hesitant to approach people of a different race, even when he needed help.
“I hesitated to speak to others in public, even though I understood and could converse in basic English. Perhaps because of a lack of confidence and a fear of not being understood or making mistakes,” said the 33-year-old marine engineer, who hails from Tamil Nadu.
He was one of more than 1,000 migrant workers who attended the Racial Harmony Day celebrations for migrant workers that lit up the Sembawang Recreation Centre with vibrant cultural displays and lively performances on July 21.
It marked the first time Racial Harmony Day celebrations were catered to migrant workers.
Organised by the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group and the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach, a movement of the Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA), the landmark event saw support from 24Asia (a volunteer group led by migrant workers in Singapore) and various community partners.
Other participants included 200 students from Dunman High School, Millennia Institute and National Junior College, as well as youth from the Indian Muslim Social Service Association (IMSSA) and the Singapore Indian Development Association Youth Club.
“Events like these have made me more confident and play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging,” Mr Anandha said. “Despite the challenges at work, I feel very comfortable in Singapore.”
Over time, he found the inclusive environment in Singapore enriching and supportive, and Mr Anandha said he hopes to see more of such events in the future.
Chief of MOM ACE Group Tung Yui Fai, outlined the event’s dual objectives – to deepen migrant workers’ understanding of Singapore’s multi-religious and multi-racial society, and to bridge communities and foster greater appreciation for migrant workers among Singaporeans.
A highlight of the event was the interfaith dialogue facilitated by youth from the interfaith community groups to provide a platform for migrant workers and local youths to share their customs, childhood stories and traditions across various cultures with each other.
HIA volunteer Nityasree Rajendran, 24, one of the facilitators who led the dialogue, said the event provided Singaporeans with an opportunity to learn more about migrant workers and their lifestyle.
“We encounter foreign workers almost everyday, but we don’t usually get the chance to actually converse with them,” she said.
The event also featured cultural booths and performances, showcasing ethnic food, games, attire and traditions from countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, including a kabaddi competition, as well as silat (a South-east Asian martial art) and lion dance performances.
