Since Singapore gained independence in 1965, the Singapore government has implemented many programmes and policies that ensure that  racial harmony in Singapore is maintained. This creates an atmosphere where ethnic diversity is celebrated. These policies are reviewed periodically and changed to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the population. In dealing with recurrent internal and external threats, we need to constantly manage and practice racial and religious tolerance and harmony.

Some of these policies and programmes include:

 Building a national identity by instilling a sense of belonging through multi-racialism policy that ensures equal treatment for all races, common practices that help to cultivate loyalty and national pride, such as singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge and also the bilingualism policy where students learn English and their own Mother Tongue

Safeguarding the interests of minority groups by implementing the minority represenation policy that enables minority groups to be represented in each and every Parliament and also having self-help groups  such as the CDAC, SINDA, Mendaki and the Eurasian Association that provide aid and support to their community to improve their social and economic status in society.

Developing common space through events and programmes conducted by grassroots organisations such as the People's Association that cater to the diverse needs and interests of people, opportunities offered by educational institutions for all Singaporeans of any race, language or religion, introduction of the ethnic integration policy that limits the proportion of races in every block and housing estate, Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony Circles (HCs) conducting activities to foster inter-racial understanding and bonding and also shared experience through National Service (NS) helps to stengthen the bond among men of different racial and religious backgounds.

Hence Racial Harmony is important as when people of different races and nationality live together in peace, the economy can prosper. The importance of Racial Harmony is so every race and nationality is treated equally and can appreciate the same rights as any other human being and not be discriminated because of their race or nationality. Through these initiatives by the government, Singapore provides a safe and secured living environment for everyone, which in-turn also attracts tourists and foreign investments.

                                           -Amos Low