| NEWS ARCHIVES |
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| A new Journey for new citizens |
| 12 Jan 2010 |
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A pilot programme called the Singapore Citizenship Journey will be launched in March this year.
It's an enhanced orientation programme for new citizens, incorporating interactive online elements, site visits to places of historical
significance, and grassroots sharing sessions.
Community Development Youth and Sports Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, announced the programme at a dialogue session by the National Integration Council or NIC this evening.
Saifulbahri Ismail with this report :
New citizens will soon embark on a new Singapore journey.
The Singapore Citizenship Journey is aimed at fully integrating newcomers to life in Singapore society.
It will be first launched in three GRCs - Tanjong Pagar, Sembawang and West Coast.
Some 400 new citizens will go through this pilot programme, which will culminate in a citizenship ceremony.
Speaking to about 120 members from the NIC and key stakeholders, Dr Vivian reminded that even as efforts are being made to promote integration, there are still concerns by the local population :
"This is a valid concern, because you can't integrate newcomers if you have an insecure local population, and we have tried in our way to re-affirm to our people that Singapore citizens will always come first and will have first priority."
Dr Balakrishnan pointed out that in sharpening the distinction between locals and non-locals, it shouldn't be taken to the extent that it becomes a deterrent to potential new citizens.
He stressed that Singaporeans cannot be shielded from competition :
"But we can ensure that we give them a head start, so that they are not afraid of competition, that they don't feel insecure. Because it's only after we overcome that emotional barrier can we then seek to persuade Singaporeans intellectually that remaining an open global city is the wisest thing to do and we do so in our enlightened self-interest."
Dr Balakrishnan who's also the chairman of NIC gave an update of the Community Integration Fund or CIF.
A total of 11 community events have been organised since the fund was launched in September last year.
The $10 million fund was set up to create more opportunities for interaction between Singaporeans and new citizens.
Over 50,000 locals and non-locals have benefited from it, helping both groups to bond closer.
In addition, as part of new efforts to increase the English language proficiency of new immigrants, the NIC will launch a website to help the public search for an English course that will suit their schedule, learning needs, and budget.
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