Bite-sized videos, religion explainers part of fresh push by inter-faith body to counter online extremism
SINGAPORE - To reinforce its message of inter-faith respect for a younger audience, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) will be putting out more online content about Singapore's different religions.
The initiative, which will include bite-sized videos, explainers of Singapore's different religions, and personal accounts of interfaith friendships, is also aimed at countering online extremism, the IRO said on Aug 19.
Called We The People of Singapore, it will build on an earlier programme of the same name that IRO launched in 2019 – at its 70th anniversary – to expand its advocacy for religious harmony into the online space.
At IRO's annual National Day observance at the Fullerton Hotel, its president K. Elango said the inter-faith body will continue to build bridges, foster dialogue and keep the flame of harmony shining brightly.
'As we step boldly into the next 60 years, our purpose is clear: to mentor across generations, forge
new friendships, and share the wisdom of every faith,' he said.
In the earlier iteration of the programme, IRO had put up short videos of around one to two minutes that provided an introduction to 10 faiths, as well as others on dietary restrictions in Buddhism and Islam and religious fasting in Hinduism.
IRO was formed in 1949 to promote peace and harmony among the different religions. In it, 10 faiths are represented: the Baha'i faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism.
The body said on Aug 19 that its latest initiative, carried out in partnership with the Central Community Development Council (CDC), is aimed at safeguarding the Republic's hard-won religious harmony, and supports the national SGSecure movement.
SGSecure, launched in 2016, is focused on preparing Singaporeans to deal with terrorist attacks, and equipping them with skills to handle a crisis.
The initiative also complements broader efforts to guide Singaporeans in navigating online religious content responsibly, said IRO, which noted that the latest Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report had identified youth radicalisation as a growing concern.
'The digital programme is designed to bring IRO's longstanding advocacy for interfaith respect into the online space, where younger Singaporeans increasingly connect, learn and form opinions,' it said.
More details on the new programme would be made known later, it added.
Among those at the observance ceremony on Aug 19 were Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, who is also the Mayor of South East District.
Central District Mayor Denise Phua, who was also at the event, said the Central CDC is proud to partner the IRO in refreshing its digital outreach, as part of the CDC's mission to connect and strengthen diverse communities.
'By harnessing technology, we can bring IRO's timeless message of interfaith respect to more residents,' she said.
'In doing so, Central CDC hopes to deepen understanding and appreciation of our religious and cultural differences – the cornerstone of Singapore's harmony and strength as a multiracial and multi-religious nation.'
During the observance ceremony, prayers were offered by religious leaders of the 10 faiths.
In his speech, Mr Elango said Singapore is a microcosm of the world, where temples, mosques, churches and synagogues stand side by side.
'Our harmony did not happen by chance – it was built through effort, respect and a shared commitment to live together in peace,' he said. 'And this is where IRO finds its purpose.'
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Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE - To reinforce its message of inter-faith respect for a younger audience, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) will be putting out more online content about Singapore's different religions. The initiative, which will include bite-sized videos, explainers of Singapore's different religions, and personal accounts of interfaith friendships, is also aimed at countering online extremism, the IRO said on Aug 19. Called We The People of Singapore, it will build on an earlier programme of the same name that IRO launched in 2019 – at its 70th anniversary – to expand its advocacy for religious harmony into the online space. At IRO's annual National Day observance at the Fullerton Hotel, its president K. Elango said the inter-faith body will continue to build bridges, foster dialogue and keep the flame of harmony shining brightly. 'As we step boldly into the next 60 years, our purpose is clear: to mentor across generations, forge new friendships, and share the wisdom of every faith,' he said. In the earlier iteration of the programme, IRO had put up short videos of around one to two minutes that provided an introduction to 10 faiths, as well as others on dietary restrictions in Buddhism and Islam and religious fasting in Hinduism. IRO was formed in 1949 to promote peace and harmony among the different religions. In it, 10 faiths are represented: the Baha'i faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism. The body said on Aug 19 that its latest initiative, carried out in partnership with the Central Community Development Council (CDC), is aimed at safeguarding the Republic's hard-won religious harmony, and supports the national SGSecure movement. SGSecure, launched in 2016, is focused on preparing Singaporeans to deal with terrorist attacks, and equipping them with skills to handle a crisis. The initiative also complements broader efforts to guide Singaporeans in navigating online religious content responsibly, said IRO, which noted that the latest Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report had identified youth radicalisation as a growing concern. 'The digital programme is designed to bring IRO's longstanding advocacy for interfaith respect into the online space, where younger Singaporeans increasingly connect, learn and form opinions,' it said. More details on the new programme would be made known later, it added. Among those at the observance ceremony on Aug 19 were Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, who is also the Mayor of South East District. Central District Mayor Denise Phua, who was also at the event, said the Central CDC is proud to partner the IRO in refreshing its digital outreach, as part of the CDC's mission to connect and strengthen diverse communities. 'By harnessing technology, we can bring IRO's timeless message of interfaith respect to more residents,' she said. 'In doing so, Central CDC hopes to deepen understanding and appreciation of our religious and cultural differences – the cornerstone of Singapore's harmony and strength as a multiracial and multi-religious nation.' During the observance ceremony, prayers were offered by religious leaders of the 10 faiths. In his speech, Mr Elango said Singapore is a microcosm of the world, where temples, mosques, churches and synagogues stand side by side. 'Our harmony did not happen by chance – it was built through effort, respect and a shared commitment to live together in peace,' he said. 'And this is where IRO finds its purpose.'
