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The Spinoff
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Spinoff
The one simple trick to social cohesion? Trust your neighbours more than your MP
At a gathering of global religious, political and cultural experts in Singapore this week, one action has been cited over and over as a key to social harmony. At the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICSS), more than 1,000 delegates from around the world have listened to former politicians, academics and digital entrepreneurs speak about the increasing polarisation around the world and what it will take for societies to flourish in a new reality. And the message that keeps coming back around, whether in talks about combatting online extremism, increasing social cohesion or embracing multiculturalism, is almost laughably simple: talk to your neighbours. In April, the Helen Clark Foundation released its commissioned report on social cohesion in New Zealand, which painted a bleak picture of the country as one filled with uncertainty, resentment and dissatisfaction. The worrying headline that emerged in local reporting on it was that New Zealanders were 'less happy than their Australian mates, have a lower sense of worth, and are less satisfied with their finances'. 'On every dimension, New Zealand is falling behind,' said co-author Shamubeel Eaqub at the time, pointing to levels of happiness and financial satisfaction. But there was one area where New Zealanders scored significantly higher than Australians. 'More New Zealanders believe government can be trusted to do the right thing (42% vs 33% in Australia),' read the report's summary. Speaking at the ICCS on the newly released 2025 Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar, which aims to track a similar sentiment to New Zealand's own report, Dr Farish Noor pointed out the slight decline in trust in government institutions but an increase in civic mindedness across the region. A decline in trust in the state is not inherently a cause for concern, he posited, or a suggestion of decaying social cohesion. In fact, when coupled with a rise in civic-mindedness or community engagement, it was actually a positive. 'Ultimately the state can't be a micro-manager,' he said. 'You have to trust your own neighbours and people.' Ideally there'd be an increase in both trust in the government to do the right thing and trust in our neighbours, but on its own, an increase in what's known as 'horizontal trust' is a positive thing, said Noor. In New Zealand, one's satisfaction with their financial position and trust in government appeared to have an inverse relationship with community engagement and trust. Of the respondents in the New Zealand social cohesion report, Māori and Pasifika were more likely to have had to skip meals due to finances, were more concerned with crime in their neighbourhoods and were least trusting of the government, but were also more likely to be happy, more likely to have helped out someone they didn't live with in the past four weeks, more likely to be part of a community group and more likely to view their neighbourhood as a place where a diverse range of people got along. This apparent contradiction was mirrored in the Southeast Asia social cohesion radar, which showed there was no connection between political systems (or civil liberties) and social cohesion. One very clear signifier of disenchantment in the New Zealand report, however, was age. Those aged under 30 were most likely to feel unstable financially, as well as isolated and disconnected from community. Younger people have reported higher levels of loneliness compared to older people for generations but as the first generation to grow up entirely with the internet, there are new concerns about young people's likelihood of finding real-life community later in life. A recent trend on Tiktok has been young users having their minds blown by the phrase 'the price of community is inconvenience'. The words adorn videos of neighbours moving furniture together, young women getting ready for a birthday they really can't be bothered attending, and cross-generational friendships. The moral? Sometimes being a part of something bigger than yourself means making sacrifices or compromises for the sake of maintaining community. This is the crux of the issue being tackled at the ICCS. Building horizontal trust relies on human-to-human interaction – whether it's speaking over the fence with your neighbour, dropping a friend to the airport or making small talk with the supermarket checkout operator. It depends on exposure, in mundane ways, to people different from ourselves in order to find connection and a common goal (to happily live alongside one another). So how do we do that when digital advancements are removing these opportunities at every turn? In an earlier panel, former ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade predicted that by the time there are 10 billion humans in the world, there will be 100 billion artificial agents representing them. AI 'advocates' who can negotiate on our behalf for better insurance, or work with other people's artificial agents to coordinate schedules. You potentially wouldn't have to speak to another person ever again. A representative from Google then spoke of the developments to its Gemini AI assistant tool and how there would soon be a version specifically for children under 13. There was extensive talk of the role of regulation and governments in fostering community and limiting harmful content on social media platforms in order to create resilient digital systems. No one suggested any of this would increase social cohesion, simply that they would be necessary to reduce the current growing harms. Instead, the one solution for increasing social cohesion that everyone – former politicians, economists, tech experts, dignitaries – could agree on was just to be a real-life neighbour to those around you while you still know how to. Apparently nothing breeds trust, connection and empathy like regular human exposure. As social media expert Benjamin Lee was spoke about the impenetrability of online forums and the resentment they breed, a group of women at the table next to me in the cavernous hotel ballroom started a whispered conversation. I couldn't understand what they were saying but I could certainly hear them over the top of the panel speakers. It was distracting and, if I'm honest, really annoying. I wouldn't have had to listen to them if I was watching the livestream of the event from my hotel room instead. But if I'd done that, I'd have had no idea they existed at all.
The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cohesion is cure for fractured world, says Sultan Nazrin at Singapore event
SINGAPORE: Efforts to realise a future cohesive society are entrenched in four guiding principles - rebuilding trust, prioritising equity, embracing pluralism and bold imaginations, says Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. In his keynote address at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, Sultan Nazrin, who is also the Perak Ruler, said these guiding principles are important in navigating uncharted challenges in the world today, which is described by a 2022 United Nations Human Development Report as an "uncertainty complex" or "confluence of destabilising global pressures, sweeping social transformations and deepening political polarisation." "We (the global population) are being tested not by a single crisis, but by an overwhelming, sometimes frightening, interplay of conditions – whipping up into a perfect storm". In explaining the guidelines, Sultan Nazrin said in rebuilding trust, there is a need to reinvest in social contract. "We need transparent institutions, accountable leadership, and civic spaces where people feel seen and heard. "Rebuilding trust means investing in media literacy, digital integrity, and honest communication – not just control." In terms of prioritising equity, Sultan Nazrin pointed out that social, economic and ecological justice must be at the heart of policy. "We must expand our understanding of equity to include not only disparities among people, but also the imbalances between people and the planet. A just and resilient future means closing human gaps and healing our relationship with the planet." Sultan Nazrin also stressed on the importance of embracing pluralism, in which he believed social cohesion does not demand uniformity; it requires the respectful accommodation of diverse culture, religion, identity and origin, as well as social and political perspectives. "It is about recognising human dignity and opportunity in accepting differences, reframing migration and rejecting fear-based politics. Trust in our shared humanity is fundamental. Compassion and love for your neighbour is a value taught by every major religion and philosophy, as represented here in our conference. "And in our connected world it has never been easier to see people on the other side of the world as our neighbours too." Sultan Nazrin encouraged the audience to think creatively to enhance the vision for cohesion, achievable through education. "Resilience is about more than survival – it is about vision. Education must equip people to think critically and act ethically. Cities must be designed for inclusion. And policy must be guided by moral imagination." Sultan Nazrin expressed confidence that the answer to resolving uncertainty is not withdrawal. "Navigating these uncharted waters demands resilience and reinvention, but most importantly it will take collaboration and collective courage." The ICCS this year focuses on the theme "Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures," which outlines conversations on multiculturalism and foundations of harmony in diversity. Earlier, Sultan Nazrin said there are three complex interlocking factors that fuel uncertainty and challenge social cohesion namely digital transformation, dynamics of human migration and uneven economic impacts of globalisation. He said although digitalisation has brought knowledge to our fingertips and amplified voices, it has also highlighted the paradoxes within digital societies. "The very technologies that promise inclusion can entrench exclusion. Our information ecosystems have become battlegrounds. Algorithms have the unfortunate habit of trapping us in digital echo chambers – feeding prejudice and starving nuance. This results in fragmentation, a kind of online tribalism. Information, while accessible, is becoming decentralised." On migration, Sultan Nazrin said according to the United Nations, as of last year, the global number of international migrants had almost doubled compared with 1990 – from 154 million to 304 million. "So, what can we do as a global community? We must work together to find homes for those who have lost theirs, and try to help alleviate the strain on countries that are overwhelmed. We must be welcoming to those we can accommodate." Sultan Nazrin pointed out that both international institutions and national governments have failed to adequately address deep, spatial inequalities within countries. "They have often been slow to set up mechanisms to compensate losers, or put in place social protection systems to prevent or alleviate poverty. The upshot has been a push back on globalisation at national policy level, driven by the growing antipathy to it by those left behind."
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Multicultural societies must be woven together like batik, not a patchwork quilt: Tharman
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam giving his opening address at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies on June 24. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Multicultural societies must be woven together like batik, not a patchwork quilt: Tharman SINGAPORE – The fabric of a multicultural society must be like a piece of batik – a single cloth woven by different hands to create a larger motif of many colours, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on June 24. In contrast, many societies see multiculturalism as a quilt of different patches stitched together, he said. But in times of stress, when economic insecurity or polarising forces intensify, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart. Mr Tharman has often used the quilt analogy when speaking on multiculturalism. He added the batik twist in his opening address at the three-day International Conference on Cohesive Societies held at Raffles City Convention Centre, where batik was the preferred attire of many audience members. 'We have to weave threads of different colours, even different textures, into a single tapestry – or involve many artisans in making a single fabric... that creates a larger motif of a nation with many strands and many histories, but at one with itself,' he said. More than 1,000 people, including policymakers and young leaders from more than 50 countries, attended the conference organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The conference was first held in 2019 to provide an international platform for interfaith and multicultural dialogue, and for participants to exchange ideas and develop solutions to create cohesive and resilient multicultural societies. Mr Tharman's address focused on reasons for division across the world while highlighting areas that societies should work on to nurture multiculturalism. He first provided context, noting that enthusiasm for multiculturalism is waning and social cohesion is weakening worldwide. No political system can guarantee that a government or people will prioritise integration of different cultures, and recent evidence suggests the opposite – people are moving away from moderate tendencies towards more polarising behaviour, views and politics, he said. 'Shared values and belief in a common future do not come naturally, and there are always countervailing sentiments below the surface. Multicultural societies must therefore be actively woven,' he said. Advancing political polarisation is weakening the moderate middle ground and fuelling the rise of extremes, especially the radical right, said Mr Tharman. A startling trend observed in the last decade is the widening social and political divide between the better educated and the less, as well as those who live in the countryside and those who live in cities. 'What is most worrying is the way in which culture and identity is being injected into normal contentions over economic issues,' he said. Economic insecurity has converted identity and culture into a more virulent and more divisive political tool, he added. There are several deep forces behind the growing division, said Mr Tharman. First, the failure to control immigration and integrate immigrants, as seen in Europe. Second, the polarising effects of a fragmented media landscape and social media algorithms. While social media empowers many voices and frees access to information, much of it is now shaped by algorithms run by large technology companies, which have a polarising effect, said Mr Tharman. These algorithms offer a feed of stories that aligns with an individual's ideological preferences and strengthens them. Tech firms also have an incentive to maximise attention by propagating negative messages, he added. The third force contributing to division is the growing isolation in how people live their lives, especially in advanced countries. People are living more on their own and interacting less with neighbours who would have helped them to understand differences and accept disagreements. 'Societies can advance economically whilst regressing socially,' said Mr Tharman. Weaving a multicultural society requires sensible guard rails to prevent extremism and self-reinforcing polarisation, while allowing and encouraging differences in views, he said. This must begin from education, the most powerful tool available to integrate people, he added. Apart from allowing for social mixing, effective education can also uplift people of all backgrounds, said Mr Tharman. Without evidence that people can get ahead on their merits – with necessary support for those who start from behind – it will be difficult to sustain a sense of togetherness, he added. 'Education systems must be effective in uplifting every individual and every group. And I must say that's what we put great effort into, in Singapore,' he said. Another area is urban design to prevent ethnically or socially defined enclaves. He cited Singapore's public housing estates where more than 75 per cent of the population live, with a mix of ethnicities and income groups in every block. 'It's not just about housing. It's (also) about the facilities for recreation, for learning, for interaction, for morning qigong, a whole set of activities that bring people together,' he said. 'Common spaces in every neighbourhood, where you can develop your skills in a futsal court or watch others, or try out a new dance together. It's not just housing, it's an estate for social life.' While not every society can replicate what Singapore has done, it is still important to provide public spaces in societies with existing segregated neighbourhoods, he added. The third area to work on is that of media fragmentation and social media algorithms, which Mr Tharman characterised as 'one of the most complex'. He noted that the world is nowhere near agreement on the regulation of social media platforms, though advances have been made. 'It requires bold thinking. Both government and civil society have to actively work together, and with the tech companies that run the largest social media platforms, to make democracy safer and more sustainable,' he said. He cited the European Union's new Digital Services Act as a good example of how this can be done. The Act requires social media platforms to be accountable for content, such as the quick removal of hate speech. Singapore and Australia are also doing similarly. While some may say this is over-regulation – it is more regulation than big tech players are used to – an unregulated media landscape will only see democracy gradually unravel, Mr Tharman said. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with the working committee of the Young Leaders Programme 2025 on June 24. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Established news media will also have to show journalism that is built on accuracy and transparency, he said. They have to separate news from opinion, and when they publish opinion, they should provide different perspectives without it becoming a shouting match, he added. While he would not promote Singapore media as a model for the world, he pointed out that the mainstream media here is by far the largest chosen source of news among citizens, among many alternatives. That is critical, as it keeps that shared reality and common framework of facts for citizens, said Mr Tharman. Fourth, society must develop a culture of respect and solidarity that comes from everyday actions and not just governments and politicians. Civil society, educators, religious and community leaders and individuals also have to pitch in, he said. Each society must aim to build a community of respect, which goes to the heart of social cohesion and multiculturalism, said Mr Tharman. Respect is a source of upliftment as a society, he said. 'We need something more intrinsic to upliftment, we need the motivation that drives people to strive to overcome difficulties and to do their best. And the respect we lend each other is the most powerful source of motivation.' Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes Unpacked, a weekly newsletter on Singapore politics and policy. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Multiculturalism a strength for countries, but needs trust to flourish: experts
(From left) Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia Professor Farish Noor, Indonesian Minister for Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Victoria University of Wellington Professor of Psychology Colleen Ward, Edelman International president Ed Williams during a panel at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies on June 24. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE - When different communities interact with each other regularly and are supported by government policies that encourage such mixing, the outcome tends to be positive, resulting in reduced prejudice, deeper societal integration and more economic dynamism. Yet while the evidence is clear on the strengths that multiculturalism can bring to a society, the erosion of trust around the world has made it more difficult for such plurality to flourish, experts said on June 24 at the first day of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies. Speaking at the first plenary session of the three-day conference, Professor Colleen Ward from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand said her research found that people who engage in multicultural contact tend to have a stronger sense of national belonging. Meanwhile, minority and immigrant groups who live in countries with multicultural policies report higher trust levels and lower levels of perceived discrimination, added the professor of cross-cultural psychology. Such strengths, however, rest on a foundation of mutual trust, which is in short supply today, said fellow speaker Mr Ed Williams, president of Edelman International. He pointed to the results of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, which since 1999 has been measuring the level of trust people in various countries have in societal institutions. The latest study, published in January, found that a majority of respondents in 23 of the 26 countries surveyed felt moderate to high levels of grievance against business, government and the rich. Singapore was the country with the least amount of grievance reported, with fewer than 4 in 10 expressing such sentiments. Mr William said it was worth thinking about why Singapore stood as an outlier compared to the rest of the world, where there was a 'collapse of the middle ground (and) the unraveling of shared understanding'. 'Could Singapore's deliberate approach to managing diversity, its longstanding emphasis on multi-racial harmony and integration, be one of the factors helping to sustain a deeper level of institutional trust?' he asked. 'No doubt there are other contributing factors, but in a global environment increasingly defined by division, there may well be lessons here that others would do well to study.' Prof Ward said one reason why things are looking bleak for multiculturalism in many places is the number of 'existential threats' there are today, such as wars, pandemics, natural disasters and financial crises. Her research found that countries become more 'culturally tight' when faced with such threats, which means there is lower tolerance for deviance from social norms and less openness to differences. 'Essentially, what we find is that 'tight' cultures are more prejudiced cultures,' she said, adding that these results were replicated across 25 countries and the 50 states of the United States. Despite the pessimistic outlook for multiculturalism, the speakers emphasised that people and communities have the agency to make a difference. Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, the third speaker on the panel, noted that faith communities can play a role, including to identify kalimatun sawa, an Arabic phrase that translates to common ground. For instance, the Istiqlal State Mosque in Jakarta conducts regular interfaith activities, and even has a Tunnel of Friendship that connects it with the nearby Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, said Dr Nasaruddin, who is also Grand Imam of the mosque. He said that conflicts in the Middle East, such as in Gaza and involving Israel and Iran, also represent a failure of conventional diplomacy and highlights the need for faith-based diplomacy in international relations. Involving faith leaders in peacemaking efforts would recognise the significance of religion in shaping global affairs and facilitate collaboration across religious divides, he added. Prof Ward said building multiculturalism should not be seen as the sole responsibility of governments, and that citizens acting together can effect change. She cited how New Zealanders came out and marched on their parliament in 2004 to protest acts of desecration that targeted Jewish graves in Wellington. This prompted the Kiwi Government to develop the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, which aimed to recognise the country's cultural diversity and to foster harmony among its peoples. Agreeing, Mr Williams said no one organisation can solve a crisis of this magnitude alone, but only together with other partners. 'This is not a moment for institutional posturing, it's a moment for collective action - government with business and civil society, and a media sector that champions truthfulness are critical as we move forward,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
S'pore asatizah must be able to guide the practice of Islam in modern societies: Faishal Ibrahim
Acting Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim speaking at the inaugural Advisory Panel meeting of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies on June 24. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG S'pore asatizah must be able to guide the practice of Islam in modern societies: Faishal Ibrahim SINGAPORE - It is important for Muslim religious teachers in Singapore to understand the principles of their faith, as well as the unique multi-racial, multi-religious fabric of their society, said Acting Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. These teachers, known as asatizah, must be thought leaders who can effectively guide the practice of Islam in modern societies, uniting sound religious scholarship with contemporary needs, he added. Associate Professor Faishal said such leadership is increasingly important as evolving social norms and global interconnectedness have created complex problems that require fresh approaches to religious education. 'Our asatizah play a crucial role in this journey to provide guidance for the Muslim community in navigating these challenges,' he said. Prof Faishal was speaking at the first meeting of the advisory panel for the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS), which is expected to take in its first cohort of 60 students in 2028 . The June 24 meeting was held on the sidelines of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, a three-day conference on multiculturalism. Prof Faishal said the 10-member panel's international perspective and scholarly insights will be invaluable in shaping SCIS's research and academic programmes. Panel members will help identify emerging global trends affecting Muslim communities. They will also shape the college's research focus , educational standards, and international collaborations, Prof Faishal added. The panel is made up of international scholars such as the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Nazir Mohamed Ayyad; Dr Salama Dawood, the president of Al-Alzhar University; and Professor Driss Fassi Fihri, vice-president of Al-Qarawiyyin University. It is chaired by Prof Faishal, who took over as Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs from Masagos Zulkifli in May. The Islamic College , which has been in the works for eight years, was formally announced in August 2024 during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech. Mufti of Singapore Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, who is also on the advisory panel, elaborated during the meeting on the importance of developing future religious leaders in Singapore. He said Singapore's asatizah who return from studying overseas have noticeable gaps in their ability to contextualise knowledge against cultural diversity here. There are programmes meant to bridge the gap - such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) - but one wonders whether this is the best approach, he added. 'We recognise a high degree of religious and spiritual interconnectedness and commonalities in the Islamic way of life between many Muslim communities, and that is why we have always been supportive of our students to study in renowned Islamic institutions,' he said. 'But we also acknowledge that there is an equally significant degree of uniqueness in our traditions and experience that needs serious attention.' (From left) Al-Qarawiyyin University Vice-President Driss Al-Fassi Al-Fihri, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore Deputy Chief Executive Khairul Anwar, translator Bouchaib Silm and Grand Mufti of Egypt Dar al-Ifta Nazir Mohammed Ayyad before the start of the inaugural Advisory Panel meeting of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies on June 24. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG If this difference is not carefully addressed in the way that Islam is studied and taught, it will become a big challenge in matters of religious leadership, Dr Nazirudin said . 'This will be one of the most major contributions of the college - to be able to find the right balance and to reduce divergence... and rework what normative Islam is where social context truly matters,' he added. Ustazah Farah Aljunied, senior director of higher education and research at Muis, said another driving force behind the college is the evolving aspirations of students, who want broader career opportunities and more technology-enhanced learning. Security concerns due to the volatile situation in some overseas study destinations have also led to increased interest in having a local option, she said. Currently, more than 460 students from Singapore are pursuing tertiary Islamic education overseas. Close to 70 per cent are in schools in the Middle East and North Africa, in countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. SCCI's steering committee is currently looking into areas such as human resource management, corporate and academic governance, and curriculum development to firm up the setup of the college, Ms Farah said. After engagements with religious teachers, Ms Farah said senior asatizah have expressed support at the direction that the college is taking. Around 50 per cent of madrasah leaders and teachers expressed interest in contributing to the college's development through curriculum development, administrative matters, and research, she added. She said e ngagements with madrasah students also yielded excitement and support, with 76 per cent of students expressing trust in the college's expertise. Prof Faishal said: 'Seeing this institution come to life means a lot to me and the community here in Singapore. It fulfils a long-standing community aspiration to have our own Islamic institute of higher learning, something we can all be proud of as Singaporeans.' 'I'm very confident that we will be able to develop not only a unique institution with programmes that are contextualised to our setting, but something that can value-add to what is available globally.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
