Social Defence

5 Pillars
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Social Defence is one of the five pillars of Total Defence. Total Defence comprises of Military Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, Psychological Defence and Civil Defence.

What is Social Defence?

Social Defence is about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony. It also refers to every citizen, especially those with the ability, education and training, having the social conscience to contribute to the larger community and country.

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Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony. Singapore is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. All races and religions need to have mutual understanding and respect so that we can live in peace and harmony. To build a strong Social Defence, there must be racial and religious tolerance and respect, as well as equal opportunities for all regardless of race, language or religion. Maintaining racial and religious harmony is critical to ensuring peace and stability in Singapore. When Singaporeans understand and are sensitive to the cultures and traditions of one another, and build strong bonds across different ethnic groups, we help strengthen social cohesion. Thus, minimising the chances to have conflict and misunderstanding among races. this definitely helps to maintain peace in Singapore.

Looking out for one another

Singapore is a meritocracy, where there is opportunity for all based on ability and effort. However, we also have a responsibility to the less fortunate and helping them is part of social cohesion as well. As one people, we have a duty to contribute to the community by helping the less fortunate and underprivileged among us, regardless of their race, language, religion, age or nationality. This includes showing care and concern for the less fortunate and underprivileged, as well as active participation in volunteer work. By doing so, we can further strengthen social cohesion, and build a gracious, compassionate society.

How can we contribute to Social Defence?

We can contribute to Social Defence by respecting the other races and learning more about their traditions, cultures, religions and heritage. As we have an increasing number of new citizens among us, we can help them understand our way of life and share with them the different practices of the ethnic groups here.

We can also contribute to Social Defence by caring for the less fortunate. Most of you may already be doing so when you take part in the Community Involvement Programme (CIP) in school. Like in Bedok View, we give out oranges and greeting cards to the citizens in neighbouring blocks when Chinese New Year is approcahing. This activity is very meaningful and it can help to improve relationships and create a good impression to the citizens.

As for other schools or CCAs, schools may have fund raising activites or cleaning public places like beaches or parks. For the uniformed groups, they may carry out activities like the manning of Sharity gift boxes by Boys’ Brigade members, or helping out at hospitals as part of the course training for Red Cross members. Most of you will also be familiar with activities such as flag-selling and helping out at welfare homes. Make volunteer work part of your life even after you leave school. All these are acts which can contibute in maintaining peace in the country.

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An Example of Social Defence in Singapore

“I will play with my classmates, who are of different races.”
Although they come from different backgrounds, the boys are united by their favourite sport, spending afternoons training together and building friendships that transcend cultural and racial boundaries.Off the pitch, they continue their friendships in the classroom, canteen, playground and neighbourhood, and have come to learn more about each other’s culture and traditions.Despite their young age, the boys and their classmates are playing their part in Total Defence by forging strong bonds with one another.

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Another example: Racial Harmony

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We practice Social Defence by celebrating Racial Harmony Day in schools every year.

It is celebrated annually on 21 July in Singapore. The event is to commemorate the 1964 race riots, which took place on 21 July 1964. Racial Harmony Day also represents a day for schools to reflect on, and celebrate Singapore's success as a racially harmonious nation and society built on a rich diversity of culture and heritage. In schools all across the nation on that day, students are encouraged to be dressed in their traditional costumes such as the Cheongsam and the Baju Kurong. Traditional delicacies are also featured in the celebrations. Traditional games such as Kutih-kutih and zero point are played in schools, where inter-class competitions are sometimes organised.

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These activities and games will bring the races more closely together. Along the way, they will understand each other better and build strong bonds and friendship as well. Thus, this plays an important role in the social defence. It is because if there isn't any understanding or friendship among races, conflicts and arguements may occur very easily.

Therefore, Social Defence plays an important part in the 5 aspects of Total Defence. Because without it, Singapore would not be so peaceful right now.