Education Minister emphasises bilingualism’s central role in Singapore’s identity and future
SINGAPORE: In an increasingly fragmented world, bilingualism will be more “important, pertinent and salient than ever before,” stated Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Wednesday (Nov 24). He made these comments during an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism, a fund established by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, which has committed S$27 million to nearly 200 projects over the past decade.
These projects include a wide array of initiatives such as workshops, performances, books, and multimedia resources aimed at pre-schoolers and young adults.
Mr Chan highlighted that in a world that risks becoming divided by competition, ideology, and cultural or political systems, it is crucial for Singapore to bridge these differences through bilingualism. He noted that Singapore’s ability to engage with diverse cultures, especially as China, India, and Southeast Asia grow in influence, is significantly enhanced by its bilingual skills.
Bilingualism, he explained, extends beyond language comprehension—it embodies shared values and perspectives that shape Singapore’s national identity. This foundation, he said, helps Singaporeans avoid being drawn into external cultural conflicts or being swayed by foreign ideologies without understanding their own needs and context.
At the core of Singaporeans’ identity, bilingualism integrates English as the common language while preserving the diverse ethnic heritage through the bilingual policy. This commitment aims not only to master English alongside mother tongues but to foster a national identity that bridges cultural and ideological differences.
Mr Chan concluded by affirming that the ability to appreciate multiple languages and diverse worldviews is a distinctive advantage for Singaporeans, one that should continue to set them apart on the global stage.
Additionally, he shared that the fund committee aims to encourage more user-generated content across various channels and collaborate with diverse partners to reach a broader community.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a pre-recorded message, praised the fund for its role in promoting bilingualism and fostering a love for language learning. He congratulated the fund for a decade of successful initiatives.
