SM Lee Hsien Loong: National identity has different layers

Here are three key takeaways from his dialogue:

1️⃣ Our national identity is rich and multilayered. It is forged by a strong sense of being Singaporean, in combination with other key aspects of our lives like our race, religion, and language.

2️⃣Singapore's strength lies in its ability to build a society where different groups of people can come together, compromise, and collaborate with one another. 

3️⃣ Singaporeans must continue to guard against societal fault lines by being involved and engaged with the country, strengthening the shared community. 

“I think I can say that the national identity is stronger but at the same time, it is not the only tribe which we belong to, because we all have different layers to our identity [...] We must know that we are one people. But we are not all identical. And there are fault lines which we have to guard,” said Senior Minister Lee.

Like a perfectly steamed kueh lapis, our national identity is the sum of many vibrant layers. What is one aspect of your identity that you’re most proud of?

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