Singapore is still considered a newly independent state, having obtained independence in 1965. Being a migrant society, the Singaporean identity is unclear, compared to other nations with thick cultural memories. Since then, much has been done with the creation of a Singaporean national identity. Is it the government or the people that has been creating the national identity of Singapore? It can be said that it was the people of Singapore that was multiethnic to begin with, and the government played on this fact to create a national identity for Singapore. In all, however, I believe that the creation of Singapore’s national identity is largely a top down approach, artificially created by the government to bring the Singapore population together.
National identity involves a collective identity unique to the country. When Singapore first gained independence, the problem the government faced was how to forge a national identity based on a common set of norms, beliefs and value, giving the people a shared destiny and sense of belonging.
A year after the Republic was born; they penned the pledge and the promise to build ‘one united people regardless of race, language and religion’. This has been recited by every school child since. The pillars of national constitution were thus created, and along with the pledge, there was the national anthem and state flag. There was a strong focus on the fact that Singapore was multiethnic, with four dominant ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian and ‘Others. There was denial of internal variety but instead their contrasts were highlighted to create a national identity. This was largely top down, rather than developing citizen’s sensitivity towards cultural diversity. National Day was also emphasized, as a conscious construction of representation. It is a day everyone celebrates being Singaporean, sings national day songs to feel an exceptional sense of belonging and identity.
One of the government’s significant efforts was the introduction of National Service (NS) for all Singaporean males. This is a social institution which involves camaraderie and bonding as they undergo training, and discover commonality among men of different background and race. According to Mindef, NS was to develop into an important Singapore cultural icon, social glue and lifestyle, affecting the way men work, live and play. These were part of the government’s aims to create a common experience and identity for all. Government efforts do not end there. They also include education, with national education for the younger generation to learn the trials and tribulations of this nation state. There is also the bilingual policy which requires students to learn English and their mother tongue, to enable Singaporeans to have a common language of communication, yet uphold Asian values. This is in a bid to create a sense of identity.
However, Singapore’s national identity can be said to be significantly played by the people as well. The people were multiethnic to begin with, a fact which the government played on to achieve a national identity. With social interaction among the people, identities were created. Singlish is one good example which borrows the many languages spoken in Singapore. There is mixing of languages, yet the people still understand each other, creating an identity. Food is also another example, with ‘borrowing’ across ethnic boundaries creating dishes unique to Singapore. There is also the love of chilli among most Singaporeans, creating a sort of identity.
In conclusion, there are identities shaped by both social interaction and policies of the government. However, I believe that Singapore’s national identity is still largely shaped by the government. Identities created by the people are largely cultural and not entirely spontaneous and bottom up.
Chua Beng Huat and Eddie Kuo (1995) ‘The Making of a New Nation: Cultural Construction and National Identity’ pp 101-103
George, Cherian (2000) ‘Beyond the Sapping Debate on Language and Culture’, in Singapore, an Air conditioned nation. pp176-182
Lepoer, Barbara (1989) Singaporean identity,http://countrystudies.us/singapore/19.htm
Mindef, 35 years of national service, http://www.mindef.gov.sg/ns35/pdf/main/35yearsofNS.pdf
Chua Beng Huat and Rajah, Ananda (2003) ‘Food, Ethnicity and Nation’ pp93-117
