In Total Defence, our people are organised to defend the country against all forms of attack, both military and non-military. Total Defence comprises Psychological Defence, Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil Defence and Military defence. The concept of Total Defence was first introduced in 1984 to highlight the important role that every Singaporean plays in the defence of Singapore.

"Social Defence" is about keeping the social fabric strong and ensuring that Singaporeans live in harmony regardless of race or religion. This is especially important because Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society.

Social Defence is about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in 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. Social Defence 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. This includes showing care and concern for the less fortunate and underprivileged, as well as active participation in volunteer work.

Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony
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.

Looking out for one another
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. By doing so, we can further strengthen social cohesion, and build a gracious, compassionate society.

The benefit of racial and religious harmony is that we get a better appreciation and knowledge of the other races and religions. It also helps remove any bias or misconceptions we may have of the other races, strengthening the social cohesion in the society. With this understanding, we are able to work better as a team, as one Singapore, and we have this sense of national belonging that makes us uniquely Singaporeans.

IN SCHOOL,
We pratise social defence in many ways. For example : RACIAL HARMONY DAY
Racial Harmony Day 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 Kurung. 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.
This activities enables us to understand each other cultures and have a better understanding of each other.







2ndly : MULTI-RACIALISM
-The policy of multi-racialism promotes equality among the races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious group. Everyone has equal oppotunities to succeed, regardless of their background.

3rdly : COMMON PRACTICES
-Singin the national anthem, taking the pledge and attending the flag raising ceremony are examples of common practices carried out in school everyday. These common practices help to foster national identity.


Lastly : BILINGUALISM
-Students were expected to learn English and their own Mother Tongue. With it, English is used as the language linking the different ethnic groups. As English is a non-native language for all the ethnic groups, no one has an advantage over others. The use of English has helped improve communication among Singaporeans.


The government also developing common space ( time and place that people come together ) to provides oppotunities for Singaporeans to interact. Through interaction, understanding among Singaporeans from the different races can be deepened.

Grassroots organisations such as People's Association (PA) also create common space through their wide range or programmes and activities developed to cater the needs and interests of every Singaporeans. One of such programmes conducted for students is a home visit or home stay opportunity with a host family from another ethnic group. This allows participants to gain a better understanding of the cultures and customs of other races. With mutual respect, strong friendship can be built over time.

THE 6 N.E MESSAGES:

Singapore is our homeland; this is where we belong.
-We treasure our heritage and take pride in shaping our own unique way of life.
We must preserve racial and religious harmony.
-We value our diversity and are determined to stay a united people.
We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility.
-We provide opportunities for all, according to their ability and effort.
No one owes Singapore a living.
We find our own way to survive and prosper, turning challenge into opportunity.
We must ourselves defend Singapore.
We are proud to defend Singapore ourselves, no one else is responsible for our security and well-being.
We have confidence in our future.
-United, determined and well-prepared, we have what it takes to build a bright future for ourselves, and to progress together as one nation

"In Singapore, we need to maintain racial and religious harmony because it is very important for the survival of the nation. If there is a clash between the races or religious groups, it will be very hard for us to face. The country's prosperity will be lost. Being a small country, we must always be vigilant to maintain racial and religious harmony."