CULTURE

Singapore, with its racially diverse population, a melting pot of ethnic cultures, and diverse religious traditions,
encapsulates the beauty of multiculturalism.

SINGAPORE FLAG

• Red-universal brotherhood and equality of man.

• White-pervading and everlasting purity and virtue.
• Crescent Moon- young nation on the ascendant.
• 5 Stars- nation's ideals of democracy, progress, peace, justice and equality.

MERLION STATUE

The Merlion statue, which spouts water from its mouth, reaches 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tonnes. Originally
positioned near the mouth of the Singapore River, it was built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng, designed by Kwan Sai
Kheong, and unveiled by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on September 15, 1972.

SINGAPORE ETHNIC COMPOSITION

• Chinese (74.3%)
o Chinese are the most prominent ethnic group in Singapore, accounting for over three-quarters of the
population. It's no wonder, that Chinese culture is dominant in Singapore, from language and food to
entertainment and festivals.
o The majority of Singapore's Chinese population came from China's southern regions, particularly Fujian and
Guangdong. The most populous dialect groups are Hokkien and Teochew, followed by Cantonese, Hainanese,
and other smaller groups.
o While their traditional culture has been merged with other local ethnicities and Western influences, the
Chinese New Year event is still celebrated with enthusiasm, a boisterous reminder of what it means to be
Chinese.
• Malay (13.5)
o They are the original settlers of Singapore and the second-largest ethnic group.
o Malays in Singapore originated from the neighboring areas, which include the Indonesian islands of Java and
Bawean, as well as the Malayan peninsula.
o And majority of Malays are Muslims
• Indian (9.0%)
o Indians are Singapore's third largest ethnic group, and this community has one of the largest overseas Indian
populations.
o After the British established in Singapore in 1819, many people came from the southern area of India. Today,
over 60% of the Indian residents are of Tamil ethnic origin. More than half of Singapore's ethnic Indians are
Hindus as well.
o Many Indians, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, established enterprises here, dealing with anything from
textiles to jewelry. They are now strongly represented in political and professional spheres as well.
• Other (3.2)
o Eurasian- Singapore's small but prominent Eurasian community embodies the country's East meets West vibe.
This ethnic group consists of people of mixed European and Asian ancestry who have lived in Singapore since
the early nineteenth century.
 o Most Eurasians in Singapore may trace their European ancestors back to the Portuguese, Dutch, or British,
while their Asian ancestors can be traced back to the Chinese, Malays, or Indians.
o Today, there are between 15,000 to 30,000 Eurasians in Singapore, accounting for less than 1% of the
population. Nonetheless, they play an important role in the country's media and entertainment industries.
o Peranakan- The Peranakans are a remarkable combination of regional cultures. The Peranakan Chinese, also
known as Straits Chinese, in Singapore can trace their origins back to 15th-century Malacca, where their
ancestors were Chinese merchants who married local Malay women.
o There are also Chitty Melaka, or Peranakan Indians, who are descended from marriages between South Indian
Hindu merchants and local women, and Jawi Peranakans, who are descended from marriages between South
Indian-Muslim traders and local women.

SINGAPORE’S MOST COMMON RELIGIONS

• Buddhism (31.1%)
o Buddhism, which is practiced by one-third of the general population, is by far Singapore's largest religious
community. In Singapore, there are three major Buddhist schools: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Theravada is the oldest and most widely practiced denomination, having been brought to Singapore by Thais,
Burmese, and Sri Lankans. Mahayana was founded by early Chinese immigrants and is the primary practice of
Singapore's Chinese minority. Finally, Vajrayana originated in Tibet and is mostly practiced by Tibetans. The
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is a well-known Buddhist temple. It was constructed in the mid-
20th century to spread Buddhism and is one of Singapore's largest Mahayana Buddhist temples.
• No Religion (20.0%)
o The non-religious population in Singapore has been steadily increasing over the last decade, notably among
young people. Atheists, agnostics, humanists, and sceptic are within this group.
• Christianity (18.9%)
o Christianity, which was introduced by British colonists in the nineteenth century, now accounts for over one-
fifth of Singapore's population and has steadily grown in popularity over the years. The Armenian Church,
Singapore's oldest Christian church, was established in 1835 and is popular among Christians worldwide.
• Islam (15.6%)
o Islamists account for around 15.6% of Singapore's population, with the majority being Malay. Singapore was
a part of Malaysia until its independence in 1965, which is why the Singaporean government acknowledges
persons of indigenous Malay ancestry as indigenous Singaporeans, while also providing Muslims with
distinctive religious liberties. The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) was created in 1968 as the statutory
body responsible for preserving the needs of Singapore's Muslims. The Masjid Sultan, one of Singapore's most
spectacular mosques, was built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, Singapore's first sultan. It was designated a
national monument in 1975.
• Taoist (8.8%)
o Taoism, another major religion in Singapore, is based on the teachings of Chinese philosopher Lao Zi. Originally
brought to Singapore by Chinese immigrants, followers of the faith account for around 8.8% of the population,
though this figure has steadily declined over time. Lao Zi, the proponent of the yin and yang theory, believed
in honoring ancestors and being compassionate to others. Thian Hock Keng Temple, Singapore's oldest Taoist
temple, was constructed and constructed by Chinese craftsmen in 1842.
• Hinduism (5.0%)
o Despite the fact that Hinduism is an officially recognized religion, its followers account for only around 5% of
the Singaporean population. Hinduism, which is mostly practiced by the ethnically Indian population, was
brought to Singapore by migrant workers from India in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. When the
workers arrived, they built temples devoted to various deities, eventually becoming the settlement known as
 Little India. The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. This temple, located in the center
of Chinatown, is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus worldwide.
• Other religions (0.6%)
o Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism

SINGAPORE CUISINE

Food is one of the few things that unite the multicultural nation. Their traditional cuisines are a fusion of
interesting flavors influenced by the cultures of the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other early European inhabitants. This
rich heritage gave rise to a wide assortment of famous Singapore cuisine.

Hawker Center- Food and drink stalls in what appears to be a large community dining area where various groups of people
gather to eat and interact

▪ In comparison to our country, I think this is like food court. In hawker center, they serve Singaporean cuisine.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice- It is considered Singapore’s unofficial “National Dish”. It is a rice dish of poached chicken and
seasoned rice served with sliced cucumber and chili sauce.
• Nasi Lemak- Nasi lemak, which means "rice in cream" in Malay, is so named because the rice is cooked in coconut
milk. Nasi Lemak originated in Southeast Asia's Malay population and has since become one of Singapore's culinary
highlights. Simply described, this cuisine consists of steamed rice with coconut milk, which is frequently accompanied
by fried fish or chicken, egg, ikan bilis (anchovies), and sambal chilli.
• Laksa- Laksa, a spicy noodle soup, is another well-known Singapore dish. This meal is influenced by Peranakan cuisine,
which is the product of the fusion of Chinese and Malay civilizations. It is a thick rice noodles with fishcake, prawns,
beansprouts, and cockles are served in a thick curry, coconut milk, and spice soup.
• Fried Carrot Cake- Fried Carrot Cake, also known as "Chai Tow Kway" (in Teochew dialect), is a savory meal made from
white radish, rice flour, eggs, and preserved radish (chai poh),
• Hokkien Prawn Mee- Hokkien Prawn Mee, as the name implies, is a dish invented by the Hokkien people. Yellow
noodles and thick rice noodles are cooked in a rich stock composed of pork bones and prawn heads before being
topped with luscious prawns, squid, pork belly, and egg.
• Kambing Soup- Kambing Soup, also known as Mutton Soup, is a dish originated by the Muslim Indian minority in
Singapore. "This dish is produced by simmering various parts of the lamb in a rich broth of spices such as coriander,
fennel, cumin, star anise, and cinnamon for hours, until the meat becomes so soft that it slips off the bone."
• Kaya Toast & Soft-Boiled Eggs- It is thought to have originated with Hainanese Chinese labourers who served on British
ships and adapted the British fondness for toast, eggs, and coffee when they arrived in Singapore. Every native has a
favorite way to prepare this dish. Some people dip their toast in coffee, while others in the runny eggy combination.
This nostalgic breakfast, of course, would be incomplete without true Singapore-style Kopi, the local term for coffee.
The final drink is strong and sweetened with condensed milk after being roasted with butter over high heat to
caramelize the beans.
• Satay- Satay is a dish that resembles kebabs and is made from grilled skewered beef. Its origins can be traced back to
Arab traders who arrived in Southeast Asia during the Spice Trade era. Its cooking methods have since been altered
to suit the diversified palates of the locals.
• Oyster Omelette- Another local favorite that is rarely mentioned in cuisine guides or tourist programs. Also known as
Orh Luak (in Teochew dialect). It's a delicious combination of eggs, flour, and oysters. The components are usually the
same, but what distinguishes one stall from another is the batter used.
• Roti Prata- This South-Indian-inspired flatbread, introduced by Indian immigrants in the early trading days, has long
been one of Singapore's most beloved local dishes. Roti prata is not only an important component of Indian cuisine;
it is also popular with Singaporeans of all ethnicities. "A perfect Roti Prata is crispy on the exterior and fluffy and chewy
on the interior, served with fish or mutton curries and occasionally sugar."
TRADITIONAL ATTIRE IN SINGAPORE

• Sari and Kurta

o Sari is the traditional Indian women's attire. The outfit consists of a blouse and a long cloth wrapped around
the waist with perfect pleats and draped over the shoulder. They are available in silk and cotton, with vibrant
designs and colors.
o In Singapore, Indian men traditionally wear a salwar kurta. It is made up of a long knee-length robe and tight-
fitting trousers. The dresses come in a variety of colors and textures.
• Cheongsam- Cheongsam is a Chinese attire that is also known as Qipao. It is worn by women and is a one-of-a-kind
combination of current wearable dignity and Chinese tradition. It is a one-piece silk or cotton dress with a high collar.
With beautiful embroideries in satin or colored fabric, the high skirt creates an appealing appearance. The design is
available in a variety of lengths and with split sides. Necklines represent sophisticated behavior and grandeur.
• Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu:
o Baju Kurung is the traditional Malay women's clothing as well as Singapore's national dress. It consists of a
top blouse and a long skirt or sarong for the lower half. The garment is especially worn by malay women for
work on Fridays as a sign of respect for tradition and culture.
o The traditional Malay men's clothing is the baju melayu. It consists of a long-sleeved baggy shirt and long
pants. Sampin, a full length or three-quarter piece of cloth composed of woven materials, is wrapped around
the waist.
• Sarong Kebaya- Sarong kebaya is the traditional dress of the Peranakan people, who are of Malay and Chinese descent.
The outfit consists of a kebaya blouse and a long skirt or Sarong. It is elaborately embroidered and adorned with
designs. The skirt is either woven or constructed of fabric with a batik pattern.

FESTIVALS

• Deepavali (Diwali/Divali) - During this festival, Little India will be overflowing with vibrant lights, kaleidoscopic arches,
busy bazaars and Indian delicacies during the “festival of lights”, which commemorates the triumph of light over
darkness and good over evil.
• Chinese New Year- The Chinese calendar's most important period is the Lunar New Year. Chinese households
commemorate the New Year by banishing bad luck with spring cleaning and welcoming good fortune with red and
gold decorations and brand new outfits. During the 14-day celebration, families visit neighbors and relatives to eat
dinner (steamboat is a popular choice), swap oranges for prosperity, and present children red packets (hong bao).
• Thaipusam- People who are easily frightened may avoid this Hindu celebration. The enormous parade in Little India,
along Serangoon Road and Tank Road, shows some brave worshippers carrying spiked kavadis (portable altars) that
pierce through their torsos as a devotion to Lord Subramaniam, the protector. They pray and fast for up to 48 days
before such a grueling effort to prepare. On the less severe end of the spectrum, worshippers can be seen holding
small wooden kavadis or milk pots.
• Pongal- Surya, the Sun God, is honored during this traditional Tamil harvest festival. Throughout the four-day
celebration, Little India comes alive with ethnic dances and performances, a street-side mini-village selling cultural
goods, a mass culinary competition, and a mesmerizing festive light-up.
• National Day of Singapore- As Singapore marks its 57th year of independence, the Float at Marina Bay will host the
spectacular National Day Parade, complete with stunning bursts of fireworks, incredible choreographed dance
routines, decorated floats, and a number of cutting-edge surprises throughout the night.
• Dragon Boat Festival- Crowds of people will go to this thrilling festival, which started in China almost 2,000 years ago
and is now celebrated in Chinese communities all around the world. It goes by several names, including Duanwu, Tuen
Ng, and Double Fifth Festival (falling on the fifth day of the fifth month). In Bedok Reservoir the is a competition for
the famed Dragon Boat Racing Festival, where competing teams will paddle furiously to the finish line to the sound of
drums.
• Vesak Day- During Vesak Day, Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha with traditional
chanting, peaceful candlelight processions, and offerings of joss sticks, flowers, and candles at shrines and temples.
Many Buddhists choose to conduct good deeds such as offering cash and food to the needy or releasing caged birds
on this day of self-reflection.
• Hari Raya Puasa- At the end of Ramadan, Muslim families celebrate by donning eye-catching new baju kurungs
(traditional Malay clothes) and visiting their relatives for a large home-cooked feast. Non-observants can attend
Geylang Serai's nocturnal bazaar, which is open throughout the fasting month. There are numerous vendors selling a
variety of sweet and savory delicacies, ethnic clothing, jewelry, and other items.
• Christmas- Like our country, they celebrate Christmas and it is also because they have Christianity as one of the major
religion. In Singapore, the famous shopping belt on Orchard Road is lit up every December to ramp up the festive
mood. In the picture you can see the Christmas lights in Gardens by the Bay, one of the tourist attraction is Singapore.
• Lantern Festival- This lighthearted event, held on the day the moon is at its brightest, brings together local Chinese
families in parks and gardens to feast on traditional mooncakes, pomelos, and Chinese tea. The nicest part of this
holiday for kids is playing with colorful lanterns, which range from traditional ones lit by wax candles to plastic or
cellophane versions shaped like cartoon characters, animals, and more. The streets of Chinatown are also alive with
lion dances, dragon dances, night markets, traditional percussions, and other activities.
• Hari Raya Haji- This sacrificial holiday is celebrated precisely as it sounds. Worshippers sacrifice lambs, cows, and goats
after prayers led by male volunteers in mosques throughout Singapore to represent Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice. The
meat is then cut up and handed among the individual who offered the animal's family and friends, with a third usually
distributed to the needy.

FACTS ABOUT SINGAPORE

• Second most densely populated sovereign state in the world. Singapore is a city-state on an island off the coast of
Malaysia. It is a very small country, measuring only 26 kilometers north to south and 50 kilometers east to west, but
it is home to over 5 million people. (to be exact 5.64 million)
• Has diverse ethnic groups that maintain the languages, histories, traditions and religions that are unique to each of
them. As I said earlier, there are many ethnic groups in Singapore like Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and Eurasian.
• Singaporean culture is still hierarchic- One may see that interactions in Singaporean culture are tiered and need
reverence and respect from one party. A person's social standing is determined by their position, occupation, and
level of education. However, age is frequently the deciding factor in how much respect someone should exhibit. Under
the cultural concept of 'filial piety,' Singaporeans are supposed to show complete respect and devotion to their
parents and elders. Filial piety is similar to reverence for one's ancestors. In this sense, Singaporeans tend to value the
advice of individuals who are older than them. In other cases, seniors may expect complete/unconditional obedience.
Overall, the age hierarchy that encompasses much of Singaporean society and culture is held in high regard.
• Face is a core concept in Singaporean culture- Another fundamental concept underlying Singaporean society is the
concept of face. Face is the attribute that most Asian cultures associate with a person's reputation, influence, dignity,
and honor. You offer individuals face by complimenting them, showing them respect, or doing something to boost
their self-esteem. People can also lose face and save or gain face. As a result, Singaporeans typically act intentionally
and with restraint to maintain their self-worth and peer perception. Conservative behavior is the norm since no one
wants to stand out and/or lose face by doing something improper.
• Eccentricity is not highly valued in SingaporeThis demonstrates that eccentricity is not highly regarded in Singapore.
In general, life is sober and disciplined. People recognize and admire self-control because it leads to happiness rather
than indulgence. The idea that the "country comes before your community and society above yourself" is one of
Singapore's five national shared values.
• Cleanliness
o In Lee Kuan Yew’s world, a cleaner city fosters a stronger economy and this is exactly what he sought to
achieve with his nationwide cleanliness campaign in Singapore. The result, about half a century later is a
 sparkling city state recognized as one of the world’s cleanest, though it was once a swampy, filthy and disease
ridden place. When the first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew took over after the country after it gained
independence, there were already established campaigns for cleanliness in place. His method was however
new with government using fines as a means of social control. Singapore is not only squeaky clean because its
leaders insisted on it, but also for a number of factors that are essential.
o Prime Minister Lee’s ultimate goal was to achieve the position of the cleanest and greenest city in the whole
of South Asia. This he eventually attained through the implementation of the policy which saw modifications
to laws on public health, disease control, development of quality sewage systems, as well as the movement
of vendors to hawker centers. Around this period, majority of the inhabitants moved from Malay-style villages
to housing estates built by the government. These events coupled with the following helped make the policy
a success. Furthermore, the below tactics played significant roles in transforming Singapore into one of the
cleanest places in the world:
▪ Frequent public education by health personnel
▪ Spot checks
▪ Competitions ranking the dirtiest and cleanest schools, vehicles, offices, government structures and
shops
▪ This policy was followed by numerous similar cleanliness campaigns throughout the 1970s and 1980s,
as well as effective tree planting activities.
o While Singapore is really a fine place to live or visit, they also have a reputation of using fines to enforce bans
on behaviors they deem undesirable. This habit is said to have begun in 1968 when the Keep Singapore Clean
campaign was in its initial stages. These fines could sum up to thousands per year with the minimum amount
being S$300 for littering. Activities such as spitting, chewing gum, carrying durian (a smelly but tasty fruit), or
not flushing toilets are some of the most popular laws that attract heavy fines or worse jail term for its
offenders.
 Sunflowers for a friend

By Lee Yzu Pheng

To hear your own parent call you And set my sights on grace - which, to be true,

Not by name, not yet a Though random-seeming is a thing hoped for.

Vulgar pet name, but

Some gross epithet, as “cursed We cannot choose

Death’s head, damned reprobate”, Our lot on earth; nor soil, nor weather

When you, I know, endure even now Of our earliest years. And yet, some

That innocence we renounce to escape censure; Warp or stunt, or run to seed, or die

Heart itself shrinks; not so much at Despite the tenderest care.

The venom of the human tongue, as that

Nature’s text itself may turn out gibberish. Knowing this, I find I marvel still

That sunflowers grow from dirt, and pray

I fight this terror, cite aberrations, That you, like them, though forced

Transgressors of her law, that we all are. To live through night

Keep inner orientation strong enough

To turn to light.

Is the social problem depicted in the poem happening in our country? What do you observe as the prevailing form of child
abuse in the country?

What do you think will be the adverse effect of this prevailing social problem to our country in general and to every Filipino
family in particular?

Yes, it still occurs in the country; physical and psychological violence are two of the most common forms of child abuse in
the country. The physical and emotional harm that children suffer as a result of witnessing violence is heartbreaking. It
leaves an emotional and psychological scar on children, as well as physical pain and suffering; the harm can last a lifetime.
As a result of their experiences, victims may become perpetrators of violence. The cost of violence to society is significant,
including the costs of health care, child welfare support services, and the increased burden on the criminal justice system
as child victims increase their chances of becoming minors in conflict with the law.

Thus, child abuse creates trauma for the child, and it will affect their way of life, beliefs and character. They will carry the
trauma their whole life. Parents abusing their children is unacceptable because, as a parent, you should cherish and
nurture your own child, provide them with all their needs and give them confidence to do whatever they want.