Abstract

There is a growing appetite among citizens to engage with complex social issues, many of which are intertwined with the Singapore identity, or Singapore identities. Ongoing debates on class, race, religion, gender, sexuality and disability demonstrate the multiplexity and cross-cutting nature of identity. Social media has spurred conversations and contestations on issues relating to identity and diversity by providing the space for people from diverse backgrounds to initiate frank discussions and rally for change.

What are the implications of such developments for nation-building? How should notions of the Singaporean identity and established practices of social resilience evolve with the times? How should people engage with one another on these issues in ways that foster empathy and solidarity amidst diversity? The IPS-RSIS Conference on Identity aims to discuss these issues.

The keynote speaker at the event will be Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Finance. Invited panellists will include academics and practitioners who will discuss the implications of these issues, as well as the conditions for inclusive conversations