Promoting a better understanding on religion and multiculturalism
By Veronique Y W Ah Sen
Office of Corporate Relations
MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE: (From left) Head of Malay Studies department, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Assoc Prof Syed Farid Alatas; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed; and Director, University Scholars Programme Prof John Richardson. |
Marking the culmination of the NUS University Scholars Programme (USP) study programme on Inter-Civilisational Dialogue, a forum titled "Religion and Multiculturalism" was organised on 8 January 2010. Guest-of-Honour Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the forum, which saw the participation of ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, academics, students and members of the public.
The Study Programme on Inter-Civilisational Dialogue aims to provide an effective way to bring about inter-religious and inter-civilisational dialogue or create the conditions for successful dialogue, by exposing young minds to a variety of culture and religions. The latest Study Programme, the third since its inception in 2006, took students to Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul in December 2009.
Sharing his views on inter-religious dialogue in Singapore, Mr Rasheed said: "Inter-religious dialogue has come a long way. It is no longer confined to theologians and religious leaders but also involves the grassroots of society. In other words, it involves the inculcation of the spirit of multiculturalism in society as a whole."
Charmaine Miranda, a Year 2 USP student who is currently reading history as a major, has done a couple of modules on religious studies. She took a USP module titled "Religions in the contemporary world" which sparked off her interest in religion and how religion can be a force in shaping society. When asked about the lesson she has learnt from the study, Charmaine said that it is important to be open-minded. "We have to understand that the person may come from a different background from ours and be willing to accommodate and share what we know as well as learn what we don't," she said.
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