179 new S’poreans take the pledge; diversity a strength amid shared conviction: Edwin Tong
He was speaking to 179 new Singapore citizens from the East Coast GRC on Aug 15.
On August 15, 179 new Singapore citizens took the pledge at the National Citizenship Ceremony held at the Singapore University of Technology and Design in Changi. Law Minister Edwin Tong emphasized that the diversity of experiences and perspectives among new citizens is a strength for the nation. He stressed the importance of a shared conviction to forge a common identity as Singaporeans, bound together by the Singapore identity.
Tong highlighted that what matters less is where people were born or raised, and what matters is a shared commitment to work together to take the country forward. Singapore's adherence to the rule of law ensures equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their background. The pledge recited by new citizens, particularly the word 'we,' is crucial in fostering unity amidst diversity.
Singapore is expected to grant up to 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years to address its population decline and ageing, with new citizens like Nathaniel Naplah and Michael Phelps expressing gratitude and pride in becoming citizens of the nation they have called home for decades.
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