RVRC was honoured to host Mdm. Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and Ministry of Health, Singapore, for an insightful dialogue organized by OnePeople.sg. The event was held at NUS University Hall Auditorium on 15^th January 2025. Mdm. Rahayu engaged with students reading three courses from the RVRC Programme -  RVSS1004, RVC1000, and RVN2003.

During the dialogue, she shared her thoughts on racial and social harmony and the importance of embracing diversity and fostering constructive conversations in Singapore’s multicultural society.

• Singapore's History in Embracing Diversity and Multiculturalism: Mdm. Rahayu delved into how Singapore's forefathers, from diverse cultural backgrounds, made a conscious decision to integrate multiculturalism into the fabric of Singaporean society. This foundational choice has shaped the nation's identity and approach to diversity.
• Evolution of Diversity Beyond Race: Over the years, Singapore's understanding of diversity has expanded beyond racial lines to include various social constructs such as religion, language, and socio-economic status. This broader perspective allows for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to social harmony.
• Nuanced and Constructive Conversations About Diversity: Mdm. Rahayu shared the importance of having thoughtful and respectful discussions about diversity. She encouraged students to engage in dialogues that are not only open-minded, but also sensitive to the complexities of different cultural and social backgrounds.
• Singapore's Maturation in Values Over Nearly 60 Years: Reflecting on Singapore's journey since its independence, Mdm. Rahayu noted that the nation has matured significantly in its values. This maturation is evident in the way Singaporeans navigate and celebrate their diverse society, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.
• Exposure to New Cultures and Navigating Differences: Mdm. Rahayu recognized that interacting with diverse cultures can sometimes highlight differences. However, she highlighted that this exposure also offers valuable opportunities for learning and personal growth, ultimately enriching and strengthening the social fabric of the nation.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the topics discussed. This interactive segment provided valuable insights and fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of social harmony.

RVRC extends its gratitude to Mdm Rahayu for inspiring our students and reinforcing the importance of social harmony within our community.