Singapore’s Prime Minister highlights interfaith trust, youth support and community ties during anniversary celebrations
Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong called for stronger neighbourly relations and greater understanding between religious communities at the Harmony Centre and An-Nahdhah Mosque 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 14 October 2026. Held under the theme “From Harmony to Neighbourliness”, the event highlighted efforts to promote mutual respect, address religious intolerance and deepen trust among Singaporeans.
Mr Wong attended the dinner alongside Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad, the Mufti of Singapore, faith leaders, community leaders and other guests. Reflecting on the Harmony Centre’s establishment in 2006, Mr Wong recalled attending its opening as Principal Private Secretary to then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The Harmony Centre was established following the September 2001 attacks to promote understanding of Islam and improve relations between religious communities. Housed within An-Nahdhah Mosque, the centre has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors through educational activities, learning journeys and interfaith programmes.
Mr Wong said Singapore continued to face challenges from extremist ideologies, including Islamist terrorism, far-right anti-Islam and neo-Nazi movements, and ideologies promoting hatred against women. He highlighted concerns about young people becoming vulnerable to radicalisation through online content, particularly when facing difficulties at school, within their families or among their peers.
He also cautioned against overseas conflicts affecting relationships within Singapore. “Whatever our views are about developments abroad, we must never allow them to divide us here at home,” he said, emphasising the need to preserve social cohesion despite differences in opinion.
Mr Wong noted that the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act, which came into force in September 2026, strengthened Singapore’s legal framework for protecting racial harmony and providing safeguards against foreign influence. However, he stressed that legislation alone could not build trust between communities.
The dinner also featured the introduction of the JIRAN Interfaith Engagement Toolkit, with JIRAN standing for “Joining In, Respecting All Neighbours”. Faith leaders also affirmed a shared Neighbourliness Charter based on the principles of their respective religious traditions.
Mr Wong said neighbourliness required people to develop friendships beyond their immediate communities and support one another during difficult times. He encouraged continued efforts to make interfaith understanding part of everyday life, with families, schools, religious institutions and community leaders helping young people remain connected to society.
Concluding his speech, Mr Wong thanked the Harmony Centre, An-Nahdhah Mosque and their partners for their contributions over the past 20 years, calling for continued efforts to deepen friendship and trust among Singapore’s communities.
Source: PMO
