National IRCC Convention 2018

The inaugural National Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) Convention 2018 was held at Suntec City Convention Centre on 27 January 2018. More than 600 people attended, including youth leaders and members of IRCCs, which was created to foster racial and religious harmony. Venerable Ben Si, Venerable Zu Dao, Ms Jennifer Goh (IRCC Admiralty member), together with 15 youth leaders from BW Monastery, attended the convention.  

At the opening address, the Guest of Honour, President Mdm Halimah Yacob emphasized the need for Singaporeans of all races and religions to reach out to each other to forge a spirit of mutual respect, as well as having the willingness to embrace the diversity of ethnicities and faiths that embodies Singapore's strength as a country. 

During the breakout sessions, specific topics were discussed, ranging from engendering social trust, building community resilience to online extremism, to dealing with the threat of radicalisation. Sensitive issues on race and religion were also explored through two dialogues; firstly, one on inconvenient questions about race & religions and another exploring everyday common relationships amongst faiths. 

Our youth leaders found the convention useful and insightful, and it was a great opportunity to strengthen friendships and forged new one.