Fostering Intercultural Behaviour

In this highly globalised world, we live amongst people of different race, religion and culture. We must learn to not only adapt to this difference, but also respect one another. In Singapore, I am considered a minority. I would consider myself a Malay, same when every one of my friends who have seen me and talked to me. However, in my IC, my race is stated as Indian.

That brings to me intercultural behaviour. The moment I was born, I was already regarded as an Indian on my birth certificate, due to my father, from my grandfather, from our forefathers from India that came to Singapore years ago. But I never practised any Indian culture, nor speak any Indian language. I am more Malay than anything else.

For me, race is not important at all. We should be past that stage. I love travelling, and when I go overseas, especially in the west, all the locals there only ask me where I am from. That is it. They do not ask me what race I am. How I sometimes wish Singapore is the same in this aspect. There is neither racial segregations nor stereotypes. In fostering intercultural behaviour, what is important is to see what is common, rather than what is different.

In university, the common things are definitely our studies. In the workplace, common things is to get the job done. Outside, common things are endless. It can be dance, music, sports, arts and many more. We should set aside differences and focus on the common things we share.