Singapore: Across Faiths: Discover, Reflect, Appreciate

July 20, 2025
Featured image for “Singapore: Across Faiths: Discover, Reflect, Appreciate”

On 19 July 2025, our second-generation youths meaningfully contributed to a Youth Community Project — organised by a local Youth NGO they served alongside.

Under the guidance of National Leader Mr. John Ho, Sis Jia Yue and Sis Chwen Yeu launched this project with the theme: “Across Faiths: Discover, Reflect, Appreciate” — a youth initiative that opened hearts and minds to Singapore’s diverse spiritual heritage.

The event brought together 32 participants for a meaningful and enriching journey across different faith traditions – deepening their understanding of various beliefs, connecting through dialogue, and building friendships rooted in mutual respect. The experience was especially timely, coinciding with Racial Harmony Day, celebrated in the same month to promote understanding and unity in Singapore’s multicultural society.

The program kicked off with a visit to the Sikh Temple, where participants were warmly welcomed by Ms. Hardip, a senior volunteer. She guided everyone in putting on headscarves, as covering one’s head is a sign of respect in Sikhism — a reflection of the belief that hair is sacred and should remain uncut.

Ms. Hardip introduced key aspects of Sikhism during the temple tour, beginning with the Nishan Sahib — a saffron flag symbolizing the Sikh community’s presence and commitment to service.

In the main prayer hall, she spoke about the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, which is treated with the utmost reverence. It is a compilation of hymns and teachings by the Sikh Gurus — spiritual teachers who guided the community on the path of truth, righteousness, and connection with God. Participants learned about core Sikh values such as belief in one God, equality of all people, honest living, and selfless service. 

After an insightful visit to the Sikh Temple, the group made their way to the Taoist Temple. During the journey, youth participant JJ Singh was invited to share more about his personal experience as a Sikh. He engaged the group in an open Q&A session, warmly encouraging questions about Sikhism. The participants responded with curiosity and enthusiasm, leading to a lively and meaningful exchange.

Upon arrival at the Taoist Temple, the group was warmly welcomed by youth volunteers Mr. Derek and Ms. Canny, and introduced to Master Adrian. He began with a presentation on the origins and core beliefs of Taoism — a spiritual tradition and philosophy rooted in living in harmony with the Tao, or “the Way.” Master Adrian spoke about the importance of balance in all aspects of life, the dynamic interplay of yin and yang, and how Taoism encourages simplicity, humility, and alignment with the rhythms of nature. 

Following the presentation, Master Adrian led the group on a tour of the temple, introducing the various deities and explaining their symbolic meanings — each representing different virtues, elements, or aspects of life in Taoist belief.

Continuing to their final destination, the Hindu temple, the group had the opportunity to hear from Ms. Alamel, a school teacher who was invited to share during the bus journey. She introduced some fundamental aspects of the Hindu faith, including the meaning behind common symbols seen at temples and the stories of various deities. Although there are many gods in Hinduism, she explained that they are all different expressions of one supreme divine presence. With a smile, she shared that her personal favourite is Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, known as the remover of obstacles.

At the Hindu temple, participants joined the SG60 Heritage and Faith Showcase and were split into three groups for a guided tour. The tour offered rich insights into the temple’s architecture, rituals, and symbolism, and introduced participants to the various deities and their significance in the Hindu faith. After the informative walkthrough, participants enjoyed free-and-easy time exploring activity booths such as garland making, while savoring delicious complimentary food and taking in vibrant cultural performances. This concluded the fruitful morning on a festive and flavourful note.

In summary, the event successfully fostered interfaith understanding, sparked open and respectful conversations, and built new connections among youth from diverse backgrounds — all while celebrating the rich tapestry of faith traditions in Singapore and encouraging thoughtful engagement with diversity.