President S R Nathan,

Mayors,

Mr. David Tay, President of the Photographic Society of Singapore,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here today to be a part of this very special project celebrating interfaith harmony.

2. Ours is a multi-racial, multi-religious society. This diversity brings us numerous benefits, but it also poses special challenges to our peaceful and harmonious co-existence. Around the world, religion seems to be a critical fault line disrupting peace and harmony between groups, even among those of the same race. Singapore is very intricately plugged into the global system, and cannot be insulated from global events. Events like 9-11 in New York and 7-7 in London or even insensitive remarks directed at other faiths by influential religious leaders have the potential to impact us. That is why, clichéd as it may be, we always remind our people not to take our racial and religious harmony for granted. A society that is tolerant, understanding and ever mindful of one another’s differences and beliefs, has been the very cornerstone of our nation’s progress, and must continue to be.

3. We have adopted a secular approach, separating policy decisions from racial or religious priorities, in the context of a secular State. Government policies are guided by an appreciation of religion as a positive influence on society. Many of the religious organizations in Singapore are actively involved in helping the needy and the disadvantaged in our midst. Religions also promote and infuse sound moral values, many of which are universal.

4. Which brings me to why we are gathered here today – to launch a coffee-table book, “A Harmony of Minds”, by the Photographic Society of Singapore. This is not like any other coffee-table book. It features a collection of excerpts that promote universal values from the ten major faiths prevalent in Singapore, namely the Bahai faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism and Zoroastrian. The excerpts, presented in our four official languages, were contributed by the apex organizations of the respective faiths here, and are beautifully complemented by photographs contributed by the Photographic Society’s members.

5. When the Photographic Society first approached me several months ago with their plans to publish such a book, I had no hesitation in offering them my full support, as well as agreeing to contribute images for the book.

6. “A Harmony of Minds” is a very special and meaningful project. What makes it especially unique is that this is the first coffee-table book of its kind, bringing together some of the teachings of Singapore’s diverse faiths. Whatever our belief, we value the importance of respecting the faiths of others. That is worth celebrating and that is why I believe this book will touch the hearts of Singaporeans of all faiths.

7. The book, and the organizations and people behind it deserve special mention. The Photographic Society of Singapore, whose main focus is not racial or religious harmony, has come forward to initiate a worthwhile project with the religious organizations. Together, they are contributing towards religious harmony, and a social cause. Specifically, the proceeds from the sales of the book will go towards the 32 beneficiaries of President’s Challenge 2007.

8. I would like to applaud the Society for their commendable effort and encourage more of such ground-up initiatives from the community. I am honoured to be the Advisor to this endeavour.

9. Following the launch today, the book, via the photo exhibition that you see behind you, will go on a roving exhibition to the heartlands, starting with the HDB Hub. I would like to thank the People’s Association and the Community Development Councils for graciously sponsoring the venues for the exhibitions. I would also like to thank the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony and its members for their support, the project steering committee, especially Mr David Tay, and all who have played a part in putting this together.

10. On behalf of the Steering Committee, I would like to thank President Nathan for gracing today’s occasion, and for autographing 10 books for the 10 organisations that have generously contributed $10,000 or more to this project.

11. The universal appeal of its text, coupled with the beautiful photos, make for perfect reflection and contemplation. Truly, it is the product of a harmony of minds.

12. On that note, I am pleased to invite President S R Nathan to launch ‘A Harmony of Minds’ and the photo exhibition.

Thank you.

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