National identity in a multicultural state : the relevance of the CMIO framework in contemporary Singapore

• Main Author: Lee, Beth Shi Min
• Other Authors: Kim Soojin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/74212
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper explores the implications of racial categorization on national identity construction and race-relations through the study of the CMIO framework and its surrounding policies. In view of Singapore’s globalization and immigration trends, ever changing demographics, and aspirations as a cosmopolitan city, this paper questions the relevance of the CMIO framework in Singapore’s policy-making. Drawing inspiration from France, which has successfully created a national identity out of immigrants, this paper discusses the possibility of policy transference to Singapore. Through semi-structured interviews, this paper attempts to gain insight on Singaporeans views on national identity and their aspirations for Singapore’s future, so as to ascertain the favorability of French policies to Singaporeans. This paper concludes that a strong national identity in Singapore is absent, and partial policy adaptations form France’s model of multiculturalism can be considered. This paper ultimately posits that there is room for a change in Singapore’s multicultural framework.