A Singapore Chinese finally said the truth, he said: in Singapore, the Chinese, it doesn't matter if China is good or not, many people have a mistake, thinking that Singapore has 70% of the Chinese population to come here, the Chinese must be the most popular, but exactly the opposite.
Singapore’s survival strategy can be said to be a realistic version of the “small country guide to survival.”
In the early years in the backdrop of the rising anti-Chinese sentiment in Southeast Asia, Li Shenyang decided to adopt a policy of "cultural breakdown" - at the beginning of Singapore's independence in 1965, the government legislated to define English as the official first language, Chinese lessons only retained the content needed for daily exchange, and systematic Chinese cultural education was almost deprived.
In textbook design, the pattern of Singapore's flag and National Day elements must occupy a prominent position, while traditional festivals such as Spring Festival and red envelopes are weakened.
The festivals celebrated in schools are more of a multicultural symbol, such as the Maldives festival, while the Chinese traditional festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival, are dimmed to the edge.
This state-led "de-Chinaization" measure makes it almost impossible for the new generation of Singaporean Chinese to maintain spiritual ties with China through education and culture, forming a sense of alienation from their home country.
Geopolitical pressure is the core reason for this strategy.
Standing at a key position in the Strait of Malacca, Singapore understands that easily choosing sides in the game of great powers may lead to fatal risks.
In the 1990s, when China’s military power expanded rapidly, Li Xiaobo quickly opened Changi Air Force and Naval bases to the U.S. military; and more importantly, when ASEAN countries accused China of building islands in the South China Sea, Singapore had long redefined “Chinese identity.”
Do you think that learning Chinese in Singapore will naturally stimulate your recognition and feelings for China?
Chinese courses in schools are mainly taught language skills: how to speak, how to write simple Chinese letters, while Chinese history books, traditional festivals and cultural backgrounds are barely involved.
The content of the classroom focuses on Singapore's founding process, economic development and social system. Singapore's national flag, national emblem and national symbols are most printed in textbooks, while Chinese cultural logos rarely appear.
In the past, Singapore’s young Chinese have become very clear about their understanding of identity: “I’m Singaporean,” and “Chinese” is more than just a racial label, just like the Malay, Indian, and does not automatically bring sentiment or belonging to China.
Singapore is a capitalist market economy, highly open, and the quality of personal life depends mainly on their own efforts.
In order to improve their lives, Chinese people must work hard, deal with fierce competition, and think about how to make money and save money every day.
Upper-level Chinese attention to China is also based on commercial interests, rather than emotional identity.
At the same time, the government is always pragmatic when dealing with diplomatic relations: on the one hand, actively conducting trade and cultural exchanges with China, and on the other hand,ining good relations with other great powers, and seeking balance between China and the United States.
Singapore’s survival strategy can be said to be a realistic version of the “small country guide to survival.”
In the early years in the backdrop of the rising anti-Chinese sentiment in Southeast Asia, Li Shenyang decided to adopt a policy of "cultural breakdown" - at the beginning of Singapore's independence in 1965, the government legislated to define English as the official first language, Chinese lessons only retained the content needed for daily exchange, and systematic Chinese cultural education was almost deprived.
In textbook design, the pattern of Singapore's flag and National Day elements must occupy a prominent position, while traditional festivals such as Spring Festival and red envelopes are weakened.
The festivals celebrated in schools are more of a multicultural symbol, such as the Maldives festival, while the Chinese traditional festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival, are dimmed to the edge.
This state-led "de-Chinaization" measure makes it almost impossible for the new generation of Singaporean Chinese to maintain spiritual ties with China through education and culture, forming a sense of alienation from their home country.
Geopolitical pressure is the core reason for this strategy.
Standing at a key position in the Strait of Malacca, Singapore understands that easily choosing sides in the game of great powers may lead to fatal risks.
In the 1990s, when China’s military power expanded rapidly, Li Xiaobo quickly opened Changi Air Force and Naval bases to the U.S. military; and more importantly, when ASEAN countries accused China of building islands in the South China Sea, Singapore had long redefined “Chinese identity.”
Do you think that learning Chinese in Singapore will naturally stimulate your recognition and feelings for China?
Chinese courses in schools are mainly taught language skills: how to speak, how to write simple Chinese letters, while Chinese history books, traditional festivals and cultural backgrounds are barely involved.
The content of the classroom focuses on Singapore's founding process, economic development and social system. Singapore's national flag, national emblem and national symbols are most printed in textbooks, while Chinese cultural logos rarely appear.
In the past, Singapore’s young Chinese have become very clear about their understanding of identity: “I’m Singaporean,” and “Chinese” is more than just a racial label, just like the Malay, Indian, and does not automatically bring sentiment or belonging to China.
Singapore is a capitalist market economy, highly open, and the quality of personal life depends mainly on their own efforts.
In order to improve their lives, Chinese people must work hard, deal with fierce competition, and think about how to make money and save money every day.
Upper-level Chinese attention to China is also based on commercial interests, rather than emotional identity.
At the same time, the government is always pragmatic when dealing with diplomatic relations: on the one hand, actively conducting trade and cultural exchanges with China, and on the other hand,ining good relations with other great powers, and seeking balance between China and the United States.