In October 2022, The Silent Foundation (TSF) pledged $2.5 million to the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore (IPS) over a period of five years for this programme. With their generous support, the IPS Programme on Race, Religion, and Intergroup Cohesion (IPS RRIC) has since been able to develop innovative training workshops and engagements that complement existing efforts in promoting harmony across race, religion and various other potential fault lines in our society.
IPS RRIC is one of Singapore’s first empirically-based programme carefully developed with immersive and engaging pedagogical tools. Drawing on over a decade of research on social cohesion in Singapore, IPS RRIC is designed by a dedicated team of researchers who hail from different disciplines.
At the core of our programme lies a deep commitment in enhancing awareness and knowledge of historical, current, and emerging issues relating to race, religion and intergroup cohesion in Singapore, moving the needle towards a more cohesive and inclusive society.
Established on July 14, 2010, by Mr Teng Ngiek Lian, The Silent Foundation (TSF) is a registered charity dedicated to assisting ‘silent sufferers’ . The Foundation’s ethos is aligned with Mr Teng’s professional commitment to value investing, which focuses on neglected and underappreciated sectors. Recognising the inherent challenges faced by the voiceless in society, the foundation supports marginalised human communities, such as migrant workers, minority races and women.
With an unwavering focus on the ‘silent sufferers’ in society, TSF channels its resources into impactful initiatives, such as endeavours with broad outreach, active advocacy, education, road shows, and social media. Whether it’s through creating their own programmes or collaborating with other charity organisations, the foundation maximises their impact by engaging in activities with a multiplier effect and maximum outreach. TSF also allocates a portion of their funds to providing relief for victims of natural disasters and social abuses, thereby embodying their commitment to holistic and compassionate support.
A word from The Silent Foundation:
Our logo embodies our programme's mission and ethos with three key features: the double helix, the closed loop, and a vibrant colour palette.
1) The double helix represents our aim to make social cohesion as vital as DNA, and 'DNA' stands for Discover, Navigate, and Act in our approach to cohesion.
2) The closed loop signifies the interconnected relationships in society, highlighting the collective effort needed to build a cohesive community.
3) The vibrant colours reflect Singapore's dynamic diversity, with the harmonious blend symbolising positive interactions.
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was established in 1988 as an independent think tank to study and generate public policy ideas in Singapore. IPS became an autonomous research centre of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore in 2008. Today, IPS continues to analyse public policy, build bridges between thought leaders, and communicate its findings to a wide audience.
Head, Social Lab & Principal Research Fellow
Researcher and trainer on multiculturalism for over 20 years.
Head, Social Lab & Principal Research Fellow
Researcher and trainer on multiculturalism for over 20 years.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in religion, culture and race, exploring the complex dynamics of identity and social structures. Lyn is keen to explore how cultural expressions and racial experiences shape individuals and communities.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in political science and philosophy. Interested in theories of justice, race, and Singapore politics.
PhD Candidate, University of San Diego
Qualitative researcher with experience working in multinational corporations. Research interest in making the everyday easier for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Associate Director, IPS Social Lab
Experimental social psychologist, behavioral scientist, and organizational consultant. Experiments with novel research and pedagogical tools, including designing programme evaluation.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working on sociopolitical attitudes and cohesion-related issues.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Research interest in cultural diplomacy within Transcultural Studies and South Asian Studies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Mixed-methods researcher interested in conducting policy-relevant research to better understand intergroup dynamics and behaviour.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Ethnographer with research and teaching experience in NUS and King’s College London. Research interests in issues of diversity, pluralism, and multiculturalism.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with diverse interests spanning from political economy to philosophy.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with 10 years experience in ethnography and anthropology. Research interests lies in the melding and divergence of political, cultural and religious identities across social and political contexts.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Anthropologist and ethnographer who has conducted research in rural and urban India. Interested in urban spaces and integration into national culture.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist interested in multicultural societies and lived experiences of Singaporeans in romantic interracial intimacies.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in arts and media, committed to exploring creative approaches for solving challenges related to social inequality and inclusion.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in psychology. Her interest lies in exploring issues related to race, religion, and mental well-being.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Researcher, filmmaker, storyteller.
Manager, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist and experienced research manager with many years of experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Benjamin is a researcher with a background in International Relations and Political Science. His research interests include Singaporeans’ national identity and their sense of belonging, overseas Singaporeans, as well as immigration and integration in Singapore.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Worked on multiple research projects on social issues in Singapore. Research interest in the political economy and sociology of religion.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Roslina is currently pursuing her PhD in Management Studies with a major in Organisational Behaviour. She specialises in job search goals and behaviours. Experienced in quantitative analyses and psychometrics.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in religion, culture and race, exploring the complex dynamics of identity and social structures. Lyn is keen to explore how cultural expressions and racial experiences shape individuals and communities.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in political science and philosophy. Interested in theories of justice, race, and Singapore politics.
PhD Candidate, University of San Diego
Qualitative researcher with experience working in multinational corporations. Research interest in making the everyday easier for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Associate Director, IPS Social Lab
Experimental social psychologist, behavioral scientist, and organizational consultant. Experiments with novel research and pedagogical tools, including designing programme evaluation.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working on sociopolitical attitudes and cohesion-related issues.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Research interest in cultural diplomacy within Transcultural Studies and South Asian Studies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Mixed-methods researcher interested in conducting policy-relevant research to better understand intergroup dynamics and behaviour.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Ethnographer with research and teaching experience in NUS and King’s College London. Research interests in issues of diversity, pluralism, and multiculturalism.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with diverse interests spanning from political economy to philosophy.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with 10 years experience in ethnography and anthropology. Research interests lies in the melding and divergence of political, cultural and religious identities across social and political contexts.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Anthropologist and ethnographer who has conducted research in rural and urban India. Interested in urban spaces and integration into national culture.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist interested in multicultural societies and lived experiences of Singaporeans in romantic interracial intimacies.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in arts and media, committed to exploring creative approaches for solving challenges related to social inequality and inclusion.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in psychology. Her interest lies in exploring issues related to race, religion, and mental well-being.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Researcher, filmmaker, storyteller.
Manager, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist and experienced research manager with many years of experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Benjamin is a researcher with a background in International Relations and Political Science. His research interests include Singaporeans’ national identity and their sense of belonging, overseas Singaporeans, as well as immigration and integration in Singapore.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Worked on multiple research projects on social issues in Singapore. Research interest in the political economy and sociology of religion.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Roslina is currently pursuing her PhD in Management Studies with a major in Organisational Behaviour. She specialises in job search goals and behaviours. Experienced in quantitative analyses and psychometrics.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in religion, culture and race, exploring the complex dynamics of identity and social structures. Lyn is keen to explore how cultural expressions and racial experiences shape individuals and communities.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in political science and philosophy. Interested in theories of justice, race, and Singapore politics.
PhD Candidate, University of San Diego
Qualitative researcher with experience working in multinational corporations. Research interest in making the everyday easier for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Associate Director, IPS Social Lab
Experimental social psychologist, behavioral scientist, and organizational consultant. Experiments with novel research and pedagogical tools, including designing programme evaluation.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working on sociopolitical attitudes and cohesion-related issues.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Research interest in cultural diplomacy within Transcultural Studies and South Asian Studies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Mixed-methods researcher interested in conducting policy-relevant research to better understand intergroup dynamics and behaviour.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Ethnographer with research and teaching experience in NUS and King’s College London. Research interests in issues of diversity, pluralism, and multiculturalism.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with diverse interests spanning from political economy to philosophy.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with 10 years experience in ethnography and anthropology. Research interests lies in the melding and divergence of political, cultural and religious identities across social and political contexts.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Anthropologist and ethnographer who has conducted research in rural and urban India. Interested in urban spaces and integration into national culture.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist interested in multicultural societies and lived experiences of Singaporeans in romantic interracial intimacies.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in arts and media, committed to exploring creative approaches for solving challenges related to social inequality and inclusion.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in psychology. Her interest lies in exploring issues related to race, religion, and mental well-being.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Researcher, filmmaker, storyteller.
Manager, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist and experienced research manager with many years of experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Benjamin is a researcher with a background in International Relations and Political Science. His research interests include Singaporeans’ national identity and their sense of belonging, overseas Singaporeans, as well as immigration and integration in Singapore.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Worked on multiple research projects on social issues in Singapore. Research interest in the political economy and sociology of religion.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Roslina is currently pursuing her PhD in Management Studies with a major in Organisational Behaviour. She specialises in job search goals and behaviours. Experienced in quantitative analyses and psychometrics.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in religion, culture and race, exploring the complex dynamics of identity and social structures. Lyn is keen to explore how cultural expressions and racial experiences shape individuals and communities.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in political science and philosophy. Interested in theories of justice, race, and Singapore politics.
PhD Candidate, University of San Diego
Qualitative researcher with experience working in multinational corporations. Research interest in making the everyday easier for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Associate Director, IPS Social Lab
Experimental social psychologist, behavioral scientist, and organizational consultant. Experiments with novel research and pedagogical tools, including designing programme evaluation.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working on sociopolitical attitudes and cohesion-related issues.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Research interest in cultural diplomacy within Transcultural Studies and South Asian Studies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Mixed-methods researcher interested in conducting policy-relevant research to better understand intergroup dynamics and behaviour.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Ethnographer with research and teaching experience in NUS and King’s College London. Research interests in issues of diversity, pluralism, and multiculturalism.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with diverse interests spanning from political economy to philosophy.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with 10 years experience in ethnography and anthropology. Research interests lies in the melding and divergence of political, cultural and religious identities across social and political contexts.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Anthropologist and ethnographer who has conducted research in rural and urban India. Interested in urban spaces and integration into national culture.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist interested in multicultural societies and lived experiences of Singaporeans in romantic interracial intimacies.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in arts and media, committed to exploring creative approaches for solving challenges related to social inequality and inclusion.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in psychology. Her interest lies in exploring issues related to race, religion, and mental well-being.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Researcher, filmmaker, storyteller.
Manager, IPS Social Lab
Sociologist and experienced research manager with many years of experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Benjamin is a researcher with a background in International Relations and Political Science. His research interests include Singaporeans’ national identity and their sense of belonging, overseas Singaporeans, as well as immigration and integration in Singapore.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Worked on multiple research projects on social issues in Singapore. Research interest in the political economy and sociology of religion.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Roslina is currently pursuing her PhD in Management Studies with a major in Organisational Behaviour. She specialises in job search goals and behaviours. Experienced in quantitative analyses and psychometrics.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in religion, culture and race, exploring the complex dynamics of identity and social structures. Lyn is keen to explore how cultural expressions and racial experiences shape individuals and communities.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with a background in political science and philosophy. Interested in theories of justice, race, and Singapore politics.
PhD Candidate, University of San Diego
Qualitative researcher with experience working in multinational corporations. Research interest in making the everyday easier for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Conducted various research projects on race and religion, disability and the youth in Singapore. Samantha is a Literature graduate.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in issues related to youth, education, work, and social inequality.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an academic background in philosophy, media, and counselling. His research interests and professional pursuits have been in areas related to social issues, mental health, and the critical posthumanities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Senior Research Fellow, IPS Governance and Economy
Researcher in state and development, multiculturalism, social capital and inequality. Experienced facilitator of policy makers, academic, corporates and interest groups.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working in both education and the public sector. Research interests and experiences pertain to working with disadvantaged segments of the population in understanding and bridging their needs.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher interested in psychosocial influences on wellbeing.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Qualitative researcher with experience in data analytics. Research interest in healthcare, popular culture, technology, big data, and applied social science research.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in issues related to youth, education, work, and social inequality.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an academic background in philosophy, media, and counselling. His research interests and professional pursuits have been in areas related to social issues, mental health, and the critical posthumanities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Senior Research Fellow, IPS Governance and Economy
Researcher in state and development, multiculturalism, social capital and inequality. Experienced facilitator of policy makers, academic, corporates and interest groups.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working in both education and the public sector. Research interests and experiences pertain to working with disadvantaged segments of the population in understanding and bridging their needs.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher interested in psychosocial influences on wellbeing.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Qualitative researcher with experience in data analytics. Research interest in healthcare, popular culture, technology, big data, and applied social science research.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in issues related to youth, education, work, and social inequality.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an academic background in philosophy, media, and counselling. His research interests and professional pursuits have been in areas related to social issues, mental health, and the critical posthumanities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Senior Research Fellow, IPS Governance and Economy
Researcher in state and development, multiculturalism, social capital and inequality. Experienced facilitator of policy makers, academic, corporates and interest groups.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working in both education and the public sector. Research interests and experiences pertain to working with disadvantaged segments of the population in understanding and bridging their needs.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher interested in psychosocial influences on wellbeing.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Qualitative researcher with experience in data analytics. Research interest in healthcare, popular culture, technology, big data, and applied social science research.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in issues related to youth, education, work, and social inequality.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an academic background in philosophy, media, and counselling. His research interests and professional pursuits have been in areas related to social issues, mental health, and the critical posthumanities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Senior Research Fellow, IPS Governance and Economy
Researcher in state and development, multiculturalism, social capital and inequality. Experienced facilitator of policy makers, academic, corporates and interest groups.
Research Fellow, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher with experience working in both education and the public sector. Research interests and experiences pertain to working with disadvantaged segments of the population in understanding and bridging their needs.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Quantitative researcher interested in psychosocial influences on wellbeing.
Research Associate, IPS Social Lab
Qualitative researcher with experience in data analytics. Research interest in healthcare, popular culture, technology, big data, and applied social science research.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an interest in issues related to youth, education, work, and social inequality.
Research Assistant, IPS Social Lab
Researcher with an academic background in philosophy, media, and counselling. His research interests and professional pursuits have been in areas related to social issues, mental health, and the critical posthumanities.
Graduate Student, NUS
Researcher trained in quantitative methods with an interest in a wide range of social issues in Singapore.
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet.
For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.
OnePeople.sg, launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2007, is a ground up organisation that champions racial harmony and social cohesion in Singapore. It aims to facilitate deeper understanding of race relations and foster an appreciation for diversity by nurturing cross-cultural exchanges. OnePeople.sg serves as a safe space for engaging difficult issues, bringing forth community concerns and aspirations, widening common space and nurturing advocates for the cause.
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet.
For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.
OnePeople.sg, launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2007, is a ground up organisation that champions racial harmony and social cohesion in Singapore. It aims to facilitate deeper understanding of race relations and foster an appreciation for diversity by nurturing cross-cultural exchanges. OnePeople.sg serves as a safe space for engaging difficult issues, bringing forth community concerns and aspirations, widening common space and nurturing advocates for the cause.