In a speech earlier in the afternoon, Mr Tharman reiterated that Singapore is a multiracial nation built on two spaces – on the cultures and languages of the different races, and a common, neutral space where each community has to make some compromises.
However, he added that there is a need for a third space, where Singaporeans participate in each other’s cultures.
“That third space needs to be developed. It is not a melting point, it is learning another culture and taking it very seriously,” he said. “Whether it is art or dance or music or even language, you have to take seriously the other cultures.”
Last month, Mr Tharman announced his intention to run for the Singapore presidency. President Halimah Yacob’s six-year term expires on Sep 13 and she has said she will not stand for re-election.
The Elections Department has said that the Presidential Election may be held at any time from Jun 13, and if it has not been held by the expiration of the term of the incumbent President, it should be held shortly after.
A total of three candidates – former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, businessman George Goh, and Mr Tharman have announced their bids for the presidency.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Mr Tharman noted that with the world becoming more “turbulent”, the region around Singapore will become more important in the next 5 to 10 years.
Southeast Asia is a region where there is an “openness” to trade and investment, and a “desire to grow” by making use of markets abroad and by inviting investments into their own countries, he added.
“This is a big advantage because it is not true in many other parts of the world,” he said. “So we will have to place more emphasis on the region around us in the years to come.”