Just over half of those ( 53.2 % ) said they have at least one close friend of a different race at the same time.  ,
While this is a significant increase from a decade ago ( 45.6 per cent ), there was a marginal decrease compared to 2018 ( 55.5 per cent ).
According to the report, the drop may be related to a general decrease in near friends.  ,
Regardless of race, the typical number of close friends in 2024 was 6.49, a increases from 10.67 in 2018 and 8.33 in 2013, as reported by responders.
Chinese respondents were significantly less likely to report having at least one close friend of another race ( 45.3 per cent ), compared to their minority-race peers- 72.5 per cent of Malays, 84.5 per cent of Indians, and 85.1 per cent of” Others” respondents.  ,
The report said that this is most likely because of the population’s demographics, with minorities being much more likely to encounter and form friendships with people of bulk race groups.  ,
Younger responders and HDB-dwellers were more likely to report cross-racial friends compared to their older and secret property-dwelling rivals.  ,
The change in the number of cross-racial friends was “unexpected”, said Dr Puthucheary. He added that such connections are essential to Singapore’s method in maintaining social cohesion, connectivity, peace and harmony across community.
He noted that while more people are available to cross-racial friends, shrinking societal circles mean less chances to form and sustain these friendships.
” This is not a Malaysian problem, not just a Singapore problem. Similar styles are prevalent in many other nations. We must consider how to approach this issue really carefully.
TENSIONS
In 2024, the majority of respondents believed that Singapore is free of racial and religious conflicts.
More than eight in ten people stated that their daily lives do not elicit for hostilities. According to the report, older responders and those with lower educational backgrounds were more likely to keep these favorable views.  ,
More than three-quarters of responders over the age of 65 also said they never felt outraged because someone had an insult against their race or cultural customs. This rate was higher than the 42.3 % that was reported for people between the ages of 18 and 35.
Chinese responders were also more likely to claim they have not felt upset in the past month by cultural taunts, than minority-race responders.  ,
However, certain spiritual practices, such as the using of spiritual items and noisy events at space decks,” continue to offend” 13.7 per share and 10.1 per cent of respondents both in 2024, the report said.
This is in contrast to the reported 2018 levels of 9.3 percent of loud events and 16 % for burning religious objects.  ,
While some cultural practices still cause tension, 71 % of respondents believed or felt strongly that racial diversity benefits Singapore.  ,
This was a 4.4 % increase over 2018, with responders from China and India being more likely to benefit variety.
Younger responders were also more likely to believe strongly in receiving instruction from people of other races and religions.
This could indicate that younger generations of Singaporeans who have completed federal education programs are more likely to be able to access the cultural narrative, according to IPS.
The interest in learning about customs and practices from various nations had also increased.  ,
About four in 10 respondents ( 41.8 per cent ) agreed or strongly agreed that they had an interest in understanding other racial groups ‘ customs and practices, up from 38.3 per cent in 2018.  ,
Furthermore, 37.9 per share of respondents were interested in learning about different religious beliefs and practices, compared to 33.9 per share in 2018.  ,
Racial and religious immigrants, as well as younger responders, were more likely to be wondering about different traditions.  ,
The poll results total act as a “reality test” on the state of cultural unity, racial and religious harmony across Singapore, said Dr Puthucheary.
He added that the work was “increasingly crucial” for OnePeople. brs work on social unity.  ,
” In other words, yes, things are improving in the workplace, but as things are improving more in all the other areas, we have to give more attention to what happens in the workplace.  ,
Thus, the work becomes a somewhat more important area of focus.
In a reply to the study findings, OnePeople. roc said that it was working to solve split that extend across millennial, education and socio-economic ranges.  ,
In order to develop receptive and respectful exchanges, the organization had a series of group dialogues involving academic institutions, ethnic and religious organizations, and had already started.  ,
This will allow members of different backgrounds to better know one another’s ideas and build valuable connections, said OnePeople. gs.  ,
Additionally, it had established the Workplace Diversity Programme in collaboration with IPS, which had produced “positive benefits.”  ,
Through designed sessions, OnePeople. Roc stated that it aims to assist businesses in creating situations where people from all origins feel valued and respected.  ,