Capstone Project at End of Singapore Citizenship Journey

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister whether there are any plans to institute a capstone project for potential citizens to undertake at the end of the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ).

Integration is a long-term journey for immigrants, whether in Singapore or elsewhere. Our new immigrants' sense of rootedness and belonging to Singapore and adaptation to the Singaporean way of life cannot be achieved through a single programme or project. These take time to develop and are influenced by their daily experiences in the community, schools and workplaces.

Hence, the focus of the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ) has been to facilitate our new citizens' on-going efforts to integrate into Singapore society, by fostering relations with their local community and encouraging active involvement. Some SCJ participants have gone on to participate more deeply in community activities or volunteer their time and resources to various causes. The personal ties they form with the local community help to strengthen their commitment to Singapore and their identification with fellow Singaporeans. This ground-up approach is more effective and sustainable than a centrally-directed capstone project, as it takes into account the varied needs and interests of new citizens, as well as the local communities in which they live.

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