President Tharman Urges Singapore Media to Provide Credible China Insights
Singapore media must act as a bridge-builder by offering fact-based, impartial reporting on global developments.
1Media as a Bridge-Builder
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized that Singaporean media should serve as a credible observer of global affairs. Speaking at the launch of Lianhe Zaobao’s English edition on November 5, he noted that the nation's unique multicultural history positions it well to bridge critical gaps in international understanding and reporting.
2Addressing China Knowledge Gaps
The President highlighted that global understanding of China has weakened over the past three decades despite the country's rising geopolitical importance. He attributed this decline to reduced academic exchanges and fewer interactions between China and the West, particularly the United States, necessitating more high-quality, fact-based reporting from neutral observers.
3Beyond Systemic Differences
International media often focuses on grand systemic, ideological, and civilizational differences when reporting on China. President Tharman argued that this approach overlooks shared governance challenges and common human aspirations. He advocated for an inside-out perspective that respects both differences and similarities to achieve a more accurate understanding of societies.
4Maintaining Social Cohesion
Regarding the impact of US-China competition on Singapore, the President acknowledged that cultural affinity can influence public sentiment. He stated that Singapore must work gently to maintain cohesion, ensuring the national identity remains multicultural. Governance and community leadership are essential to prevent cultural leanings from fracturing the domestic social fabric.
5Evolving Multicultural Frameworks
Singapore’s administrative race-based framework for education and housing remains necessary for deliberate integration. However, the President noted that this structure will become increasingly porous due to intermarriages and new immigrants. He encouraged embracing this messiness to foster greater flexibility and openness in how different communities interact and think.
6Education in the AI Era
President Tharman addressed the role of artificial intelligence in education, noting that while AI provides quick answers, it may hinder the development of independent thinking. He warned that the speed and low cost of AI tools work against the mental effort required for deep learning and original intellectual development.
7The Value of Slow Reading
To counter the superficiality of digital consumption, the President advocated for slow reading. This practice involves deliberate engagement with texts, recognizing emotional tones, and identifying ambiguities. He emphasized that education systems must carefully manage AI usage to ensure students continue to develop the capacity for deep, critical human analysis.
8Language as a Lens
Learning foreign languages remains vital despite advancements in AI-powered translation. The President argued that language ability provides a unique perspective on reality and emotional norms that translations cannot fully capture. Mastering original languages allows for a deeper understanding of the nuances and cultural contexts inherent in global communication.