President Tharman Urges Singapore Media to Provide Credible Global Perspectives
Singapore media must act as a bridge-builder to improve understanding of complex global developments.
1Media as a Bridge-Builder
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized that Singaporean media must serve as a credible, trusted observer of global affairs. Speaking at the launch of Lianhe Zaobao’s English edition on November 5, he noted that Singapore’s unique multicultural identity and short history position it well to bridge gaps in international understanding today.
2Addressing China Knowledge Gaps
The President highlighted that global understanding of China has weakened significantly over the last three decades. With fewer academic exchanges and reduced interactions between China and the West, he argued that high-quality media must provide an inside-out perspective to counter superficial reporting that focuses solely on grand systemic differences.
3Beyond Systemic Differences
Tharman cautioned against international media narratives that prioritize ideological and civilizational conflicts. He suggested that reporting should instead acknowledge similarities in governance challenges and human aspirations. By respecting both differences and commonalities, media outlets can offer a more accurate, nuanced view of societies in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
4Managing Social Cohesion
Regarding the US-China rivalry, the President acknowledged that cultural affinity can influence public opinion. He stated that Singapore must work gently to maintain social cohesion, ensuring that the national identity remains multicultural. Governance and community leadership are essential to prevent these external geopolitical tensions from fracturing domestic unity over time.
5Evolving Multicultural Frameworks
Tharman addressed the administrative Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others framework, describing it as a construct that may become increasingly clumsy due to intermarriages and new immigration. He advocated for encouraging porosity and messiness in cultural interactions, arguing that being race-blind would hinder the government's ability to integrate citizens and uplift all communities effectively.
6AI and Independent Thinking
In the era of artificial intelligence, the President warned that the technology's speed might discourage the mental effort required for deep learning. While AI can provide quick answers, he stressed that education systems must prioritize independent thinking and original analysis, balancing technological utility with the necessary struggle of intellectual development.
7Value of Slow Reading
Tharman championed the practice of slow reading, which involves deliberate engagement with texts to grasp emotional tones and ambiguities. He argued that this deep focus is vital for understanding human authors, as AI-generated content often lacks the nuance and depth found in original, human-crafted works requiring careful, repeated study.
8Language as a Lens
The President concluded that learning foreign languages remains crucial despite advancements in AI-powered translation. Language ability provides a unique perspective on reality, emotions, and cultural norms that translations cannot fully capture. This linguistic depth is essential for media professionals aiming to provide truly credible and insightful analysis of global developments.