Community Exploration 2025

About Community Exploration 2025

The Community Exploration is an immersive programme that gives local and international delegates a firsthand look at Singapore’s approach to multicultural and interreligious harmony. By engaging with local communities and exploring Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods, delegates will gain invaluable insights into how social cohesion is fostered and how diverse faith and cultural practices enrich life in a vibrant, multicultural society.

Community Exploration 2025 will be held in the evenings of 24 and 25 June 2025 after the day’s proceedings, with 4 concurrent sessions per day.

Programme Overview

Day 1

• Sri Mariamman Temple and Masjid Jamae Chulia

  • This segment of the journey will explore two of Singapore's oldest religious landmarks, located in the heart of Chinatown. At Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, visitors will witness the Dravidian architecture and participate in understanding Hindu rituals and traditions. Just a short walk away, Masjid Jamae Chulia, one of the earliest mosques in Singapore, offers a contrast with its Islamic architecture and history of the Muslim community in Singapore.

• Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

  • At the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, the learning journey will uncover the unique Chinese Singaporean culture. Participants will engage with exhibitions that reveal the traditions, practices, and contributions of the Chinese community in Singapore. The centre's programs and activities aim to foster greater appreciation of the Chinese arts and culture that have shaped the nation's multicultural tapestry.

• Our Tampines Hub

  • Our Tampines Hub is a vibrant community and lifestyle destination that reflects the heartland's spirit. The learning journey here will cover the various facilities and initiatives that promote multiculturalism and community bonding. Visitors will experience how the hub serves as a model for future community spaces in fostering social harmony and inclusivity.

• Kampong Gelam Heritage District

  • Kampong Gelam Heritage District is a historical gem that stands as a testament to Singapore's Malay heritage and its early Islamic history. The learning journey through this vibrant district will immerse visitors in the rich tapestry of Malay culture, arts, and traditions. This visit to Kampong Gelam will highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity, and how it contributes to the multicultural landscape of Singapore.

Day 2

• National Gallery Singapore

  • National Gallery Singapore is a treasure trove of Southeast Asian art, housed in two national monuments. The learning journey here will cover the world's largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, spanning the 19th century to present day. Visitors will gain an understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage through the visual arts, and how it has evolved over time.

• Indian Heritage Centre

  • The Indian Heritage Centre offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Visitors will explore four floors of interactive exhibits, showcasing artifacts and stories from the diaspora's past to the present. The journey will cover the contributions of the Indian community to Singapore's nation-building and provide insights into traditional Indian arts, such as dance and music.

• One Punggol

  • One Punggol is set to be a landmark for community engagement and integration. The learning journey will showcase how this development brings together residents of different backgrounds through its integrated community and lifestyle facilities. Participants will learn about the innovative approaches to community building and the promotion of a kampung spirit in a modern setting.

• Community Law Centre @ Tian De Temple

  • The Community Law Centre at Tian De Temple represents a unique blend of legal aid within a religious institution. Visitors will learn about the temple's history and its role in the community, as well as how the law centre provides accessible legal services and promotes understanding of legal rights among residents. This visit will highlight the collaboration between religious organizations and social services to support the community.