Dr Yee Chin Hong and Rev Bernard Chao participated in the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Executive Programme held on 23-24 March 2021 at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel, Singapore. The topic of the conference was “Religion, Hatred, Law, and the Pandemic.” This two-day conference was organized by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) of Nanyang Technological University.

The SRP programme seeks to deepen scholarship of inter-religious relations and promote peace-building and social ties between communities. This conference focused on Singapore’s approach to multiculturalism and the management of diversity and prejudice in the face of both extremism and COVID-19. Approximately fifty participants from a spectrum of governmental agencies, VWOs, NGOs, religious groups, and academic institutions engaged in speakers and each other in discussions.

A mix of panels and presentations explored topics addressing diversity and multicultural tensions; the nature of hatred, prejudice, and religious bigotry; and law and religion in Singapore. Speakers included professors of religious studies, law, sociology, anthropology, and Islamic studies from the Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, University of Liverpool. Our own Associate Dean, Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun, was part of a panel of presenters on the final day.