Panel Discussion on Religious Harmony and Social Cohesion

On Fri 27 Jun 2025, Dr Roland Chia participated in a panel discussion on religious harmony and social cohesion organised by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The event, which brought together delegates from ASEAN member states, was held at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue at Waterloo Street.

In his presentation, Dr Chia emphasised that interfaith harmony and social cohesion are essential to Singapore’s national identity. He highlighted how the Christian community views its contribution to these goals as a theological and moral calling rooted in Scripture. Christians are called to love their neighbours as fellow bearers of the divine image and to engage in society through the principles of the common good, solidarity, and principled pluralism. These convictions, Dr Chia asserted, compel Christians to participate in public life with humility, respect, and a deep commitment to justice and peace, thereby promoting unity in Singapore’s religiously and culturally diverse context.

The other panellists were: Rabbi Netanel Rivni (Maghian Aboth Synagogue), Venerable Seck Kwang Phing (President, Singapore Buddhist Federation), and Ramasamy Dhinakaran (Director, Indian Heritage Board; former Nominated Member of Parliament, Feb 2012–Aug 2014). The discussion was moderated by Associate Professor Eugene Tan (Singapore Management University) who is Singapore’s representative to AICHR.