SINGAPORE - To recognise new Singapore citizens and permanent residents who have contributed to Singapore, the Singapore Hua Yuan Association is opening its second New Immigrant Outstanding Contribution Awards to new immigrants of all races, regardless of their countries of origin.
The awards, first held in 2009, used to be targeted at immigrants from China.
For this year's awards, the association hopes to select candidates who have contributed outstandingly to the nation's development in areas including the arts, science and technology, commerce and education.
It will also be giving Friends of Immigrants Awards to Singaporeans who have helped to foster social integration between Singaporeans and new immigrants.
The awards are co-organised by the Tan Kah Kee International Society and supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and the National Population and Talent Division.
The chairman of the Tan Kah Kee International Society, Professor Phua Kok Khoo, who is on the panel of judges, said it would take time for new immigrants to understand Singapore society.
"Those immigrants from China and India, they group together, they don't try to interact. They don't mix, so that's a big problem," he said.
Prof Phua added that Singaporeans do not actively interact with people from other countries either. "I think we should change that attitude," he said.
Nominations are now open and will close on June 1. The preliminary selections will take place in July and August, followed by the panel's final decision which will be made in November and the award ceremony will happen on Jan 1 next year.
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