Singapore, August 20... From 18 to 22 August 2008, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) is hosting a delegation of five senior Korean government officials under its inaugural Republic of Korean (ROK) Director-Generals Visit programme. It seeks to broaden perspectives and strengthen links between South Korea and Singapore.

Led by Mr Seo Jong-Dae, Vice Administrator of the Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency, the team kicked off their visit with a roundtable discussion with Singapore’s ethnic self-help group leaders yesterday morning.

SIF’s Board of Governor Mr Michael Gray chaired the roundtable with Yayasan MENDAKI, Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and The Eurasian Association of Singapore.  The discussion explored the role these self-help groups played in tandem with government policies and the challenges that they face in their respective communities.

A lively discussion ensued, with the visitors querying about a wide range of topics – from the nature of programmes and the risk of abuse to racial demographics and integration.

Mdm Zuraidah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan MENDAKI, outlined the general trends that exist in the low income families of the Malay/Muslim community and how her organisation’s provision of subsidies and educational programmes helps to uplift the community.

While Mr Goh Chim Khim, Deputy Executive Director of CDAC explained the checks and balances that were in place to ensure support goes to those in need.

Mr Seo also wanted to learn how the Eurasian culture originated. Mr Harry Pereira, Honorary Secretary of The Eurasian Association of Singapore took the group back in time and explained the origins of the 17,000 Eurasians who currently live in Singapore. Mr Pereira pointed that though small in number, the Eurasians have made their mark through their vibrant customs and culture, and have integrated comfortably through inter-racial marriage.

Chief Executive Officer of SINDA Mr S. Manogaran also shared insights about the influx of foreign Indian expatriates and their integration into Singapore society.

The visting Korean bureaucrats have a busy week ahead of them. Among the leaders they will call on, are Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Development, Mr Tan Tee How.

The delegation of Director-Generals includes Mr Noh Kwang-Il from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr Park Cheol-Kyu from the Ministry of Strategy and Finance; Mr Kim Hyung-Sun from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and Mr Lee Jang Hoon from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.