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Total Defence Talk – The Roots of Social Defence 13th February 2008, NYJC is honoured to have Professor Brian P Farrer from the History department of NUS to speak to our JC 1 students on the Roots of Social Defence. Professor Brian P Farrer pointed out that Singapore’s demographics expose the country to social fault lines. Social Defence works only when Singaporeans work and live in harmony with each other regardless of race, language and religion. He shared from the historical episode in 1963 when Singapore merged with Malaysia.  He pointed out Singapore’s conflict: its historical, cultural and linguistic bonds with Malaysia and the irreconcilable problems due to the differences in vision Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Tunku Abdul Rahman (first Prime Minister of Malaysia). He also elaborated on the 1964 racial riot. He emphasized that it did not matter how the violence started but more importantly, Singapore’s survival depended on a society that would not explode on communal lines when problems arose. Social Defence is about building understanding and trusts. Only deep bonds that transcend the boundaries of race and religion will keep Singapore united in the face of internal or external acts that threatens its religion and racial harmony. Discuss with your friends how have you (and your friends) contributed to Social Defence? How would you (and your friends) encourage others to play their part in Social Defence? i