HANGZHOU <\/span>\u2013 An effective combination of the rule of law and social norms is needed for successful social governance, including in resolving community disputes, said Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung at a high-level bilateral forum with China.<\/p>\n Singapore is merging the two approaches by updating its laws to account for new developments while actively cultivating shared values and norms within society as it evolves, he said.<\/p>\n It is \u201cwishful thinking\u201d to expect people to resolve disputes on their own through a strong sense of propriety, as unruly behaviour and misunderstandings will always exist, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cConversely, if we over-rely on law and enforcement to resolve disputes, people would only behave when authorities are watching. There would be no kindness, care and warmth in society,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Mr Ong, who is also Health Minister, was giving a keynote address at the 5th Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, held on April 20 at the Westlake Villa Hangzhou. <\/p>\n It was attended by more than 60 officials from both countries who work in fields ranging from social development and culture to law and public security.<\/p>\n The forum, held once every two years, is a bilateral platform where officials exchange views on issues related to social governance. Its theme in 2026 is \u201cBuilding Cohesive and Stable Communities Through Dispute Resolution\u201d.<\/p>\n This platform is \u201can important channel for exchanges and cooperation on social governance\u201d and enables both countries to learn from each other, said Mr Chen Wenqing, a member of the Communist Party of China\u2019s Politburo, a top decision-making body.<\/p>\n Mr Chen, who headed the Chinese delegation, is also the secretary of the Communist Party\u2019s Political and Legal Affairs Commission, a body that oversees China\u2019s law enforcement apparatus, including the police, courts and prosecutor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n He said in his keynote address that China and Singapore have many similarities in social governance, given how both countries prioritise the public\u2019s needs, are committed to economic development, uphold the rule of law, and emphasise alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.<\/p>\n At the forum, the Singapore delegation shared examples of how the Republic tackles social governance and resolves community disputes in the face of fresh challenges. These include digital technologies that enable the spread of misinformation, and immigration that has shifted the composition of society.<\/p>\n \u201cFor multiracial and multi-religious Singapore, our utmost priority since day one is to maintain peace and harmony in our communities,\u201d said Mr Ong.<\/p>\n He used the Chinese words \u201cfa\u201d<\/i> and \u201cli\u201d<\/i> \u2013 referring to the rule of law, and social norms or virtues respectively \u2013 to outline the Republic\u2019s thinking to the Chinese participants, who made up half the audience.<\/p>\n Mr Ong explained how Singapore had in 2025 enacted the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act,<\/span><\/a> complementing a pre-existing Act on religious harmony because secular racial issues not tied to specific religions had come up as society evolved. <\/p>\n The Republic had also moved to address misinformation via the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, while supporting access to accurate and reliable information by restructuring the print media into a trust and supporting it with public funds, he said.<\/p>\n On the subject of immigration, Mr Ong said a more diverse population can be a \u201cgreat strength\u201d that fosters inclusivity in the community, but he also observed that this has \u201cturned against\u201d and divided society in many countries. <\/p>\n Singapore has sought to integrate its new citizens and permanent residents through programmes that help them better understand Singapore\u2019s history and values, and build connections with fellow residents and community leaders, he said.<\/p>\n In a separate speech, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said Singapore is cognisant that new divides can emerge within society, arising from widening social inequality and community disputes.<\/p>\n Even as Singapore continues progressing economically, \u201cthere is a risk that… those from less well-off families will find opportunities closed to them\u201d, he said. \u201cThis will certainly impact our social cohesion in the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said that Singapore is cognisant that new divides can emerge within society.<\/p>\n PHOTO: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/picture><\/div>