Why was the PA formed?

The 1950s and early 60s saw turbulent times for Singapore. Racial riots and political strife made Singapore a poor and divided society with closely-knit communal groups pulling in different directions. We had to overcome serious political, economic and communal problems in order to survive.

On 1 July 1960, the PA was formed to help foster racial harmony and social cohesion to form the basis for nation building. 

What was the PA’s role in nation-building?

Twenty-eight CCs were set up as a meeting ground for various ethnic, language and religious groups. Community leaders served in the newly-formed Community Centre Management Committees. More and more people became active with the establishment of the Citizens' Consultative Committees and later, the Residents' Committees (RCs) and Neighbourhood Committees (NCs). 

People of different racial, language, income and age groups participated in a wide range of activities at the CCs. Such  multi-racial participation helps to promote unity within the diversity of race, culture and religion.