39 leaders and practitioners of major faiths from all ten ASEAN countries gathered in Singapore from 3-6 December 2018 for the inaugural Faithfully ASEAN interfaith exchange programme. A unique ground-up initiative which aims to build a more cohesive society by forging closer relationships among religious leaders, Faithfully ASEAN is presented by Temasek Foundation Connects, and co-presented by S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and WISE SG. It is supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth, and is in line with ASEAN’s spirit for the promotion of regional peace.

In her opening address, President Halimah Yacob noted that while ISIS is diminished, “its dangerous ideology continues to influence others around the world. We need to guard against their divisive narratives, which seed prejudice within our societies.” She encouraged participants to work together, share experiences, and extend help to those in need, adding, “Through finding common ground, we can deepen mutual trust and understanding so that we can navigate through an increasingly complex world together.”

The four-day programme included a lecture and dialogue session with Dr Noor Huda Ismail of RSIS, as well as dialogues on the unique dietary observances and pilgrimages of various faiths by Common Senses for Common Spaces, a series of Singapore interfaith discussions which was launched in 2016 by the South East Community Development Council. Participants also visited the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, the Islamic Religious Council’s Harmony Centre and the Church of St Mary of the Angels.

Watch the closing of Faithfully ASEAN 2018 here