AS A MULTI-CULTURAL and racial community, Singapore has long worked hard to foster mutual understanding and respect. Back in 1959, the then-Ministry of Culture - now the Ministry of Communications and Information - organised initiatives such as the Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat, which roughly translated to 'People's Cultural Concerts'.

Held at multiple locations across Singapore, these government-sponsored performances were a way for Singaporeans of all ilk to bond and appreciate the arts of all the ethnic groups. The first edition was held at the Botanic Gardens on a specially constructed stage, inaugurated by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and attended by some 22,000 people.

Following the success of the first, other editions were held in more far-flung locations, like Bukit Panjang Village and even Pulau Bukom Kechil. Over 200 shows under this initiative were held from 1959 to 1964.