I refer to the report “Getting the right mix of 6.9 million people” (Jan 30).

The burgeoning population in Singapore would mean more trials and challenges as we strive to achieve social cohesion.

In my opinion, social cohesion entails an inherent unity in the hearts of people in Singaporean society.

Unity between races is imperative, given that Singapore lauds itself for having a hodgepodge of races. Unity between races is also enshrined in our National Pledge.

However, the unpalatable reality is that we have room for improvement, as seen from incidents last year when individuals were lambasted or even arrested for posting racist remarks online.

Perhaps, we could observe a moment of introspection each time we are tempted to perpetrate any nefarious act in a moment of impetuousness, so that we do not become impediments to racial harmony.

After all, Singapore is often perceived as a “rojak” country, a myriad of races forming a complete product.

Unity between citizens and foreigners is also vital, for it is an ineluctable fact that foreigners have played a role in enabling Singapore to get to where it is today.

They have benefited us on a plethora of levels, ranging from doing menial tasks, such as cleaning and settling for meagre salaries that many Singaporeans would complain about, to contributing in the higher strata of society. They are a quintessential part of our society.

As our population grows, we should be circumspect and maintain social cohesion so as to enable Singapore to reach its acme.