The Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) were formed in 2002, against the backdrop of the Sep 11 attacks, to provide a platform for community, especially religious leaders to have regular interactions so as to deepen friendships and build trust over time. Currently, there is one IRCC in every constituency.

It acts as a key inter-faith platform at the local level to respond quickly to incidents with racial and religious dimensions, and to project solidarity on the ground. It will act as the leading local platforms in preparing for and responding to tensions with religious or ethnic tensions; and strengthen ground / community networks with local ethnic and religious organisations in order to build a network of trust and cooperation, so that it can effectively restore confidence and maintain social cohesion in the aftermath of a racial or religious incident. To recognise the IRCCs’ active promotion of inter-religious understanding and harmony, the IRCCs have been renamed as “Inter – Racial and Religious Confidence Circle” since September 2007.

The IRCCs will be the main avenue to reach the estimated 1,400 religious and ethnic-based community organisations on the ground. The IRCCs will also develop an appreciation of the personalities and local networks of the various organisations, so that the Government can tap on their respective expertise and reach in times of crises.