During the period of the Japanese occupation in Singapore, there was no doubt that there was racism. For example :

• Malays- The Japanese recommended that they work in the defense and administration of Singapore.
• Indians- The Japanese helped the Indian immigrants in their movement to gain independence for India from the British. To do so, the Indian National Army was formed with Japanese Support.
• The British and Chinese however, weren’t treated fairly.

The Chinese were treated terribly because many of them in Singapore wanted to return to China to help fight against the Japanese. This is when Operation Sook Cheng came about.

Operation Sook Cheng was created to clean Singapore from anti-Japanese elements. All Chinese men aged 18 to 50 years old had to report at mass screening centers to be examined by Japanese officers to determine, whether or not they were anti-Japanese.

If one clears the examination, they will be stamped with the word examined on their arm. They will then need to ensure that the stamp does not get washed off.

If one does not clear the examination, they will be brought to the Changi Beach to be executed.

Throughout this whole operation, 25 000 Chinese were estimated to be killed.