SMU School of Social Sciences Associate Professor of English literature Kirpal Singh shared his views regarding cultural appropriation in fiction. Those in the literary and performing arts noted that writers should have the freedom to draw from cultures other than their own when they come up with works of fiction. But they also believe that how the appropriation is done - respectfully, responsibly and skilfully - is important. Associate Prof Singh believes that restricting cultural appropriation in fiction, when no malice is intended, can be harmful to social harmony and cross-cultural understanding. He said: "How can we as human beings even begin to understand one another if we are compelled to only and ever stay within the bounds of our own cultures?" He added that especially in Singapore, where "we inhabit multiple spaces and multiple identities", to deny authors the "right to write and discuss all cultures which find a place here" is to "perpetuate the tyranny of a 'mono' viewpoint".