Terrorism remains a major concern, Singapore to enter next phase of SGSecure movement: PM Wong

Ten years after its launch in September 2016 to prepare the population to act in the event of a terrorist attack, Singapore’s national security framework is shifting its focus toward evolving risks, particularly the rising threat of online radicalisation among young people. Speaking at Our Tampines Hub, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the changing nature of modern security challenges, noting that community resilience is central to keeping the country safe and united.

Today, terrorism remains a major concern, but the threats we face are much broader. For example, someone may be radicalised online and decide to carry out an attack, he said. We cannot predict exactly where the danger will come from, or when it might strike.

Wong added that security services cannot predict exactly where danger will originate or when an incident might strike.

Recent Security Disruptions and Close Calls

Lawrence Wong References Recent Operations at Our Tampines Hub

Behind the scenes, security agencies have worked behind the scenes to identify individuals who posed a threat before anyone was harmed, though several recent investigations exposed very close calls that narrowly avoided tragedy. Wong referenced specific operations from recent years, including the 2024 detention of a self-radicalised 17-year-old for planning an attack at a neighbourhood centre near the Tampines West Community Club. Authorities also arrested a 14-year-old boy in May for planning a mass-casualty stabbing attack at his secondary school.

We managed to intervene in time before anyone was hurt, but things could have turned out very differently, PM Wong said.

Highlighting the limits of traditional defense networks, Wong emphasized that no security infrastructure can offer absolute protection against determined actors.

What if one day, despite our best efforts, something gets through and we know no security system can give us a hundred guarantee. And this is why we cannot be complacent about safety and security in Singapore. PM Wong

Expanding Outreach and the Next Phase of SGSecure

Ministry of Home Affairs Announces Overhaul of Advisory Content and Communication Channels

To counter public complacency and address youth radicalisation, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a comprehensive overhaul of its advisory content and communication channels. In a press release, the ministry said it will review the content of its advisories to ensure they adequately respond to evolving threats – particularly youth radicalisation – and resonate with different audiences. A refreshed marketing campaign featuring a new tagline and updated messaging is slated for launch next year.

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The SGSecure Advocate Programme, initially piloted at institutes of higher learning, will be expanded from the pilot to schools and the wider community, including workplaces and other organisations. Advocates receive training to spot warning signs, recognize potential threats, identify and report potentially radicalised individuals, support those around them, and report concerning behavior to authorities.

Officials are also exploring technological tools to assist volunteers. MHA is also trialling an artificial intelligence-enabled training chatbot on WhatsApp to better support SGSecure advocates, volunteers and frontline officers in their engagements with the public.

Targeting Digital Platforms, Preserving Community Bonds

Matthias Chew and Sim Ann Discuss Outreach Efforts on Roblox and at Exhibition

Communication efforts will spread across radio, digital and online platforms, along with more collaborations with content creators, media and community partners, said MHA. Furthermore, authorities plan to reach vernacular-speaking audiences, preschoolers and young families, as well as new modes of digital engagement, such as through online gaming platform Roblox, said MHA.

Mr Matthias Chew, director of the SGSecure programme office, said these efforts target the platforms that youths are already on and complement more traditional outreach methods. For preschoolers and young families, a new SGSecure-themed storybook will be launched next month to show children how to respond when they encounter potential dangers, in an age-appropriate way, said Mr Chew.

Alongside these institutional changes, an exhibition, entitled Our Ordinary Days Are Worth Cherishing, will also be held from Sept 23 to 27, which was attended by Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Law Minister Edwin Tong, and others.

Speaking at the event, Sim said the 10th anniversary was an opportunity to recognise and thank Singapore’s security agencies, community partners, while also reminding Singaporeans to remain vigilant. However, the threat of terrorism to Singapore remains high and continues to evolve. We must not let our guard down, she said.