Singapore is facing a troubling surge in radicalisation cases, with Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam warning that citizens must brace themselves for a potential security incident. Speaking to the media on 11 February during the Thaipusam festival at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple near Fort Canning Park, the minister highlighted a series of recent cases involving individuals influenced by extremist ideologies, ranging from far-right supremacy to Islamist militancy.
“It is not a matter of if, but when,” Mr Shanmugam said, echoing the SGSecure campaign’s tagline, which urges preparedness for inevitable threats. While Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) has been proactive in intercepting threats early, the minister cautioned that the city-state is not immune to the global wave of radicalisation seeping through its borders.
A Disturbing Trend of Extremism
Among the recent cases flagged by the authorities is an 18-year-old Singaporean male, the third young man to be detained for far-right extremist ideologies. According to the ISD, the teenager was issued a detention order in December 2024 after becoming deeply radicalised by online content promoting racial supremacy. He idolised Brenton Tarrant, the Australian white supremacist responsible for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, which left 51 dead. The young man reportedly role-played as a terrorist in online games, harboured intentions to ignite a race war between Chinese and Malay communities in Singapore, and planned to target Muslims at a local mosque. Symbols of neo-Nazi and far-right ideologies adorned his tattoos and customised clothing, further evidence of his immersion in extremist rhetoric.
Mr Shanmugam described the teenager’s fixation on “junk on race issues” as a stark reminder of how easily accessible online content can warp young minds. “He has convinced himself on far-right supremacy,” the minister noted, underscoring the insidious nature of digital radicalisation. In addition to far-right extremism, the authorities have addressed cases tied to Islamist militancy. A Singaporean housewife, who managed social media groups endorsing militant and terrorist organisations, was placed under a restriction order. Separately, a Malaysian cleaner working in Singapore was arrested in November 2024 for similar affiliations and subsequently repatriated to Malaysia. These cases reflect a worrying diversity in the ideological threats facing the multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation.
National Security Threats Beyond Individuals
Beyond individual radicalisation, Singapore has also taken firm action against broader security risks. Mr Shanmugam addressed the case of an Iranian woman, Parvane Heidaridehkordi, 38, and her Malaysian husband, Soo Thean Ling, 65, who were deemed national security threats. Ms Heidaridehkordi had her long-term visit pass revoked due to her involvement with a Singapore-registered travel agency suspected of facilitating visa applications for terrorism-linked foreigners. Her husband’s permanent resident status was similarly cancelled after attempts to register a related business despite ongoing investigations.
“We have been looking at a lady, and some of her activities caused security concerns. We have decided to take action and ask her to leave,” Mr Shanmugam explained. He clarified that, to his knowledge, no terrorism-linked individuals had entered Singapore through the agency in question, but the potential risk warranted decisive measures. This case highlights the complexities of managing security in a globalised hub like Singapore, where international connections can sometimes be exploited for nefarious purposes. The government’s swift response underscores its zero-tolerance policy towards any activity that could undermine national safety, even as it navigates the delicate balance of maintaining an open, business-friendly environment.
The Global Context of Radicalisation
Singapore’s challenges are not occurring in isolation. Mr Shanmugam pointed to a “more fraught, more troubled” world, where extremist ideologies—whether far-right or Islamist—are gaining traction. The internet, while a tool for connectivity, has become a double-edged sword, amplifying hateful narratives and providing a platform for radicalisation. From the Christchurch massacre to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, global events resonate locally, influencing vulnerable individuals through online echo chambers.
In Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and religions, such ideologies pose a unique threat to social cohesion. The government has long prided itself on maintaining harmony through strict laws and proactive security measures, including the Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial in cases deemed critical to national security. The ISD’s ability to “nip it in the bud” and intervene early, as Mr Shanmugam noted, has prevented many potential incidents. Yet, the increasing frequency of cases suggests that even Singapore’s robust systems are being tested by the sheer volume and diversity of threats.
Psychological and Community Preparedness
Central to Mr Shanmugam’s message was the need for psychological resilience among Singaporeans. “At some point, something will happen. We just have to be psychologically prepared,” he warned. Unlike some other countries where security incidents are more frequent, Singapore has largely avoided major attacks in recent decades, thanks to vigilant policing and community cooperation. However, complacency is not an option. The minister also emphasised the importance of community response in the aftermath of any incident. “A lot has been done to make sure there is strength within the community,” he said, likely referring to initiatives like SGSecure, which encourages citizens to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support one another during crises. Interfaith dialogues, grassroots engagement, and public education campaigns have all played a role in fostering resilience, but the evolving nature of threats demands constant adaptation.
Balancing Security and Openness
Singapore’s approach to security often raises questions about the balance between safety and civil liberties. The use of the Internal Security Act, while effective, has been a point of contention among human rights advocates who argue for greater transparency and judicial oversight in detention cases. However, the government maintains that such measures are necessary given the city-state’s vulnerability as a small, densely populated nation with a high international profile. The repatriation of foreign nationals and revocation of residency statuses, as seen in the case of Ms Heidaridehkordi and Mr Soo, reflect the challenges of managing a transient population. Singapore’s economy relies heavily on foreign talent and labour, yet the government must remain vigilant against potential security risks posed by individuals exploiting these systems. Striking this balance is no easy task, particularly in an era of heightened global tensions.
The Road Ahead: Vigilance in Uncertain Times
As Singapore navigates this complex landscape, the rise in radicalisation cases serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of peace in a turbulent world. While the authorities have demonstrated their ability to act swiftly and decisively, the increasing number of individuals influenced by extremist ideologies suggests that deeper, systemic challenges remain. Addressing the root causes of radicalisation—whether social alienation, economic disparity, or exposure to online propaganda—will require a multi-pronged approach involving education, community outreach, and international cooperation. For now, Mr Shanmugam’s call for psychological preparedness resonates as both a warning and a rallying cry. Singaporeans must remain united in the face of potential threats, drawing on the strength of their diverse yet cohesive society to weather whatever challenges lie ahead. The government, meanwhile, will continue to stand guard, ever vigilant in its mission to protect the nation from forces that seek to divide and destroy.
In a world increasingly defined by division, Singapore’s struggle against radicalisation is a microcosm of a broader global battle. How it responds—both in policy and in spirit—may offer lessons for others grappling with the same insidious threats. As the minister aptly put it, the waves of extremism from abroad will inevitably “wash in” to Singapore’s shores. The question is not whether the city-state can avoid these tides, but how it will stand firm against them.