Is Singapore psychologically prepared for a terror attack?
With the SGSecure movement in its 10th year, CNA spoke to psychologists from the Internal Security Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In the 10th year of Singapore's SGSecure movement, psychologists from the Internal Security Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs were consulted on the country's psychological readiness for a terror attack. A 14-year-old student was arrested in May with a 21-page manifesto detailing plans for a stabbing attack at his secondary school.
SGSecure, a community response to terrorism, aims to build resilience and prepare individuals to act in crises. Cognitive preparation involves understanding potential attacks through drills and scenarios, while emotional preparedness focuses on maintaining calm during emergencies. Experts suggest that psychological preparedness should be a communal effort, with community members learning basic skills like first aid and psychological first aid to support one another.
Despite the limited number of psychologists and counsellors, the collective skill of the community can help individuals assist each other during crises. MHA conducted social experiments in June 2025 to test public vigilance and response to terror attacks, finding that only 17.3% of passersby noticed suspicious objects.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Is Singapore psychologically prepared for a terror attack? channelnewsasia.com
