SINGAPORE – The growing threat of self-radicalisation has become a pressing concern in Singapore, prompting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to announce stronger rehabilitation efforts aimed at addressing this evolving security challenge. Speaking at an appreciation luncheon for community volunteers on 13 September, Wong highlighted how extremist ideologies are spreading in new and worrying ways, far beyond the traditional religiously motivated narratives.
He described how individuals, often young and searching for belonging, turn to online platforms where extremist content thrives. In their isolation, many stumble upon radical propaganda and are gradually led astray. “They turn to online sources to find meaning and they stumble upon extremist materials, and then they get led astray,” Wong explained.
The government’s response is to expand rehabilitation beyond religious counselling. Future programmes will include mentorship, cyber wellness, and social skills training, ensuring that individuals influenced by non-religious extremism—such as far-right ideologies or incel subcultures—receive tailored interventions. Wong pointed out that this approach is necessary as cases now involve increasingly diverse forms of radicalisation.
He recounted the case of a 16-year-old Christian youth who was detained in 2020 under the Internal Security Act (ISA) after plotting attacks against Muslims at two mosques. The teenager, radicalised by far-right narratives, underwent a carefully designed rehabilitation programme that included pastoral counselling and guidance from the Religious Rehabilitation Group. Released in January 2024, the youth has since reintegrated into society and is pursuing higher education, serving as an example of successful intervention.
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Wong also noted recent ISA restriction orders, including one against a 30-year-old who attempted to join armed conflicts in Syria and Turkey, and another against a 14-year-old who displayed support for ISIS while simultaneously adopting far-right and incel ideologies. The latter marks the first case in Singapore involving such a complex mix of extremist influences in someone so young.
Statistics reveal the scale of the problem. Since 2015, 18 youths between 14 and 20 years old have faced ISA action, with more than two-thirds of those cases occurring in the past five years. Wong stressed that digital platforms continue to amplify extremist propaganda, making vigilance more critical than ever.
He urged Singaporeans to play their part by staying alert and reporting concerns early, reminding the community that intervention can save lives. “If you see a loved one succumbing to extremist ideologies, please help to report them early so that they can receive help,” he said.
Singapore’s strategy now hinges on building resilience not only through law enforcement but also by fostering trust, belonging, and community support—essential tools in countering the spread of dangerous ideologies in an interconnected world.
