Nation

Surprising Social Experiments Coming to Singapore: How Will You React to a Terror Threat?

2025-05-29

Author: John Tan

SINGAPORE – Brace yourselves! In an unprecedented move, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to roll out a series of eye-opening social experiments this June, designed to gauge public reactions to terror threats. This initiative aims to prepare citizens for potential crisis situations like never before!

From early to mid-June, actors will simulate realistic terror scenarios in Singapore's heartland, complete with props that will heighten the stakes. While MHA hasn’t divulged specific details to keep the element of surprise, they assure minimal disruption to the daily life of citizens.

Authorities will be on-site to maintain safety while observing how everyday folks respond to these high-pressure situations. Footage of these encounters will later be transformed into an educational web series that seeks to boost awareness around crucial SGSecure advisories—like the much talked-about ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ and ‘Press, Tie, Tell’ strategies.

Mark your calendars! The first episode of this groundbreaking series is set to premiere on July 30, aiming to equip Singaporeans with life-saving skills amid the rising threat of terrorism.

The SGSecure initiative, launched back in 2016, prepares citizens to act in case of a terrorist attack, empowering them to handle crises with confidence. The ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ strategy encourages individuals to swiftly escape from danger, seek cover, and alert authorities. In scenarios involving casualties, the ‘Press, Tie, Tell’ method teaches the public how to stem bleeding and summon emergency help effectively.

In a candid statement, MHA warned citizens to remain vigilant and be proactive by reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Minister for Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, previously noted during a roadshow in July 2024 that while Singapore has remained secure, complacency could be dangerous. "It’s not in people's minds... But that doesn’t mean an attack won’t happen here,” he cautioned.

With growing concerns about terrorism, particularly following the recent Gaza war, the Internal Security Department (ISD) reported an uptick in potential threats. Although there's currently no indication of an imminent attack, the need for heightened awareness is crucial. Global events often inspire violence, and terrorist groups are emboldened to exploit these situations.

An alarming report from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in 2023 highlights that lone wolf attacks pose the biggest threat to Singapore. Just last year, a 17-year-old was arrested to prevent a planned attack during the September school break.

Lone wolves have made headlines worldwide as they use everyday items to inflict chaos. Notable incidents include a horrific stabbing in Hamburg, Germany, where a woman attacked 18 people, and a shocking school shooting in Bangkok by a young teen.

And who could forget the May incident in Liverpool, where a driver crashed into a parade crowd, leaving dozens injured? It’s clear that the threat landscape is changing and Singaporeans must be prepared.

This innovative experiment aims not only to test responses but also to forge a more alert and resilient society.