Youth learn they can help to counter radical influence

They can shape a culture of mutual respect, understanding, says Alvin Tan at seminar

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Young people attending a counter-terrorism seminar learned that they have a role in shaping discourse amid a rise in online radical influence.

Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan, who attended the seminar, said that young people can help to shape a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

He added that this will safeguard the community from radical influence.

"Radicalisation does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of background. We must all stay vigilant online and offline," he said.

The event on Nov 23 at the Civil Service Club, which was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, comes after the arrest in August of a 17-year-old Singaporean youth under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The youth had planned to kill non-Muslim men during the September school holidays.