Youth radicalisation a pressing security concern for Singapore: Faishal

Youth radicalisation remains a pressing security concern for Singapore, with the authorities sounding the alarm over the number of young people detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

- Andrew Wong

Speaking on June 24 at the Religious Rehabilitation Group's (RRG) 20th annual retreat, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim noted that in the span of a decade, 17 youth have been dealt with under the ISA.

Two-thirds of them were detected in the last five years alone, added Associate Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

"In an increasingly interconnected world, the proliferation of extremist materials and ideological echo chambers in digital spaces where youth spend a lot of time has facilitated and accelerated their radicalisation," said Prof Faishal.

He also said that youth are particularly vulnerable to extremist influences as they are still in the midst of forming their self-identity and developing critical thinking skills.

"In tandem, we are facing an emerging trend of radicalised youth leveraging evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing," said Prof Faishal.

He pointed out that the 17-year-old far-right supporter who was detained by the Internal Security Department in March considered using 3D printing to manufacture a firearm to circumvent strict anti-gun laws in Singapore.