Global conflicts can be divisive, but S’pore can stay united: Edwin Tong

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

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Law Minister Edwin Tong launched the “On Middle Grounds” series on 7 February, urging Singaporeans to discuss divisive issues with empathy, respect for diversity and a commitment to racial and religious harmony.

Why the initiative matters

The programme, organised by the non‑profit Humanity Matters, aims to strengthen social cohesion by bringing together about 100 faith leaders, educators, youth activists and students at Shaw Theatres Lido. Tong warned that global extremism and rising youth radicalisation could fracture even a resilient society if not addressed.

Since 2015, 19 self‑radicalised youths have been dealt with under the Internal Security Act, with more than two‑thirds of those cases occurring in the last five years. The minister highlighted a recent case of a 14‑year‑old who was placed under a restriction order after consuming violent extremist content and espousing ISIS‑related, far‑right and incel ideologies.

He noted that legislation has been bolstered with the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill, the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) and amendments to the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act, which now address rapid viral spread of harmful content and foreign interference.

Did You Know? Since 2015, 19 self‑radicalised youths have been dealt with under Singapore’s Internal Security Act, with the majority of cases occurring in the past five years.

What could happen next

The “On Middle Grounds” sessions will explore the role of parents, faith and community leaders in guiding youth toward moderate worldviews, while also tackling digital literacy and the impact of online spaces on cohesion. Tong stressed that early “first‑responder” intervention by classmates, family members or colleagues could improve rehabilitation outcomes.

He cautioned against complacency, citing a Ministry of Home Affairs experiment where only 17 percent of over 2,500 participants noticed a simulated bomb and fewer than 6 percent reported it. The minister suggested that building community vigilance and fostering critical thinking among young people may be essential to prevent future threats.

Expert Insight: Tong’s emphasis on empathy, digital literacy and early community‑based intervention reflects a strategic shift from relying solely on punitive measures toward a more preventative, education‑focused approach to social cohesion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “On Middle Grounds” series?

It is a series of moderated sessions organised by Humanity Matters that brings together youth activists, students, parents, faith and community leaders to discuss co‑existence, digital literacy and the challenges posed by extremist content.

How many youths have been dealt with under the Internal Security Act for self‑radicalisation?

Since 2015, 19 self‑radicalised youths have been dealt with under the Internal Security Act, with more than two‑thirds of those cases occurring in the last five years.

What legislative tools have been introduced to address online harms?

The government has introduced the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill, the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) and amended the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act to better tackle rapid online spread of harmful content and foreign interference.

How do you think Singapore can balance online freedom with the need to protect social cohesion?

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