Singapore
The terrorist threat to Singapore remains high, according to the Internal Security Department’s (ISD) Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025. The global Islamist threat persists, with transnational terror groups such as the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda (AQ) maintaining the capability to conduct and inspire attacks. The volatile international climate, including the Israel-Hamas war, has also contributed to an elevated threat environment, along with the growing traction of diverse extremist ideologies such as far-right extremism (FRE). Additionally, evolving technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the proliferation of online platforms disseminating extremist content – especially among youth – have increased security concerns for Singapore.
Radicalisation from the Israel-Hamas War
In 2025, the Internal Security Department (ISD) announced Detention and Restriction Orders for 10 self-radicalised individuals, five of whom were influenced by the Israel-Hamas conflict. In January 2025, the ISD revealed that it had arrested three self-radicalised Singaporeans, aged 21, 41 and 44, in October 2024.[1] Each had been separately radicalised by the Israel-Hamas war and was preparing to engage in violence overseas or in Singapore.[2] In February 2025, the ISD stated it had detected two other individuals who had also been radicalised by the Israel-Hamas war.[3] One was a 56-year-old Singaporean housewife who managed several social media accounts affiliated with the Axis of Resistance (AOR), a network of Islamist organisations which includes Hamas and the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (AQB).[4] The other was a 34-year-old Malaysian cleaner who was arrested in November 2024 and repatriated to Malaysia in the same month.
Despite a United States (US)-brokered peace deal between the Israeli government and Hamas in October 2025, violent radicalism in support of either side of the conflict is expected to continue and requires close monitoring. Amid uncertainties on whether the peace deal will hold, jihadist groups continue to exploit the situation to reinforce their violent narratives. Globally, the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda (AQ) have inspired attacks against Israeli and Jewish interests, particularly in countries perceived to be supporting Israel.[5] While there is no immediate threat of a terror attack in Singapore, it continues to be viewed as a potential target.[6]
Beyond the risk of violence, the social impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on multi-racial societies is significant. Serious accusations of war crimes and genocide directed at the Israeli government, and the prolonged humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip, have generated a wave of anti-Israel protests worldwide. While Singapore is unlikely to witness protests or activism of such intensity, the potential for heightened local sensitivities remains. For instance, in March 2025, pro-Palestinian activists disrupted Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam’s Meet-the-People Session (MPS), which later went viral on social media.[7]
The activists’ actions and subsequent remarks by former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng criticising them were both condemned by some local leaders and groups – the former for their unruly nature, and the latter for a perceived lack of sensitivity.[8] As the conflict in Gaza drags on, and other global developments with far-reaching implications emerge, a key challenge for Singapore will be preventing legitimate expressions of opinion from crossing over into insensitive rhetoric or disruptive behaviour.
Youth Radicalisation
Youth radicalisation remains a pressing concern in Singapore, given the increase in the number of youths apprehended under the Internal Security Act (ISA) since 2015.[9] As in many parts of the world, young people in Singapore have become particularly susceptible to extremist influence and indoctrination due to their exposure to online content and the deliberate targeting of youth for recruitment by extremist actors through innovative means such as gaming platforms.[10] While there is no indication of a recent surge in cases, the incidents uncovered over the past year show that youth radicalisation remains a key concern.
In April 2025, the ISD reported the first case of a female teenager – a 15-year-old Singaporean student – being issued a Restriction Order (RO).[11] The teen, inspired by overseas female IS supporters, attempted to marry an IS fighter and start a pro-IS family in Syria. Apart from its youth dimension, this case highlighted the continued spread of IS-inspired extremist content online and the growing use of AI in radicalisation – the teen had taken a virtual bai’ah (pledge of allegiance) through an IS chatbot.
The case also underscored the susceptibility of impressionable girls – not just boys, as in previous cases in Singapore – to online radicalisation. The use of AI by some radicalised individuals has added another layer of complexity to the issue.[12] The ISD report noted that while 3D-printing and AI have not yet been used in attack plots in Singapore, there is “an emerging trend of evolving technologies featuring in local youth self-radicalisation cases”.[13]
Also in April 2025, the ISD revealed that a 17-year-old Singaporean boy had plotted to kill “at least 100 Muslims” at mosques in Singapore.[14] He had been radicalised by the March 2019 Christchurch shootings in New Zealand and wanted to double the body count.[15] The ISD issued a Detention Order (DO) against him in March 2025.
Singapore also recorded its first incel-related radicalisation case last year. In September 2025, a 14-year-old boy was issued an RO after being radicalised primarily by IS ideologies as well as a mix of far-right, far-left ideas. Known as a “salad bar” of extremist ideologies, this form of radicalisation is not driven by a consistent set of beliefs but draws arbitrarily from diverse sources.[16] The youth self-identified as an incel and had frequently shared incel content online.
The cases identified in the past year indicate that youth radicalisation continues to pose challenges which require continued vigilance. The rise in youth radicalisation globally suggests that Singapore’s experience reflects a broader international trend, fuelled by global developments and the proliferation of new technologies that are harder to regulate effectively.
Far-Right Extremism (FRE)
Authorities in Singapore have also detected cases influenced by far-right ideologies, even though the local socio-political context is not conducive to such radicalisation. The four FRE cases identified between 2020 and June 2025 point to the increasing traction of FRE ideologies in Singapore, according to the ISD’s July 2025 report.[17] In 2025, far-right politics, social movements and extremist activities continued or intensified in several Western countries. Strands of Western FRE gained unexpected support in non-Western and non-white societies, including parts of East[18] and Southeast Asia.[19] The internet and social media have played a significant role in spreading such ideas among youth globally, including in Singapore.[20]
The “revolutionary” nature of far-right ideologies – often centred around ultranationalist, racist and anti-immigrant narratives – makes them particularly attractive to vulnerable youth seeking a sense of identity and belonging.[21] The aforementioned 17-year-old Singaporean youth had identified five mosques in Jurong West, Clementi, Margaret Drive, Admiralty Road and Beach Road as potential targets for attacking Muslim worshippers leaving Friday prayers. He had also been radicalised by anti-Semitic content online and “fantasised about killing Jews”, though he did not have concrete plans concerning the latter.[22]
Responses
As in previous years, Singapore continues to adopt a whole-of-society approach to countering radicalism. Robust legal and punitive measures serve as deterrents against hate speech and extremist activity. The arrests and ROs issued against potential violent actors reflect the government’s continued commitment to proactively stopping those who display extremist tendencies before they can act. Alongside these efforts, softer measures such as promoting public awareness through the SGSecure Movement and community-based rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives led by the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) have continued.[23]
Singapore has also expanded its rehabilitation capabilities beyond Islamic religious counselling to encompass a wider range of extremist ideologies.[24] Interventions targeting self-radicalised youth have been developed, including mentorship programmes, cyber wellness initiatives and social skills development courses.[25]
Notably, in February 2025, the government passed the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, empowering authorities to issue restraining orders against individuals producing content that undermines Singapore’s racial harmony. This act takes close reference from the existing Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.[26] A key innovation in the amendment was the introduction of a community remedial initiative, which allows offenders involved in less severe cases to make amends and undergo rehabilitation.[27]
As in other contexts, the growing threat posed by new technologies such as 3D-printing and AI presents new challenges. The ISD has observed that these new technologies, particularly AI, have significantly reduced the time it takes for one to be self-radicalised in Singapore in recent years. It has therefore urged continued public vigilance.[28] The ISD also emphasised the need for increased cooperation between the public and private sectors, especially with technology and social media companies, to create a safer online environment.[29]
About the Author
Kalicharan Veera Singam was previously a Senior Analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
Citations
[1] “Detention of Three Self-Radicalised Singaporeans and Updates on Other Cases Under the Internal Security Act,” Ministry of Home Affairs, January 9, 2025, https://www.mha.gov.sg/isd/stay-in-the-know/media-detail/detention-of-three-self-radicalised-singaporeans-and-updates-on-other-cases-under-the-internal-security-act/.
[2] David Sun, “Company Director, Mechanic and Security Guard Detained by ISD After Becoming Self-Radicalised,” The Straits Times, January 9, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/company-director-mechanic-and-security-guard-detained-by-isd-after-becoming-self-radicalised.
[3] “Issuance of Orders Under Internal Security Act (ISA) to Two Singaporeans and Arrest of a Foreigner Under ISA,” Ministry of Home Affairs, February 10, 2025, https://www.mha.gov.sg/isd/stay-in-the-know/media-detail/issuance-of-orders-under-internal-security-act-(isa)-to-two-singaporeans-and-arrest-of-a-foreigner-under-isa/.
[4] Christine Tan, “Housewife, Cleaner Who Supported Islamist Militant and Terrorist Organisations Dealt With by ISD,” The Straits Times, February 10, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housewife-cleaner-who-supported-islamist-militant-and-terrorist-organisations-dealt-with-by-isd.
[5] David Sun, “Terrorism Threat in Singapore Remains High, Driven by Events like Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: ISD,” The Straits Times, July 29, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/terrorism-threat-in-singapore-remains-high-driven-by-events-like-israeli-palestinian-conflict-isd.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Aqil Hamzah, “Meet-the-People Session Is Not a Protest Venue, Says Shanmugam After 2 Women Cause Commotion,” The Straits Times, March 13, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/meet-the-people-session-is-not-a-protest-venue-shanmugam-after-confrontation-with-two-women.
[8] Wong Pei Ting, “Pergas Says Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng’s Remarks on Activist Group ‘Troubling’, Risk Undermining Cohesion,” The Straits Times, April 7, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pergas-calls-former-nmp-calvin-chengs-remarks-on-activist-group-deeply-troubling-risk-undermining.
[9] Internal Security Department, Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025 (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025), https://www.mha.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/sttar/singapore-terrorism-threat-assessment-report-2025.pdf.
[10] Jonathan Sim, “Commentary: Amid Fears of Radicalisation via Gaming, Parents Need to Step Up and Listen to Their Children,” Channel News Asia, March 22, 2023, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/youth-radicalisation-gaming-roblox-discord-technology-parenting-3362441.
[11] “Issuance of Orders under Internal Security Act (ISA) Against Two Self-Radicalised Singaporean Youths, and Updates on ISA Orders,” Ministry of Home Affairs, April 2, 2025, https://www.mha.gov.sg/isd/stay-in-the-know/media-detail/issuance-of-orders-under-internal-security-act-(isa)-against-two-self-radicalised-singaporean-youths-and-updates-on-isa-orders/. See also “S’porean Girl, 15, Who Wanted to Marry ISIS fighter, is First Female Teen Dealt With under ISA,” The Straits Times, April 2, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sporean-girl-15-who-wanted-to-marry-isis-fighter-is-first-female-youth-dealt-with-under-isa.
[12] Nicholas Fang, “Commentary: Why We Need to Be Wary of AI as an Enabler of Terrorism,” Channel News Asia, August 2, 2025, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/ai-danger-terror-attack-isd-singapore-threat-5272031.
[13] Internal Security Department, Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025.
[14] “Issuance of Orders Under Internal Security Act (ISA) Against Two Self-Radicalised Singaporean Youths,” Ministry of Home Affairs.
[15] “ISD Detains Singaporean Teen Who Wanted to Kill At Least 100 Muslims at 5 Mosques,” The Straits Times, April 2, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/isd-detains-singaporean-teen-who-wanted-to-kill-at-least-100-muslims-at-5-mosques.
[16] Kumar Ramakrishna, “The ‘Salad Bar’ of Extremist Ideologies in Youth Radicalisation: A New Threat?” RSIS Commentary, no. 191 (2025), https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/the-salad-bar-of-extremist-ideologies-in-youth-radicalisation-a-new-threat/.
[17] Internal Security Department, Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025.
[18] “Japan’s Far-Right Party Courts Trump Allies, Vows Not to Get ‘Wacky’,” The Straits Times, October 1, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japans-far-right-party-courts-trump-allies-vows-not-to-get-wacky.
[19] Saddiq Basha, “Globalisation of Far-Right Extremism in Southeast Asia,” Centre for the Study of Organized Hate, September 5, 2025, https://www.csohate.org/2025/09/04/far-right-extremism-in-southeast-asia/.
[20] Hariz Baharudin, “Far-Right Extremism: No Longer a Threat Far Away from Singapore,” The Straits Times, February 17, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/far-right-extremism-no-longer-a-threat-far-away-from-singapore.
[21] Ibid
[22] David Sun, “Terrorism Threat in Singapore Remains High, Driven by Events Like Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: ISD,” The Straits Times, July 29, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/terrorism-threat-in-singapore-remains-high-driven-by-events-like-israeli-palestinian-conflict-isd.
[23] Internal Security Department, Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025.
[24] Shermaine Ang, “‘I Have Friends Who Have Gone Astray’: PM Wong Stresses Need to Help Those Who Turn to Extremism,” The Straits Times, September 13, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-have-friends-who-went-astray-pm-wong-on-people-who-turn-to-extremism-and-how-to-help-them.
[25] Ibid.
[26] Goh Yan Han, “New Law to Protect Racial Harmony Passed,” The Straits Times, February 4, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-law-to-protect-racial-harmony-passed.
[27] Ibid.
[28] David Sun, “Online Platforms Have Halved Time It Takes for Singaporeans to Be Self-Radicalised: ISD,” The Straits Times, June 30, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/online-platforms-chat-groups-have-halved-time-it-takes-for-singaporeans-to-be-self-radicalised-isd?utm.
[29] Ibid.
