In ‘Weathering challenges ahead: Education on security issues is key’ (The Straits Times, August, 2022), Associate Professor Bilveer Singh (NUS Political Science) argues that security issues have become one of Singapore’s key priorities in light of surging inflation around the world.

Southeast Asia is facing growing geopolitical uncertainties. Regional powers like China and India have become more assertive over the years, partly filling the growing power vacuum left by the United States. Southeast Asian governments have been increasing their spending on defence. Cyberattacks, religious extremism, terrorism, climate change, and large-scale migration are also security challenges the region will encounter in the future.

Given the threats to security, A/P Singh warns that we cannot take peace and prosperity for granted. A small state like Singapore is inherently vulnerable to regional conflicts. Political and community leaders as well as educational institutions and media should strengthen their efforts to inform Singaporeans of the security threats the country is facing. Maintaining social cohesion is critical to Singapore’s survival, and more must be done to curb the spread of transnational extremism. A/P Singh observes that Singapore is not broken yet, but little ‘tsunamis’ hit the nation on a daily basis. Singapore’s survival relies on the collective strength of its people and government.

Read the article here: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/weathering-the-challenges-ahead-education-on-security-issues-is-key