Stay vigilant against terrorism, urged DPM Wong

by Yasmin Niepelt and Nur Zuriana (Hong Kah Secondary School), SG United Journalist Club

AS Singapore goes through the economic crisis that has hit the world, and citizens are concerned over job security, Singaporeans must stay vigilant against the threat of terrorism and extremism as such threats remain.

“We would be naive to think that we are immune to extremism and bigotry,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng at the annual National Community Engagement Programme (CEP) Seminar held at the Orchid Country Club on 18 Apr. To keep up the vigilance was a key messages from DPM Wong .

In his speech, Mr Wong observed efforts for CEP are continuing at a broader level - a core group of Singaporeans across domains are being trained to develop capabilities. In times of crisis, these primary mobilisers on the ground will be able to lead at various levels.

He pointed out that although the real test would be in a crisis itself, everyone must do their best to work out practical response plans and exercise them in a realistic way.

Mr Wong also expressed appreciation on seeing ground-up initiatives making the CEP more real and relevant to its audience. An example is the "Kampung Spirit@Eunos" programme which started in 2007, it has continued and recently started a series of skits performed in schools to convey the message of communal harmony to students.

Sharing ideas: DPM Wong Kan Seng discussing issues on CEP with community leaders.

Apart from community leaders, media organisations have also started to get involved in the CEP. Mediacorp's radio deejays have embarked on a "CEP training journey" to prepare themselves for crises. DPM Wong described radio deejays as a key force at the frontline in a crisis as radio deejays are familiar voices that can offer calming advice to the public in times of chaos and uncertainty.

The CEP has progressed since its launch in 2007; new efforts are now channelled to engage youths. A SG United Journalists’ Club was recently set up to reach out to the youths on a more sustainable basis. Student journalists from Hong Kah Secondary School, Hwa Chong Institution and River Valley High School are part in this pilot project . They report news stories related to CEP in the heartlands and in their schools, and their reports are featured on the Singapore United web portal.