SINGAPORE, Sept 13 — Singapore will strengthen its rehabilitation efforts as self-radicalisation among young people rises, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said today, warning that extremist ideologies are spreading faster online.

“Now we have to go beyond Islamic religious counselling because Singaporeans are succumbing to a wider range of extremist ideologies,” Wong said at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ annual volunteer appreciation lunch, according to CNA.

Authorities are rolling out tailored interventions, including mentorship, cyber wellness programmes and social skills training. 

Highlighting early successes, Wong cited a Christian youth detained in 2020 for plotting mosque attacks, who has since undergone counselling and mentorship and is now studying at an institute of higher learning.

Social isolation is a key factor, Wong added. 

“They turn to online sources to find meaning and they stumble upon extremist materials, and then they get led astray. To counter that, we have to foster belonging, human connections and trust,” he reportedly said, as cited by the Singapore-based media organisation.

Recent ISA cases show the widening threat. One involved a 30-year-old planning to take up arms in Syria and Turkїye, while another, a 14-year-old boy, supported both ISIS and far-right extremism while identifying as an incel — Singapore’s first mixed-ideology self-radicalisation case.

Since 2015, 18 youths aged 14 to 20 have been dealt with under the ISA, with most cases emerging in the past five years. 

Wong said extremist content online can quickly translate into real-world harm, citing the US murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk as an example.

Singapore plans to deepen international cooperation while encouraging citizens to report signs of radicalisation. 

“If you see a loved one succumbing to extremist ideologies, please help to report them early so that they can receive help,” he said.

The prime minister stressed the need to preserve social cohesion, warning that new divides, such as along socioeconomic lines, could undermine decades of trust-building. 

“The more united we are, the more resilient we will be against these divisive forces,” he said.