The Singapore Universities’ National Security Forum 2024 was held on 5 July 2024 at the Singapore Management University (SMU). The forum was jointly organised by RSIS’ National Security Studies Programme and SMU’s Apolitical Society, co-organised by the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ Public Safety and Security Interest Group and Current Affair’s Interest Group. The forum, which aims to function as a platform to educate and engage undergraduates on issues pertaining to Singapore’s national security, saw the attendance of 138 undergraduates.
With the theme “Together We Keep Singapore Strong” to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Total Defence, the forum invited Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development; Mr Philip Chua, APAC Director of Instagram and Threads Public Policy, Meta; and Mr Shaun Goh, Senior Director (Community Relations & Engagement), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; to speak on security challenges against Singapore’s social fabric, and how Singapore can maintain its standing as a global and open city while resisting external pressures and foreign influence.
The speakers discussed, among other things, how technological advancements and the current environment of geopolitical tensions has made it easy for nefarious actors to exert their influence and manipulate small countries like Singapore, often targeting the seams of Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. They took part in a panel discussion which examined how Singapore deals with such threats, through partnerships with Big Tech, and efforts to foster a stronger sense of social cohesion among our communities. They also spoke on how every Singaporean has a part to play in combatting hostile information campaigns that threaten our social fabric.
The event also featured a networking segment that featured booths from RSIS, MHA, the Singapore Army, the Digital and Intelligence Service, People’s Association, and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
The students were thoroughly engaged by the speakers who shared insights and relevant case studies on foreign influence and foreign interference. They left with a deeper insight into how they can contribute to Singapore’s national security.
