National security practitioners should develop expertise in social domains: DPM Teo

SINGAPORE — Aside from building up security forces and exchanging intelligence, national security practitioners should develop expertise in social domains such as communications and understanding social trends. 

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean made this call today (May 4) as he addressed attendees from around the world at this year’s Asia Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers.

In noting the challenges posed by advances in technology, he cited how the dangers in cyber space “go beyond financial, operational and reputational losses”, with terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria using social media to attract new recruits.

And with ease of travel for both terrorists and extreme ideologies, there is a need to learn how other countries cope with threats and to join forces to address potential risks such as in aviation and cyberspace, which are “open and international systems”.

This includes pooling resources and sharing research and intelligence where needed.

Mr Teo said: “Due to the porosity of physical and virtual borders, the speed at which threats evolve and the vast variety of threats, we need a robust, partnership approach to address the national security challenges that we face now and in the future.”

He also pointed out the importance of building social resilience within a country.

“While our security agencies do what we can to prevent risks from materialising, it is also important to build a society where people can pull together, regardless of differences in culture or origin, and overcome adversity with solidarity,” he said.

For example, after the lone-wolf attack in Sydney in December last year, its residents started the #illridewithyou movement to support Muslims in the country.