SINGAPORE - Young people attending a counter-terrorism seminar learnt that they also have a role in shaping discourse amid the rise in online radical influence.

       Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan, who attended the seminar, said that youth can help to shape a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

       He added that this will safeguard the community from radical influence.

       “Radicalisation does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of background. We must all stay vigilant online and offline,” he said.

       The event on Nov 23 at the Civil Service Club, which was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, comes after the arrest in August of a 17-year-old Singaporean youth under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

       The youth had planned to kill non-Muslim men during the September school holidays.

       Over 150 young people participated in The Radical Shift seminar, whic was organised by the Racial and Religious Harmony Circle on Nov 23.

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       The youth are from religious and community organisations, institutes of higher learning and Harmony Circles, or community networks meant to promote racial and religious harmony.

       Ms Irfana Banu Khider Mohamed, 31, who was at the seminar, said that engaging with people from various backgrounds and beliefs is important to foster empathy.

       “Conversely, little knowledge and a lack of exposure to diverse cultural perspectives, may lead to unwarranted assumptions and formation of negative stereotypes,” said Ms Irfana, who is a member of Eunos Harmony Circle.

       Mr Thaddeus Tan, 17, a member of MacPherson Harmony Circle, said young people should step out of their comfort zone to “make new friends with people of all cultural backgrounds, regardless of race, language or religion”.

       “When we make new friends and learn about their different perspectives and their ways of thinking, we can build a more inclusive society,” he added.

       Since 2015, 14 self-radicalised Singaporeans aged 20 and below have been dealt with under ISA.

       Most recently, on Nov 22, The Straits Times reported that a Singaporean woman is being investigated for alleged involvement in suspected terrorism-related activities.

       Several self-radicalised Singaporean youths had been reported to the Internal Security Department (ISD) by their families and teachers, Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in October.

       Mr Shanmugam, who was speaking to the media after the arrest of the 17-year-old youth, said the community is an important line of defence.

       He added that early reporting by the public is critical in protecting society from terror attacks being carried out by self-radicalised people.

       Ms Theresapriya Chidambaram, who attended the seminar, said that young people play a crucial role in standing against stereotypes, racism, discrimination and extremism.

       “We come across so many online posts about everything and everywhere. I hope that more of us will think twice before saying or sharing polarised ideas or views on a particular subject,” added the 20-year-old, who is a member of Zhenghua Harmony Circle.

       “We can always discuss issues that matter to us in a respectful manner. Everyone has a part to play to safeguard our nation’s peace and promote stability as much as possible.”