Central Singapore Dialogue

Safety and security are a tad like good health. Most of us take them for granted and wish we'd prepared better only when something bad happens.

So I'm mighty pleased that more than 320 of our community volunteers and partners came by last night to discuss how we can play our part in keeping our society safe and secure! It's a forum hosted by my Central CDC team and I.

Home Affairs Minister and Edwin Tong helmed the discussion with great examples of programmes and legislations to reduce physical and online risks and harm.

In my role as Central's mayor, I shared what I call the 4As of behaviour change:

• Awareness — knowing and understanding the issues.

• Affiliation — believing in it and caring enough to do something.

• Action — being willing to speak up and step forward when needed.

• Advocacy — encouraging others to do the same.

There is much that we in Central can do together in schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods and the rest of community.

One thing we did not have time to cover was how we can ensure the vulnerable amongst us are not at further danger or left behind during emergencies, terrorist and other attacks on our society. Akan Datang and Looking Forward!!