Empowering Youths and Safeguarding Singapore: A Panel Dialogue with Minister of State (MOS)

Date: 28 Jan 2026

News Type:Event Highlights

School/Department: School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences

How can young people strengthen Singapore's safety and security landscape? 

The SUSS Public Safety and Security Interest Group (PSS IG) addressed this question through 'PULSE by SUSS PSS: Empowering Youth, Safeguarding Singapore', a youth engagement initiative designed to deepen university students' understanding of youth offending, victimisation, and the collective responsibility of safeguarding society. The event drew overwhelming participation from students eager to gain insights into public safety issues, while highlighting key legislation and policies that support and protect youth.

group-photo-with-speakers-and-audienceEnthusiastic participants gathered to gain insights on empowering youth and strengthening Singapore’s public safety landscape.


The programme featured three presentations by experts from academia and social services.

Dr Razwana Begum, Associate Professor, Head of the Global Security & Strategy Graduate Programme at SUSS, and President of PPIS, provided an overview of Singapore's legislative and policy frameworks for addressing youth crime. She emphasised the nation's balanced approach, combining deterrence, punishment, rehabilitation, and reintegration, supported by research-driven risk assessments and inter-agency collaboration.

Mr Gopal Mahey, Senior Counsellor at the Centre for Psychotherapy, spoke on rehabilitation and reintegration, highlighting the importance of strong support systems in helping youths rebuild their lives. He emphasised that rehabilitation is not only about correcting behaviour but also about providing meaningful opportunities, positive influences, and guidance from professionals, families, and mentors.

Ms Andrea Ong, Assistant Senior Social Worker and Head of Integrated Service Provider at Fei Yue Community Services, discussed the role of family and community in building youth resilience. Through real-life examples, she demonstrated how environmental factors such as parental support, social networks, and access to opportunities can influence youth development and decision-making, reinforcing the importance of collective community support.

 

panel-dialogue-with-MOSA panel dialogue moderated by PSS IG Chairperson Amir Matin with Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State, Mr Goh Pei Ming and distinguished guest speakers, Mr Gopal Mahey, Associate Professor Razwana Begum, and Ms Andrea Ong.


The event concluded with a panel dialogue featuring the presenters alongside the Guest of Honour, Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, Mr Goh Pei Ming. Mr Goh highlighted emerging challenges faced by youths, including cybercrime and social pressures. He emphasised the importance of early intervention and multi-layered support systems involving families, schools, communities, and government agencies. The session reinforced the message that safeguarding youth requires a whole-of-society effort and that every individual plays a role in building a safer and more resilient Singapore.

Panel-speakers-with-org-committeeCommemorating a successful engagement session with Minister of State, Mr Goh Pei Ming, our panel of experts, Dr Sheryl, Dr Rosleenda, and the SUSS PSS Interest Group organising committee.


SUSS Public Safety and Security Year 4 student, Justin Leong, reflected, 'I found the topic of youth offending and rehabilitation interesting, especially hearing how the panellists shared different perspectives on the issue. Overall, the event has motivated me to think about how I can play a part in helping youths rehabilitate and reduce the risk of reoffending.' 

 

Justin-Leong-QNA-for-panel
SUSS Public Safety and Security Year 4 student, Justin Leong, engaging with the panel on a thought-provoking question.

"Pulse by PSS" is just one of the many events organised by PSS IG to help SUSS students stay informed about the latest trends in the public safety and security sector. Learn more about our programme in Public Safety and Security!