Singapore has embarked on a pioneering initiative to bolster its resilience and readiness in the face of potential crises. The city-state marked 40 years of its Total Defence strategy with a comprehensive two-week exercise named “Exercise SG Ready,” aimed at enhancing the preparedness of individuals, communities, and businesses for various disruptions.
Simulated Disruptions Islandwide
From February 15 to 29, 2024, Singapore witnessed an unprecedented drill involving more than 500 buildings, including schools, offices, community, commercial, and government structures. The exercise simulated a range of disruptions such as power outages, water and food supply interruptions, and digital connectivity issues. A notable feature was the simulated blackout around key areas like the Padang and Esplanade, where prominent public buildings dimmed their lights to mimic a cyberattack-induced power failure.
Engaging the Community in Total Defence
The exercise aimed not only to test the city’s infrastructural resilience but also to engage the community in understanding and participating in Total Defence. Activities included the temporary cessation of escalator and air-conditioning services at selected locations, and the simulation of market and hawker centre closures due to hypothetical food supply disruptions. Educational institutions participated actively, with some schools trying out Ready-To-Eat meals provided by the Singapore Food Agency.
Cybersecurity Awareness and Preparedness
In line with the digital age’s challenges, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore introduced playbooks for conducting simulated phishing exercises. These playbooks are designed to educate employees across 21 participating organisations on identifying phishing threats, thus enhancing the digital defence pillar of Singapore’s Total Defence strategy.
Fostering Community Support and Psychological Resilience
The initiative also emphasized community support and psychological resilience during crises. The Singapore Civil Defence Force organized open houses at select MRT stations to demonstrate their conversion into public shelters in emergencies. Additionally, the Singapore Red Cross Society and Singapore Emergency Responder Academy offered Psychological First Aid courses to equip citizens with the skills to support one another during challenging times.
Encouraging Proactive Contingency Planning
Exercise SG Ready served as a call to action for all sectors of society to review and strengthen their contingency plans. The exercise utilized scenario videos and a dedicated website, SGReadyGoWhere, to provide detailed information on the simulated disruptions and encourage proactive preparedness among the populace.
This comprehensive exercise underscores Singapore’s commitment to a holistic approach to defence, incorporating military, civil, economic, social, digital, and psychological aspects to safeguard the nation against a spectrum of modern threats.
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