This comes amid a changing security and threat landscape, partly enabled by digital and online technology making extremist propaganda more accessible than before.
He cited the recent murder of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk as an example of how online radicalisation can easily translate into real-world harm.
“Acts of violence that were once rare have become disturbingly more commonplace,” said Mr Wong.
In Singapore, the Internal Security Department has had to deal with cases where individuals used artificial intelligence chatbots to draft manifestos for armed struggle, or to find instructions to make weapons including 3D-printed guns.
The range of extremist ideologies has also widened, and is no longer limited to religious extremism. People are now drawn to the likes of neo-Nazi movements or the incel subculture known for its resentment and hostility towards women, said Mr Wong.
In response to this evolving environment, Singapore will also deepen international cooperation, in the form of exchanging intelligence, expertise and resources.
Many countries are keen to learn from Singapore’s rehabilitation approach and Singapore will share its experience while learning from others, said Mr Wong.
There is also the need to remain vigilant.
“Our security agencies will do their best to detect and neutralise threats, but every Singaporean also has a role to play,” he said. “If you see a loved one succumbing to extremist ideologies, please help to report them early so that they can receive help.”
“I know it’s not easy. I do have friends who have gone astray. I knew them when they were younger and I would never have expected them to turn to extremism, but these things can happen.
“And when they do, we want to be able to act early and help them get back on the right path as soon as possible,” said the prime minister.
Mr Wong noted that Singapore has worked hard to strengthen ties across race and religion for the past 60 years. This remains vital, but its people must now also guard against new divides, such as those along socioeconomic lines.
“Left unchecked, they can weaken trust and erode the cohesion we have painstakingly built up. So, we must continue to do our best to strengthen the bonds between Singaporeans,” he said.
“The more united we are, the more resilient we will be against these divisive forces.”
