Launch of the Safe Clubbing Campaign 2026 – Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs & Second Minister for Home Affairs

Mr Tan Puay Kern, Vice-Chairman, National Crime Prevention Council,

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Zhang Weihan,

Mr Wayne Lee, Secretary, Singapore Nighttime Business Association,

Mr Louis Cheng, Country Manager of Pernod Ricard Singapore and Representative of the Singapore Alliance for Responsible Drinking,

Our valued public entertainment industry partners,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

1. A very good evening to everyone.

2. I am pleased to join you for the launch of the Safe Clubbing Campaign 2026.

3. The Safe Clubbing Campaign is now in its sixth year. It began by encouraging patrons to take simple precautions to protect themselves from crime while clubbing. It has since grown to a wider partnership between the Police, the National Crime Prevention Council and the nightlife industry. The objective is clear: We want to foster a responsible nightlife sector and keep our nightlife scene vibrant and safe.

The Crime Situation

4. We have made progress in some areas.

5. In the first half of 2026, drink-driving accidents fell by 8.1% islandwide, from 74 cases in the first half of 2025 to 68 cases in the same period this year.

6. Offences that affect the public’s sense of safety and security, namely cases of rioting, affray, disorderly behaviour and serious hurt at public entertainment outlets also fell by 20%, from 25 cases in the first half of 2025, to 20 cases in the first half of 2026.

7. These results are encouraging. They show what sustained industry collaboration and public awareness can achieve.

8. But we cannot be complacent.

9. The number of outrage of modesty cases in public entertainment outlets increased from 49 cases in the first half of 2025 to 58 cases in the first half of 2026.

10. This increase is a concern. We must continue to strengthen prevention, deterrence and timely reporting, including in our nightlife spaces.

Don’t Be A Bystander

11. Thus, the key message of this year’s Safe Clubbing Campaign is ‘Don’t be a Bystander! SPOT it. Report it.’ This builds on a year-long campaign, with the same key message, launched earlier this year. This key message calls on the community to play an active role in preventing, deterring, and reporting sexual crimes. In our nightlife spaces, this is especially relevant.

12. Related to this, I also spoke about the S.P.O.T. action protocol at the Police’s Sexual Crime Awareness Seminar in April this year. It lists four practical steps that members of the public can take when they encounter or witness sexual crime, emphasising the importance of bystander intervention to protect others:

(a) “S” is to Spot it.

(b) “P” is to Protect the victim and yourself.

(c) “O” is to Observe key details; and

(d) “T” is to Tell the Police.

13. The point is simple. Do not assume that someone else will act.

14. If you see inappropriate or suspicious behaviour, report the matter to on-site staff or report to the Police immediately. Early reporting allows the Police to respond quickly, identify offenders, and prevent further harm.

15. Operators and staff also have an important role. They are best placed to notice concerning behaviour, assist patrons and preserve information that support investigations.

16. Collectively, we can promote responsible drinking and deter crime at public entertainment outlets.

Strong Partnerships Have Addressed Crime Concerns in Public Entertainment Outlets

17. When the Police, the community and industry partners work together, we can achieve a safer nightlife environment.

18. I thank the National Crime Prevention Council, the Singapore Alliance for Responsible Drinking, the Singapore Nighttime Business Association, and Singapore River One, for their strong and longstanding partnership in enhancing safety across our public entertainment venues.

19. As SaferSG partners, many stakeholders have worked with the Police to implement safety and security initiatives such as displaying crime prevention advisories, training staff, encouraging responsible conduct and promoting timely reporting.

20. The Police have also conducted emergency preparedness exercises with stakeholders, including at locations with nightlife establishments like CQ @ Clarke Quay.

21. These efforts matter. Safety must be embedded in how public entertainment outlets operate, how staff are trained and how patrons are engaged. One good example is how the Singapore Nighttime Business Association has worked with the Traffic Police to distribute anti-drink driving materials at Clarke Quay and beyond.

New Initiatives for Safe Clubbing Campaign 2026

22. Building on this strong foundation, we are introducing three new initiatives under the Safe Clubbing Campaign 2026 to further enhance the safe clubbing experience for nightlife patrons.

(a) First, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Singapore Nighttime Business Association, with support from the Police, will be introducing a new Safe Clubbing Partner Programme. Participating public entertainment outlets will share crime prevention advisories with their staff, display Safe Clubbing Campaign-branded collaterals like coasters, wall panels and stickers, and distribute phone holders branded with similar messaging to patrons. These reminders will help patrons stay vigilant and report any crimes they witness. Participating outlets will also receive a Safe Clubbing Partner Programme decal. It recognises their participation and makes their commitment to a safer nightlife environment visible. I encourage more public entertainment outlets to join the Programme. By doing so, you help to send a strong signal that crime prevention is part of running a responsible nightlife business. A safe venue protects patrons, supports staff, and strengthens public confidence in Singapore’s nightlife sector.

(b) Second, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Police will be launching a TikTok contest. We want to engage patrons to create and share creative crime prevention messages. We hope that the content generated can help amplify the campaign’s message and inspire the wider community to contribute to a safe clubbing culture.

(c) Third, the 2026 Safe Clubbing Campaign will feature a roadshow booth at CQ @ Clarke Quay later this evening. The Police and our partners will engage patrons directly on crime prevention and share practical steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe.

23. Further details of these initiatives will be shared later in the programme. We look forward to the strong support of our operators and partners in championing these new initiatives.

Conclusion

24. Keeping our nightlife spaces safe is a shared responsibility. The Police will continue to enforce the law, work closely with their partners and engage the community. Public entertainment industry operators must make safety part of their business practices. Staff must know how to respond. Patrons must stay alert, look out for one another, and report promptly.

25. If we each play our part, we can keep Singapore’s nightlife vibrant and safe. Together, we can prevent harm and deter offending.

26. Don’t be a Bystander. SPOT it. Report it.

27. Thank you all for your partnership and commitment, and let me wish everyone a pleasant evening ahead. Thank you.