When Terror Strikes, Are We Ready?

GRAPHIC AND PHOTOS: Toh Rui Hao

Putting Public Preparedness to the Test 

Run, Hide, Tell, Help. We’ve heard this SGSecure protocol before. But the real question is—would we remember and do those steps in the heat of the moment? That’s what SGSecure’s “What Would You Do When Terror Strikes?” social experiment web series sets out to uncover in its first episode. The remaining episodes shifted focus to vigilance: how quickly would members of the public spot and act on suspicious items in everyday settings?  

Aired on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)'s YouTube Channel and meWATCH, the three-part series brought a familiar, entertaining style to a serious subject matter, with expert commentary making the lessons more relatable, while keeping the urgency of the security message intact. 

Real Reactions, Controlled Scenarios 

In the first episode, eight local influencers experienced a simulation of an armed intruder attack in a workplace setting, testing their instincts, awareness and ability to stay calm under pressure. The participants were caught off guard when the staged crisis unfolded, revealing natural reactions ranging from panic and confusion to quick thinking and attempts to escape or hide. The episode highlights how even those familiar with the "Run, Hide, Tell, Help" and “Press, Tie, Tell” actions may freeze or forget what to do during a terror incident. 

The simulated suspicious objects in Episodes two and three. PHOTOS: Toh Rui Hao

The following episodes observed the general population’s alertness to terror threats, with the production team designing two experiments in high-traffic areas: a suspicious unattended luggage bag at Our Tampines Hub and a car with gas cylinders clearly visible inside parked haphazardly in the carpark next to Bishan Community Club. Conducted over two days with proper safety protocols and participant consent procedures in place, the reactions of over 2,500 passersby were recorded. The production team categorised the responses using predetermined criteria for "noticing" (looking directly at the suspicious item for more than three seconds) and "acting" (approaching, reporting or alerting others/authorities). 

The production team and officers from SGSecure Programme Office monitoring and managing the unfolding experiment from a location near the filming area. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

The Numbers Tell a Story 

The results left many stunned. Only 17 per cent of the 2,530 people who walked past the suspicious luggage or car noticed something out of the ordinary. Of those who noticed, less than six per cent informed the authorities. 

Mr Conrad Fung, who appeared in the second episode of the web series, being interviewed by the production crew. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Mr Conrad Fung, one of the passersby who noticed the suspicious luggage but did not report it, reflected on his experience. "As it's during lunchtime, everybody goes about their own business. So, I didn't really notice anything suspicious. Unless there's a heightened alert, I wouldn't be paying much attention." When asked why people might miss warning signs, he said: "We take life as what it is and ignore the signs. But I believe that when there is a need, Singaporeans would keep an eye out." 

"I think the results show that we have been taking our safety and security for granted. I would encourage Singaporeans to keep an eye out for anything that may seem out of the ordinary," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Wilbur Sim, former Director of the SGSecure Programme Office (SSPO) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Moving Forward Together 

(Left) Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, as well as Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Ms Sim Ann, with the influencers who appeared in the first episode. (Right) Launch of the web series and premiere screening of the first episode at The Projector at Cineleisure. PHOTOS: Toh Rui Hao

The series made its debut with a premiere event at The Projector on 30 July 2025, attended by Ministers, local personalities, SGSecure key partners and stakeholders, and participants of the social experiments. The launch generated significant buzz on social media, with early viewers sharing their own preparedness stories and discussing how they might react in similar situations.  

Using entertainment to deliver serious security messages, the series has sparked important conversations about public vigilance since its release. The audience’s reactions ranged from surprise at the low response rates to renewed commitment to staying vigilant, setting the tone for broader public engagement with the SGSecure movement. 

Don’t wait for a crisis. Take concrete steps now to improve your preparedness: follow the @SGSecureOfficial account on Instagram and TikTok, download the SGSecure app for timely security alerts, report suspicious activity, persons, or objects, and practise the "Run, Hide, Tell" protocol with family members.  

You can also visit the SGSecure Roadshows at shopping centres around Singapore, sign up as SGSecure Responders and attend the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s free emergency preparedness training as part of its Responders Plus Programme. 

Posing at a photobooth at the series’ premiere, the influencers who participated in the series’ first episode held signs depicting roles that everyone can play in a crisis. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Building awareness requires normalising security conversations with colleagues, friends and family, sharing learnings on social media using #SGSecure, #WhatsYourRole and reporting suspicious activities through the SGSecure app or by calling 999. 

Preparedness isn't instinct—it requires conscious practice and community commitment. This web series has reminded us that true readiness begins not during a crisis, but in the everyday moments when we choose to stay alert and look out for one another.

“It’s very simple: Keeping your eyes open, staying alert, staying vigilant. If you notice something is off, report it immediately, be courageous.” – Joakim Gomez, Host of the "What Would You Do When Terror Strikes?" web series. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Watch all three episodes of the web series on MHA's YouTube Channel and meWATCH.

Catch an exclusive behind-the-scenes video and hear the reactions on MHA's YouTube Channel.

SGSecure is Singapore’s community response to the threat of terrorism. It is a national movement that aims to build community resilience and calls upon the public to come together to safeguard Singapore and our way of life. Launched in 2016 following global terror attacks, SGSecure equips citizens with the knowledge and skills to prevent, deal with and recover from a terror attack. For more information and training resources, visit www.sgsecure.gov.sg.