Inside Singapore’s secret intelligence agency: Three former SID leaders on threats, sacrifice and service

He also expressed appreciation to past and present SID officers, including pioneer leaders such as former SID directors Mr Tay Seow Huah, Mr S R Nathan and Mr Eddie Teo.

Looking ahead, he said the agency’s work would become more demanding and more important in a changing external environment, with more things to watch for such as shifting relationships, new restrictions and future vulnerabilities.

The boundaries between security, economics and technology are also becoming less distinct, he said, adding that trade, investment, supply chains and access to technology are “increasingly being used as instruments of statecraft”.

Mr Wong encouraged the agency to continue sharpening its edge to keep Singapore safe and ahead. 

“We need to understand not just what countries are saying and doing politically, but also how they may use all sorts of different levers, economic and technological levers, to advance their interests.

“SID must therefore help us understand these shifts early, assess what they mean for Singapore, and give us the foresight to prepare and respond,” said the prime minister.

He also said the agency must continue to attract and retain people with sharp minds, sound judgment, deep expertise and a strong sense of mission for the country.

“SID has truly come a long way over these past six decades. From a small group of pioneers working quietly after hours, you have grown into a professional and capable intelligence service,” Mr Wong added.

“For a small country like Singapore, that ability to anticipate, understand and act early is a vital source of strategic advantage. And you help contribute to this strategic advantage.”