Singapore conducts first major counter-terrorism exercise at Sports Hub

On April 15, 2025, Singapore conducted Exercise Heartbeat at the Singapore Sports Hub, marking the first time a counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness exercise was held at this venue. The exercise, organized by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and supported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), aimed to test the readiness of local authorities in responding to potential terrorist attacks at large-scale events, particularly concerts. Over 180 participants took part in the exercise, including personnel from the various governmental agencies, as well as volunteers and students acting as role players. The scenario involved an anonymous bomb threat received by concert organizers, leading to the detonation of two bombs and subsequent chaos within the venue. A remote-controlled bomb disposal robot effectively neutralized a third bomb found under a spectator's seat. Police officers showcased the post-blast investigations team, who demonstrated techniques in gathering forensic evidence potentially linked to the construction of the bombs. Their work is essential for identifying the perpetrators involved in the attack. Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling observed the proceedings and emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the community in enhancing preparedness for such attacks. She conveyed that this exercise was crucial in boosting public confidence and readiness to respond to terror incidents, particularly where large crowds are present, such as concert venues. The exercise reiterated the significance of vigilance and emergency preparedness among citizens through the SGSecure initiative, which encourages individuals to