Singapore: Shangri-La Dialogue security forum June 2-4

Event

Singapore will host the 16th annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum from Friday, June 2, to Sunday, June 4. The event, which will be attended by ministers and delegates from over 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Tight security measures will be implemented for the duration of the event around the hotel, including road closures and rigorous security checks; police have advised people to anticipate heavy traffic congestion and to avoid the roads surrounding the hotel, particularly Anderson Road and Orange Grove Road. Motorists are advised to use Scotts Road, Orchard Road, or Balmoral Road as alternatives. Additionally, the flow of traffic along Ardmore Park in the direction of Draycott Drive (from Anderson Road to lamp post 6, near Ardmore II Condominium) will be reversed beginning at 00:01 on June 2 through 20:00 on June 4. Police have also asked the public to refrain from flying kites, drones, etc. in the area until the forum has concluded.

Context

A man was shot dead on the last day of the 2015 forum when he reportedly drove through security barriers outside the Shangri-La Hotel despite verbal warnings to stop.

There is increasing concern in Singapore that terrorist attacks targeting soft targets such as large public events could occur. Singaporean authorities made multiple arrests on terror-related charges in 2016, including six suspected militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) in Indonesia accused of plotting an attack in Singapore and six Bangladeshis accused of financing terrorism.

Advice

Individuals are advised to anticipate significant transportation disruptions and increased security from June 2 to 4, remain vigilant at public events, and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the proper authorities.