Why Singapore’s Secret Intelligence Agency Matters for National Security

SID was created in 1966 as a modest team that produced geopolitical analysis, and over the decades it has grown into a full‑fledged intelligence agency that advises the government on security and strategic issues.

One of its most notable leaders, Eddie Teo, joined SID in 1970, served for 24 years—including as director from 1979 to 1994—and was recently honoured with the Order of Temasek (With Distinction) at the National Day Awards for a total of 56 years of public service.

SID officers traditionally wear their medals inside their jackets, keeping the awards out of public view, a practice that mirrors the agency’s preference for operating behind the scenes.

In 2021 the division took an unusual step by launching a public recruitment website; the move led to a 50 percent rise in applications and attracted mid‑career professionals from fields such as law, media and communications, enriching the agency’s talent pool.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that SID’s work gives Singapore a vital strategic advantage because it helps leaders anticipate and respond to emerging threats, allowing the country to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Together, the agency’s long‑standing secrecy, its evolving recruitment strategy, and its ability to provide timely intelligence underpin Singapore’s safety and its capacity to make confident decisions on the global stage.

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