Serving with a Heart: Securing the Nation

Serving with a Heart: Securing the Future reflects and highlights Singapore's efforts on highlighting countering online radicalisation through the collective efforts of ACG and community partners. The collection of articles hopes to recognise and document the community's collective efforts over the last 20 years. Hence, the book's overarching themes revolves around "the Singapore spirit" in keeping the peace in Singapore.

Mr Abdul Halim Kader is a prominent figure known for his multifaceted contributions to various sectors in Singapore. As the founding member and President of TAMAN BACAAN, the Singapore Malay Youth Library Association, he has played a pivotal role in fostering literacy and educational initiatives within the community. Furthermore, his leadership extends to sports governance, where he serves as President of the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation, advocating for the promotion of sports as a means of holistic development. Beyond his roles in TAMAN BACAAN and sports administration, Mr Abdul Halim Kader is actively engaged in civic affairs, exemplified by his membership in the National Crime Prevention Council. His commitment to public service has been recognized through accolades such as the National Youth Service Award in 1980 and the prestigious Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1987. In 2002, Mr Abdul Halim Kader demonstrated his proactive approach to social issues by spearheading the establishment of the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG), collaborating with various Malay Muslim organizations and community leaders. This initiative reflects his dedication to addressing societal challenges and fostering community resilience. Moreover, Mr Abdul Halim Kader's involvement in interfaith initiatives underscores his commitment to promoting harmony and countering extremism. His advocacy for sports extends beyond national boundaries, as evidenced by his leadership roles in the Asian Speak Takraw Federation and the Singapore Speak Takraw Federation. Mr Abdul Halim Kader's extensive experience in public service also includes serving as secretary to former Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, highlighting his capacity for effective governance and diplomatic engagement. His diverse contributions across different sectors underscore his status as a respected leader and advocate for positive change in Singaporean society.

Dr Jolene Jerard was formerly an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She received her PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK. She specialises on terrorist and extremist groups in Asia. She was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies (CAPS) in Kabul, Afghanistan. She has conducted field research in several threat zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand, and the insurgent areas of Bangladesh. In that connection she interviewed numerous leaders and members of terrorist and politico-religious groups Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. She has conducted training programmes for Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence Practitioners and Analysts in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia including Afghanistan since 2008. She has been an instructor at the NATO Center for Excellence — Defense Against Terrorism (COE-DAT) in Ankara, Turkey and is on the list of specialist instructors for the European Union's Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe. She has co-edited several books including Terrorist Rehabilitation and Counter-Radicalisation: New Approaches to Counter-Terrorism, (UK: Routledge, 2012); Countering Extremism: Building Social Resilience through Community Engagement, (London: Imperial College Press, 2013) and Resilience and Resolve: Communities Against Terrorism (London: Imperial College Press, 2015).