Fact Sheet: About the Security and Intelligence Division

Empowering Singapore’s Leaders with Strategic Intelligence

The Security and Intelligence Division (SID) is a key national security agency for Singapore. From its humble beginnings in 1966 as a small team providing geopolitical analysis, SID has grown into a trusted intelligence agency that delivers critical information and insights to the government. It supports Singapore’s leaders in making informed, high-stakes decisions for the nation, to safeguard and advance our interests. 

A Mission Defined by Strong Values and Culture

SID’s mission is to protect Singapore against external threats and to advance Singapore’s national interests by empowering key decision-makers with critical information and insights. SID holds itself to high standards of professional discipline and excellence in delivering its mission. This requires strong collaboration and teamwork, as well as a spirit of innovation to gather critical information, leverage new technologies and ensure robust assessments.

A Legacy of Supporting Critical Decisions 

In 1966, the Intelligence Division was established within the then-Ministry of Interior and Defence. It was renamed in 1967 to the Security and Intelligence Division.

Former directors of SID include Mr Tay Seow Hua, who served as the inaugural director from 1966 to 1970; Singapore's former President S. R. Nathan who held the post from 1971 to 1979; and Mr Eddie Teo, the agency's longest-serving director who held the post from 1979 to 1994, who last served as the Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers.

Over the past 60 years, SID has supported Singapore’s leaders in navigating the complex external environment and addressing critical national security challenges in Singapore’s history. These include several known crisis situations: 

1. In 1974, then-Director S. R. Nathan played a pivotal role in the Singapore Government’s successful de-escalation of the Laju Incident and the release of hostages.

2. In the 1990s, SID supported the government with key assessments on regional developments during the Asian Financial Crisis. 

3. During the 2000s, SID’s assessments and intelligence support played a major role, together with other Singapore security agencies, in the arrests of Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists. 

4. In 2016, SID provided intelligence that supported efforts to disrupt a terror group’s plot to launch a rocket attack on Marina Bay Sands. 

5. In recent years, SID has broadened its support to help Singapore’s leaders navigate emerging issues such as supply chain resilience during the COVID-19 crisis and energy security during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

People At the Heart of SID

SID’s greatest strength lies in the quality and commitment of its people. SID nurtures a culture of innovation and professional growth, empowering officers to drive their own development while providing the resources and support needed to realise their potential. This commitment fosters a dynamic environment designed to attract individuals with a heart and talent to contribute to its mission, across five broad disciplines – Analysis, Corporate, International Partnerships, Operations and Technology.

As SID marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, it reaffirms its mission in providing the secret edge to Singapore’s security and success. In an increasingly complex world, SID’s role is more vital than ever – it remains committed to delivering timely and valued intelligence assessments that will support Singapore’s leaders in safeguarding Singapore’s peace, security and sovereignty, now and into the future. 

For more information, please visit www.sid.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) or follow SID on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/securityandintelligencedivision/ ↗ (opens in new tab). 

More Resources

Security and Intelligence Division Marks 60 Years of Safeguarding Singapore’s Security and Interests