SGSecure unveils storybook to empower kids with safety smarts

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with creative company VML Singapore, has launched a new children's book to educate the younger generation on the topics of safety and security. The book is part of SGSecure movement’s efforts to engage the community in safeguarding Singapore. 

With the support from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ack! Furtropolis is under attack! aims to nurture and equip young children with the knowledge to recognise and respond effectively to potential signs of danger, in an age-appropriate way.

The book also encourages children to stay alert, build community relationships, and talk to trusted adults if they feel unsafe or see something suspicious.

Don't miss: Real life incarcerated parents write stories for their children in Geneco new book 

Set in the fictional city of Furtropolis, the story illustrates how a potential attack unfolds, and more importantly, how the community comes together to foil the villain's plot, emphasising the power of collective action. 

Additionally, the story features guided questions to prompt the children to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, while the activities at the end of the book help reinforce their understanding of the key concepts in a fun and engaging way.

"The launch of this storybook represents a key milestone in our collective effort to nurture young minds and equip them with the important knowledge to protect themselves from danger," said Wilbur Sim, programme officer for SGSecure, MHA. 

In tandem, Nimesh Desai, chief executive officer at VML Singapore said, "We believe stories have the power to make complex issues understandable for young minds. Through this book, we’re giving children a safe space to learn, ask questions, and grow stronger."

The storybook was officially unveiled by Sun Xueling, minister of state, MHA and Ministry of Social and Family Development, on Friday (11 April) last week. 

MHA isn't the only one to have released a powerful children's book in recent times. In November last year, electricity retailer Geneco unveiled its "Till the end of time" campaign, focusing on supporting ex-offenders' reintegration, and highlighting the importance of familial support in breaking cycles of intergenerational incarceration.

The initiative, in collaboration with New Life Stories, the Yellow Ribbon Project, and CANVAS, aimed to create a structured support ecosystem for ex-offenders.

Central to the campaign was the book Love Beyond the Walls: Till the End of Time co-created by Geneco and New Life Stories. It featured ten narratives written by incarcerated parents to their children and included a foreword by Singapore's President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam. 

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