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In recent years, Clarke Quay has transformed from a predominantly nightlife-based hub into a destination that draws visitors round the clock.
To strengthen emergency response capabilities at this vibrant precinct, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducted Exercise Heartbeat on 3 November 2025, in collaboration with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and community stakeholders. Among the guests at the Exercise was Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Home Affairs.
The joint counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness exercise was held at Clarke Quay for the first time since 2017 and involved more than 80 participants, including officers of the SPF’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Ground Response Force (GRF).
A suspicious-looking man, clad in a dark hoodie, walked into the plaza area of Clarke Quay. Carrying a bag, he glanced around nervously before placing the bag down and walking away.
A member of the public noticed him and approached to ask about the bag. The man shrugged him off, quickly turning away. Sensing something was amiss, the member of the public contacted security personnel at Clarke Quay, who approached the bag cautiously.
Suddenly, smoke began emitting from the bag, drawing gasps of concern from passers-by. The security personnel immediately started to evacuate members of the public from the site.
But help was at hand. Having been trained by the SPF and SCDF in emergency skills, members of the Safety and Security Watch Group (SSWG) arrived promptly and extinguished the fire.
But the respite was brief. A vehicle rammed into the taxi stand at Clarke Quay, injuring multiple civilians. One attacker came out of the car wielding a knife and stabbed an innocent bystander, taking another hostage.
A FairPrice staff member witnessed the attacks and called the Police immediately, applying the SGSecure protocol “Run, Hide, Tell.” GRF officers soon arrived on the scene, followed by ERT officers who quickly engaged one attacker, immobilising him.
They then broke the window of the vehicle to gain access to the second attacker. With both assailants subdued, the situation was brought under control.
In an attack, things can change in a moment. The suspect behind the smoking bag returned to the plaza suddenly and took a bystander hostage. Police officers quickly moved in to subdue the attacker and handcuff him.
With all the attackers accounted for, operations moved to the next phase. While Police officers secured the area, SCDF medical personnel attended to injured members of the public, rendering first aid to them.
This edition of Exercise Heartbeat saw the SPF, SCDF and community stakeholders working together at Clarke Quay to respond to a simulated terror attack. Their swift actions demonstrated how trained community members can save lives during a crisis.
“We must stay vigilant, equip ourselves with emergency preparedness skills and foster strong community bonds to strengthen our community’s resilience,” said SMS Sim. “Together, we can build a safer and stronger Singapore.”
