Singapore commemorates third Drug Victims Remembrance Day with “The Library Of Stories, Unfinished” exhibition

             On 15 May 2026, Singapore marked its third Drug Victims Remembrance Day. An initiative by the Inter-Ministry Committee (IMC) on Drug Prevention for Youths^[1], the Drug Victims Remembrance Day is observed annually on the third Friday of May and serves as a reminder of the far-reaching and often unseen impact of drug abuse.

2.         Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, led the observance ceremony at Suntec City Convention & Exhibition Centre. Alongside community partners, former drug abusers and their loved ones, members of the IMC in attendance were:

• Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs;

• Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health;

• Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Law & Ministry of Social and Family Development;

• Ms Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment;

• Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education & Ministry of National Development.

3.         Counterparts from ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia, and Mr Tan Chong Huat, Chairman of the National Council Against Drug Abuse, were also present.

Photo 1 (CNB): Guest-of-Honour Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, with Ms Adeline Wong, a substance abuse counsellor and an animal-assisted psychotherapist, at “The Library of Stories, Unfinished” Exhibition.

4.         This day recognises not only the struggles faced by drug abusers, but also the impact on their families, friends and loved ones, whose lives are deeply affected by the consequences of drug abuse. Through this shared observance, we reaffirm our collective commitment to stand against drug abuse and support those impacted, as a community.

“Stories, Unfinished” Campaign Film

Photo 2 (CNB): Snippet of the “Stories, Unfinished” campaign film.

5.         As part of the campaign, a short film titled “Stories, Unfinished” was released. The film follows the journey of “Ryan”, a fictional character, and traces his life before and after drug abuse. It depicts how his involvement with drugs causes his relationships with his loved ones to deteriorate, and the resulting strain on those around him. As Ryan’s addiction worsens, tensions escalate, illustrating the significant harm drug abuse causes to both the individual and their loved ones. The film is accompanied by three teasers from the perspectives of Ryan’s best friend, girlfriend and mother, offering further insight into the impact of drug abuse on those around him.

“The Library of Stories, Unfinished” Exhibition from 15 to 17 May 2026

6.         This year’s exhibition, titled “The Library of Stories, Unfinished”, will take place from 15 to 17 May 2026 at the Suntec City Atrium from 10.00am to 9.30pm daily. Open to the public with free admission, the exhibition presents an immersive and reflective experience that explores the ripple effects of drug abuse, the mindset of drug traffickers, and the importance of community support for victims.

Photos 3 and 4 (CNB): “The Library of Stories, Unfinished” exhibition, featuring an immersive and reflective experience for visitors to explore the impact of drug abuse on individuals, their families and communities.

Photos 3 and 4 (CNB): “The Library of Stories, Unfinished” exhibition, featuring an immersive and reflective experience for visitors to explore the impact of drug abuse on individuals, their families and communities.

7.         The exhibition unfolds across distinct touchpoints, each offering a unique perspective on the impact of drug abuse. At the Library and Mobile Library, visitors can read real-life stories of victims and watch the campaign film centred on Ryan’s story, highlighting the extensive harms of drug abuse. The journey then moves into character-driven spaces, where the unfinished stories of Ryan’s loved ones reveal the emotional strain of addiction, from strained relationships to grief and conflict. Within these spaces, visitors can engage directly with the actors, bringing the film’s epilogue to life through an interactive and immersive experience. Expanding to a regional perspective, the “ASEAN Collection: United Against Drugs” installation showcases some of the efforts by ASEAN Member States to reduce drug abuse, combat trafficking activities, and protect communities. Towards the end of the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to light a candle in remembrance of the 600,000 lives lost globally to drug abuse each year, as a symbol of solidarity with those who are affected by the scourge of drugs.

Photo 5 (CNB): Guest-of-Honour Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, and Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs, lighting a candle at the third Drug Victims Remembrance Day on 15 May 2026 in memory of the lives lost to drug abuse.

8.         Keeping Singapore drug-free requires a whole-of-society effort. By working together, we can better protect individuals, families and the wider community from the harms of drugs. This year’s campaign underscores the importance of building advocacy and strengthening community partnerships. Our community partners will lead programmes such as a book-sharing session, Human Libraries, and Ripples of Impact – a first ever, open restorative programme specially created for Drug Victims Remembrance Day 2026. These sessions provide opportunities for deeper engagement, allowing visitors to hear directly from victims of drug abuse and participate in meaningful dialogue.

Take a stand for a drug-free Singapore

9.         Members of public are also encouraged to visit the pop-up installations travelling across various locations in Singapore from 23 May to 27 June 2026. The final pop-up installation will coincide with the DrugFreeSG Light-Up on 26 June 2026, reinforcing Singapore’s collective stand against drug abuse. Through these efforts, all of us can play a part in safeguarding our families and communities from the harms of drug abuse. More details can be found at https://go.gov.sg/r-day.

10.        As one nation, we stand together to remember those affected by drug abuse and remain united in our commitment to a safer, drug-free Singapore.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
15 MAY 2026

^[1] The Inter-Ministry Committee (IMC) on Drug Prevention for Youths, currently chaired by Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Tong, was set up in August 2023 to develop a whole-of-Government response to tackle the youth drug problem, with a focus on preventive drug education. The IMC comprises the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social & Family Development, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, People’s Association, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Health.

^[2] Suntec City Entrance (near Esplanade MRT Exit A)