THE tragedy that befell Ms Lo Hwei Yen was one that could have happened to any Singaporean as many travel abroad, said Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar yesterday.

Every terrorist attack is also a learning experience, and a reminder that it can happen here too. Singapore needs to remain vigilant and prepared, he added.

Professor Jayakumar, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, was speaking to reporters after visiting the home of Mr Stanley Puhaindran, Ms Lo's father-in-law, to offer his condolences.

Noting that all Singaporeans share in the family's grief, he said: 'It could so easily have happened to any one of us or our loved ones because we all travel. So naturally the family is very distraught.'

He said that when things in Mumbai have settled down, Singapore security officials will be in touch with their Indian counterparts to see what lessons can be drawn from the Mumbai incident for Singapore's own security situation.

He said he knew Mr Puhaindran as a well-known and respected grassroots and community leader. Mr Puhaindran is a long-time grassroots leader in Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's Marine Parade ward.

Prof Jayakumar said he did not know Ms Lo or her husband personally. Even so, he said, like all other Singaporeans, he felt as if he knew her and could share the family's pain.