And he is worried that such a lack of awareness could make them easily swayed by radical views.

The events management student at the Institute of Technical Education's Bishan campus feels that artists and musicians could help make youth aware of the dangers of extremist ideas.

'They have a following, and being young, know what will attract youth,' he said.

He was among 150 Muslim ITE students who attended a seminar yesterday on 'Moulding Resilient Youths' to help them deal with challenges like terrorist ideology.

The half-day session organised by the Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM) and Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) was held at the National Community Leadership Institute in Buona Vista.

It was part of a motivational programme that 4PM runs for ITE students.

Similar sessions by other Muslim bodies were held last year for junior college, secondary school and madrasah students, with the emergence of 'do-it-yourself', or DIY, radicals and the arrest of a 28-year-old polytechnic lecturer who picked up extremist ideology online.

Just last month, the Home Affairs Ministry announced the detention of two 26-year-olds for planning acts of terror. It said they picked up militant beliefs through publications, videos and websites.

Yesterday, an MHA officer spoke to students on the threat of terrorist ideology, while Ustaz Irwan Hady Suhaimi from Muis urged students to, among other things, contact recognised teachers for religious guidance.

They should also connect with the wider society, be inclusive, and be confident of the mainstream interpretation of Islam.

Students also discussed ways to combat terrorist ideology and help youth.

Among the suggestions they came up with: Youth could create catchy videos to counter militant propaganda. Family members could also get involved, and mosques could have cafes and music studios to draw youth.

Accounting student Siti Zarina Mohd Latiff, 19, said the session showed how accessible extreme ideas were, and said more such talks should be held for her peers.

4PM head Izzuddin Taherally said his organisation could back this proposal and others.

Students also heard from Muis president Alami Musa, Internal Security Department director Pang Kin Keong and Mr Izzuddin, who welcomed their enthusiasm, as did guest of honour Yaacob Ibrahim, the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.

Mr Alami said later that Muis was also reaching out to Malay-Muslim arts and sports groups, among others, so that young Muslims know where they can get information on Islam if they wish.

As Dr Yaacob said earlier: 'Our challenge is to ensure that the sentiment to seek knowledge is guided towards a positive outcome.'

Muis, he noted, had revised its religious curriculum to be more attractive and was engaging youth online.

He called on students to adopt an approach that rejects any violence, saying: 'We must continue to build that norm as a value that is ingrained within our community - if you come across an idea that endorses violence, your instinct is to reject it.'