Opening of ITE’s Security Operations Training Command - Speech by Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs

CEO of ITE, Mr Peter Lam,

Distinguished members of ITE’s senior management,

Industry partners, colleagues, students,

Ladies and gentlemen.


Introduction

1. A very good afternoon to all of you. I am pleased to join you today for the opening of the Security Operations Training Command or SOTC.

2. Let me first commend ITE for bringing this important initiative to fruition.

3. I would also like to acknowledge our industry partners, for their strong support.


A More Complex and Evolving Security Landscape

4. The security environment is becoming more dynamic and challenging.

5. Threats such as radicalisation, foreign interference, scams, and drug trafficking are increasingly influenced by developments beyond our borders.

6. At the same time, security demands are growing, amidst persistent manpower constraints.

7. This means we can no longer rely on traditional, manpower-intensive approaches to security.

8. This is why strengthening our security workforce is so critical – very important.

9. It is not just about building a larger workforce, but ensuring a more capable, and a future-ready one.

10. One that is equipped with the right skills, able to leverage technology, and take on more advanced operational responsibilities.


Strengthening the Security Workforce

11. At the national level, we are building a security workforce that can harness advanced technology to augment capabilities.

12. As security operations become more technology-enabled, new roles and skillsets are emerging.

13. To support this shift, the Security Technologist track was launched in November 2025 by SPF’s Centre for Protective Security, SkillsFuture Singapore, and the Security Solutions Association of Singapore.

14. In parallel, training pathways are being strengthened. Several new courses that focus on deploying and maintaining advanced security technology are being offered by ITE and Temasek Polytechnic-Security Industry Institute.


Work Study Diplomas Build a Pipeline of Security Professionals

15. Alongside these training efforts, we must also ensure a steady pipeline of security professionals.

16. The Work Study Diploma plays an important role in this.

17. The experience of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in partnering ITE for the Work Study Diploma in Security Operations, illustrates this well.

18. Since 2023, ICA has recruited over 200 officers through this pathway.

19. ICA’s Work Study Diploma trainees received structured training that is closely aligned with frontline operational requirements, such as situational awareness and communication.

20. This enabled them to better assess traveller profiles, pick up on cues, and respond appropriately to situations at the checkpoints.

21. For example, Miss Shanti D/O Elangovan, an ICA officer who graduated from the pioneer batch of Work Study Diploma.

22. She was commended by her supervisor, for her vigilance in identifying signs of drug use in a traveller.

23. Building on ICA’s success, the Singapore Prison Service has also come on board, with its inaugural cohort in April 2026.

24. The programme equips prison officers with essential skills such as crisis response and communication. Officers will be more prepared in upholding the safe custody of inmates, while supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.

25. Across the Home Team, the Work Study Diploma programmes have become a key pathway. This is to attract and develop ITE graduates.

26. They offer a meaningful career pathway, where trainees can learn, contribute, and grow at the same time.

27. This has helped us to build a steady pipeline of committed officers, who are ready to serve, and make a difference.


SOTC Strengthens Training for Real-World Operations

28. The opening of the SOTC marks an important milestone, and this is in strengthening our training approach.

29. Previously, ITE’s training was largely conducted in classrooms, which limited the ability to simulate real-world operational environments.

30. SOTC addresses this gap, by providing a more structured and immersive training environment, effectively bridging theory and practice.

31. The facility also features immersive simulation capabilities, including a Mixed Reality and AI-enabled zone, as well as a dedicated ICA Zone that allow trainees to experience checkpoint operations in a realistic setting.

32. With SOTC, training becomes more cohesive, enabling trainees to build confidence and transition more seamlessly into their actual security roles.


Closing

33. So in closing, let me once again commend ITE and all partners for making this important initiative possible.

34. My sincere thanks to all of you. Thank you.