Security Industry Conference 2026 – Speech by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr Patrice Choong, Principal and CEO, Temasek Polytechnic

Mr Tristan Norman, Group Managing Director, Nineteen Group

Industry partners

Union representatives

Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

1. Very good morning. I am so delighted to join you at my first Security Industry Conference, or SIC. I thank Temasek Polytechnic’s Security Industry Institute and Nineteen Group for the kind invitation.

2. This is the second time that the SIC is being held as part of Security Event Asia. It is heartening to see the industry come together over the next three days to exchange knowledge and best practices. I also look forward to seeing new capabilities and emerging technologies from local and global solution providers and how they can reshape the way we approach security. I wish everyone a fruitful time of learning and discovery.

3. Now, this is a timely opportunity to chart our next steps amid persistent manpower constraints and changing service demands. One major challenge is our ageing population. In 2026, Singapore became a super-aged society, with more than 21% — or about one in five — citizens aged 65 and above. By 2035, this figure is expected to rise to more than one in four. The security industry feels this trend acutely: More than half of today’s security workforce is over the age of 55, and if current trends continue, most could be aged 65 and above by the year 2035.

4. Yet emerging technologies and more collaborative contracting models offer significant opportunities. If we seize them, we will be better placed to overcome these challenges.

5. To seize them, our mindsets and practices must evolve in three key areas.

Integrate Technology Into Security Operations

6. First, we must accelerate the integration of advanced technologies into security operations to improve efficiency. Technology has advanced rapidly and will continue to do so. The proliferation of AI tools, for example, has enabled systems to detect objects and movements with far greater accuracy.

7. Security companies must therefore harness relevant technologies to stay competitive and deliver better security outcomes. I am pleased to announce that IMDA and MHA, in consultation with the industry, have refreshed the Security Industry Digital Plan, or IDP, to provide updated guidance for security agencies on their digitalisation journeys.

8. The refreshed IDP adopts a new, problem-centric approach. Rather than simply listing available technologies, it starts with the operational and business challenges faced by the industry, and focuses on the solutions best able to address them.

9. Now, this gives us confidence that the technologies identified — including AI-enabled solutions — are relevant and will strengthen operational capabilities. Examples include Virtual Patrol with Analytics and Intrusion Detection, which detects incidents such as intrusions and alerts officers on duty, and AI-supported Incident Reporting solutions, which reduce administrative work by producing a first draft of incident reports. And industry feedback has also helped us identify solutions for corporate functions, such as HR e-scheduling systems that automate staff scheduling, attendance tracking and other routine HR tasks.

10. Formteam shows what successful technology adoption can achieve. It deployed a Command Centre platform that integrates functions such as virtual patrolling and video analytics across multiple sites. Instead of checking several systems when incidents occur, its officers can now verify incidents immediately and respond more quickly. Analytics and automated alerts have also reduced the need for officers to monitor CCTV screens continuously, freeing them to supervise junior officers, review incidents and improve service quality.

11. Formteam’s experience demonstrates how technology can deliver better outcomes. Under the refreshed IDP, we will continue to support agencies through measures such as grants for technology adoption and IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital platform. This one-stop platform connects SMEs with digital solutions to real-world business challenges and offers resources such as the Go Digital Advisor, which helps companies identify technologies suited to their day-to-day needs.

12. Service buyers also have an important role. To accelerate adoption, they must be prepared to meet upfront capital costs in return for greater efficiency and long-term savings. Encouragingly, buyers’ mindsets are already shifting. MHA’s Security Industry Survey in 2025 found that more than half of our service buyers now consider technology when assessing the quality of security service proposals, up from fewer than 10% only three years ago. We will continue to help buyers understand how technology contributes to good security outcomes, and I am confident that this positive trend will continue.

Empower the Workforce Through Skills Training

13. Second, we must empower our workforce. Technology alone is not enough; we need skilled professionals who can use it effectively and translate it into better security outcomes. As we adopt more technology, we must equip our people to operate it confidently and take on higher-value work.

14. That is why we launched the Security Technologist track last year, to equip individuals with the skills to deploy and maintain advanced security technology. I am pleased that we are making good progress.

15. Mr Kamarudin is among one of the more than 20 individuals who have completed the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme for Security Systems Technicians, offered by Temasek Polytechnic’s Security Industry Instituteand supported by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency. The programme deepened his technical knowledge and strengthened his systems and diagnostic skills. He is now more confident in resolving technical challenges and more proactive in proposing improvements. He has also taken on roles supporting technology initiatives, including CCTV enhancement and cybersecurity projects.

16. We will continue to develop relevant courses and refine our training approaches, so that Security Technologists are well equipped to develop, deploy and maintain advanced security solutions.

17. Now, beyond technology, security officers need continuous and structured training to remain effective in today’s operating environment. Officers are already required to pass a Refresher Quiz before renewing their licences. Following consultations with the industry, we have identified scope to strengthen this training currency framework.

18. From 2027, next year, officers at the ranks of Senior Security Officer and above will therefore take a differentiated Refresher Quiz before renewing their licences. This recognises that they are trained for more complex responsibilities, such as managing threatening behaviour. The differentiated quiz will reinforce the knowledge needed for these advanced roles and help keep their capabilities relevant.

19. We are also ensuring that officers who upskill have meaningful opportunities to apply their new capabilities. In August, the Advanced Crowd and Traffic Control Management course was introduced to prepare officers to manage more complex traffic scenarios. From 1 January 2027 next year, officers at the ranks of Security Supervisor and above will be able to supervise and lead traffic management on major arterial roads. This will allow them to put their training into practice, improve safety and security outcomes, and take on broader roles that support career progression and make the industry more attractive.

20. We have made good progress. We must sustain these efforts so that our workforce remains ready for a fast-changing security landscape.

Improve Capabilities and Raise Industry Standards

21. Third, we must raise industry standards. Technology and a skilled, empowered workforce are essential enablers, but they do not, guarantee good security outcomes. As an industry, we must continue strengthening our capabilities and setting a higher bar.

22. We have taken concrete steps in this direction. The Security Agencies Competency Evaluation covers core and elective competencies that promote progressive manpower practices, higher productivity and better security outcomes. Since July, agencies that passed all core competencies and the required elective competencies have been granted five-year licences, up from the two-year licences. At least 15 agencies have already achieved this.

23. This is a win for agencies, officers and service buyers alike, and I encourage more agencies to build the capabilities needed to qualify. Longer licences give agencies greater confidence to bid for longer contracts and amortise the cost of technology investments across a longer period. They also reduce the time spent on contracting processes, allowing agencies to focus on capability-building. Officers can move away from manual, repetitive tasks towards higher-value work, while buyers benefit from better security outcomes and greater service continuity.

24. Our strong tripartite partnership gives workers, industry players and regulators a firm foundation to broaden capabilities and raise standards together. By doing so, we will build a stronger industry — one that is better prepared for the challenges ahead.

25. Now, next year will be a big year for Singapore. We will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship, we will be having lots more events, high-level meetings, not just the Formula One race as well, but to welcome Singaporeans and open the doors to ASEAN and the world. We have to be better prepared for the challenges ahead. The world is becoming conducive for a divide; but what makes us different is that we are fully welcoming, and we have a security industry that is better prepared and better transformed to meet the challenges ahead. Friends, security is not merely about guarding places; it's about protecting people, and it's about preserving the peace and inspiring confidence in all of us.

Conclusion

26. In closing, our transformation must be a shared effort. We must harness technology, strengthen capabilities and empower our people. Not just in Singapore, but across the industry all around the world. By working together, we can build a better security industry for companies, officers and service buyers alike.

27. Thank you. I wish you a fruitful and engaging SIC 2026.