2025 Review (Part 1)

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BEREAU (CNB): FIGHTING AGAINST DRUGS FOR A DRUGFREESG

CNB ramped up efforts in community engagement, preventive drug education and enforcement, as well as strengthened international relations with its counterparts.

1. CNB launched the ‘Uninfluenced’ campaign, with an interactive escape room experience for the public and a media campaign that challenged prevailing perceptions of drugs. DrugFreeSG Champions participated in a conference to share best practices in anti-drug advocacy.

2. Singapore held its second Drug Victims Remembrance Day on 16 May to remind the community of the harms of drugs, to both the abusers and their loved ones. Singapore hosted the 46^th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters and Its Related Meetings; member states discussed the regional response to drugs and also proposed an annual ASEAN Remembrance Day.

3. CNB conducted regular operations to dismantle drug syndicates and deprive traffickers of their ill-gotten proceeds. Enhancements to legislation were made to allow for stronger enforcement action against New Psychoactive Substances and other drugs.  

GAMBLING REGULATORY AUTHORITY (GRA): NEW SPACE, SAME PURPOSE, READY FOR TOMORROW

In 2025, GRA moved to new premises and refreshed the next lap of its transformation journey. GRA remains committed to keeping gambling honest and safeguarding Singapore from the harms of gambling.  

1. In August, GRA moved to its new office at ICA Services Centre, embracing an ‘Organic Oasis’ workspace that promotes collaboration. The milestone was marked by a 10km run led by GRA’s Chief Executive, covering the distance from GRA’s old office to its new home.  

2. Unveiled in April, the GRA 2030 plans highlight the need to integrate AI into GRA’s operations and strengthen licensees' compliance mindset while leveraging technology to enhance player protection and regulatory compliance. 

3. GRA renewed the licences of Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Pools and 16 gaming machine room operators. GRA will continue to maintain rigorous oversight of licensed entities to strengthen their compliance culture.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY (ICA): ICA'S KEY TRANSFORMATION ACHIEVEMENTS

Amidst ICA’s ongoing transformation, these milestones reflect steady progress in advancing border clearance, service delivery and workforce development under the New Clearance Concept, Services Centre Next Generation and future-ready workforce vision respectively.

1. ICA has fully implemented automated clearance at major checkpoints, with QR code clearance at land checkpoints. All Singapore residents and departing visitors can clear immigration via token-less clearance simply by scanning their facial and iris biometrics, without presenting their passport at sea and air checkpoints. 

2. The ICA Services Centre, which commenced operations on 7 April, has redesigned systems that enable holistic assessment of applications. Digitalised services and self-service kiosks enhance customers’ convenience, relieving officers to focus on higher-value work. 

3. ICA’s workforce is being equipped for tomorrow’s border and service environment, with structured training and an enhanced staff framework, building confidence and competence for new roles, systems and responsibilities.

SINGAPORE PRISON SERVICE (SPS): CONTINUED ADVANCING OF CORRECTIONS

SPS leveraged evidence-based research, strengthened local and international partnerships, and invested in targeted staff recruitment to support effective inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.    

1. SPS launched the book ‘Group Work in Correctional Rehabilitation’ and organised the Correctional Practice and Research Symposium and the inaugural Evidence-Informed Drug Rehabilitation and Prevention Workshop, sharing evidence-based correctional research. 

2. SPS implemented the enhanced Halfway House Service Model to better support supervisees and organised the 2nd International Correctional Leadership Programme and the 7th Asian Prisons Lockdown Challenge, to strengthen international collaboration.   

3. SPS launched a refreshed recruitment campaign with the tagline ‘Conviction. Courage. Care.’ to increase awareness of the varied roles of Captain of Lives in the secure custody and rehabilitation of inmates. 

YELLOW RIBBON SINGAPORE (YRSG): ADVANCING TRANSFORMATION AND REINTEGRATION EFFORTS, EMPOWERING CHANGE

YRSG received the Public Sector Workplace Transformation Award and continued to advance reintegration efforts. The Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) is set to strengthen its brand presence ahead of its 30th anniversary.

1. YRSG received its first Public Sector Workplace Transformation Award at the Public Service Festival 2025 for creating a positive, people-first workplace.

2. To support reintegration, YRSG set up its first Career Resource Centre, equipping inmates with industry insights and job opportunities. Complementing it, the updated Career Circles programme encourages career planning through conversations held much earlier in the incarceration phase.

3. In preparation for 30 years of the YRP, comprehensive efforts will focus on strategic branding, high-impact collaborations and the revitalisation of events and initiatives to enhance brand presence and influence.

Catch the remaining Home Team agencies’ highlights and achievements later in December.