Speech at Security Association of Singapore's 32nd Anniversary Dinner and Dance

Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Manpower , Health), Orchid Country Club

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Introduction

Good evening. I am pleased to be here with you for the 32nd Anniversary Dinner and Dance of the Security Association of Singapore.

Growth of Security Sector in Singapore

2.   The security sector has grown rapidly in recent years. Over the past three years, the number of security officers in Singapore has increased by over 7,000 people. Moving forward, the industry is expected to grow even further. From 2008 to 2010, it is estimated that an additional 2,250 security officers will be required because of new and exciting developments in Singapore, such as the upcoming Integrated Resorts and new shopping malls in the Orchard Road area.

3.   Security officers also play important roles for key events that are held in Singapore, such as the recently concluded Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix which received rave reviews. Much praise goes to the security officers who worked diligently behind the scenes, providing security and maintaining order at the event. Likewise, they will be called upon to play a similar role at the Youth Olympic Games that Singapore will host in 2010, and I am sure that they will do a great job. 

Challenges

4.   The sector is, however, also facing challenges that have become increasingly complex. The global security climate was radically altered after 9/11. Terrorist activities in recent years, such as the high profile bombings in Bali, Madrid, London and more recently India and Pakistan, also show that terrorism is "globalised" - any city, anywhere in the world is vulnerable to such attacks. There is therefore a need for countries, including Singapore, to be more vigilant in security issues.

5.   The threat of terrorism is very real in Singapore. We must not forget the Jemaah Islamiyah bomb plot in 2001, targeted at various foreign embassies and part of our MRT network. Because of the vigilance of our security forces, the plot was thwarted. Security officers are vital in ensuring the continued security and safety of our citizens. They form our first line of detection and prevention against terror, and are pivotal in our counter-terrorism efforts.

Improving Industry Capability and Employment Conditions

6.   To better enable the security industry to meet these new challenges, key stakeholders have come together to improve the professionalism and capability of the industry. The Police works closely with the industry associations to raise the overall standards of the industry. A grading system has been developed for the assessment of security agencies and the new Private Security Industry Act enacted. These measures are aimed at further driving professional enhancements of security agencies in the industry.

7.   Efforts are also underway to equip security officers with the necessary skills and expertise to handle these new challenges. In 2006, the Security Workforce Skills Qualification System, or the WSQ, was introduced to provide enhanced and progressive training and certification for security officers. It also articulates a career progression framework, which provides security officers with a clearer idea of their career paths. The aim is for security officers to raise their expertise from the enhanced training under the Security WSQ system, which would help them be more effective and productive over time. The number of participants in the Security WSQ from January to July this year has already reached 3,400, and is set to exceed the 4,300 participants who signed up last year.

8.   To improve the employment terms and conditions for security officers, MOM engages the industry regularly to address employment related issues and raise awareness on employment legislation. In March this year, the Tripartite Committee on CPF and Work-Related Benefits for Low-Wage Workers launched the Tripartite Advisory on Responsible Outsourcing Practices. The Advisory, which is targeted at buyers of outsourced functions including security services, encourages good workplace practices by their service providers through employment agreements. For example, buyers are encouraged to require service providers to provide written employment contracts to their workers. This will prevent any misunderstanding of employment terms and ensure that workers are entitled to statutory employment benefits such as paid annual and sick leave.

9.   With these good workplace practices, the employment conditions of security officers will be improved. Not only is this beneficial to the security officers, but it also benefits the buyers of security services. Better working conditions will lead to more committed security officers, who will perform better on the job. At the same time, security agencies will find it easier to attract and retain manpower given the more favourable workplace conditions and practices. In this regard, I would like to urge the SAS and your members to promote the Advisory amongst your buyers, so that a win-win-win outcome can be achieved.

Fostering Partnership between the Stakeholders

10.   I would like to take this opportunity to commend SAS for your active involvement in training security officers since 1995, and your role in developing the security WSQ. Moving forward, we should continue to leverage on the close working relationship between the various stakeholders. With everyone's support and cooperation, we can further enhance the level of professionalism in the sector and employment conditions for security officers. I am confident that the security industry will continue to grow from strength to strength.

11.   On this note, I wish everyone a pleasant evening. Thank you.