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Speech at Security Officers' Day Awards 2025

Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower, Temasek Polytechnic

Mr Kelvin Goh, President of Security Association Singapore,

Leaders of Trade Association and Unions 

Distinguished guests and, most importantly, our security officers. 

 

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you at this year’s Security Officers’ Day Awards. 

2 Today, we honour the dedication and excellence of our security officers. Your work is constant and often unseen, but indispensable in keeping Singaporeans safe.

3 Let me begin by extending my warmest congratulations to all award recipients across all seven different award categories. You have gone above and beyond in your duties, and today’s recognition reflects your hard work and commitment. 

4 While today’s event is a celebration of excellence, it is also an opportunity to come together as a community, take stock of how far we have come, and reflect on where we want to go next.

Technology and Innovation: Building the Future of Security

5 Over the years, the security landscape has undergone significant changes. Looking ahead, it will continue to evolve — driven by demographic shifts, rising service expectations, and technological advances. To stay ahead, we must continue to embrace innovation boldly. Technologies like integrated sensors, robotics, and smart surveillance are no longer just futuristic concepts, they are already transforming how security operations are delivered today.

6 This is why the Government has worked closely with the industry to develop and refresh the Security Industry Transformation Map, or Security ITM. The Security ITM serves as our compass, encouraging security agencies to harness technology to boost productivity, enhance security outcomes, and add value to security officers’ careers.

7 I commend the security companies and officers that have stepped up to this call. In recognition of such efforts, we have among the categories of awards today the Job Redesign Award, which honours security officers who have demonstrated strong capabilities in using technology to take on new functions within their roles, or to enhance and add value to the roles of others. 

8 For example, as one of the recipients of the Job Redesign Award this year, Senior Security Supervisor Muhammad Iskandar bin Abdullah spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to modernise security practices. Officer Iskandar incorporated centralised live monitoring and virtual patrols that allow officers to supervise multiple sites in real time, thereby increasing site surveillance coverage and enabling immediate incident escalation. He also initiated training programmes to equip other officers with digital skills, empowering them to adapt and excel in an increasingly digital workplace.

Reimagining Job Capabilities and Providing Progressive Wages

9 As technology and innovation becomes a core pillar of security operations, we must also reimagine the capabilities needed for security officer jobs. With the development and deployment of security technology also comes the demand for high-value skills such as digital literacy, data analysis and software operations.

10 To support this, MOM has worked with agencies to introduce initiatives such as the Skills Framework for Security and the Security Productivity Initiative. These initiatives offer structured training pathways, skills certification, and wage support, empowering officers to acquire technical competencies while enabling companies to build a future-ready workforce. 

11 As we empower security officers with these new skills, it is equally important to ensure that they are recognised and rewarded fairly. The Security Progressive Wage Model, or PWM, is central to this effort. Since its introduction, the PWM has delivered sustained wage growth. From 2025 to 2028, entry-level Security Officers will see their wages increase cumulatively by up to another 23%. The PWM has also provided clear opportunities for career progression linked to skills and responsibilities. We will continue to strengthen the PWM so that every security officer who upskills can expect commensurate pay and meaningful advancement. 

12 After all, transformation is not just about new technology — it is about uplifting our people and creating workplaces where they can thrive.  

Closing

13 Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Your stories inspire us. Your commitment sets the standard. And your excellence is the foundation for a future-ready security industry that Singapore can be proud of.

14 I would also like to thank our industry stakeholders and the Security Association Singapore for your support. We look forward to your continued collaboration in shaping a security sector that champions excellence. 

15 Thank you and Hormat Security!