Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning,
I am happy to join you this morning to mark the launch of Security Workforce Skills Qualifications, or Security WSQ and to congratulate the pilot batch of more than 200 trainees who will be receiving their Security WSQ Certificates in Security Operations and Higher Certificates in Armed Security.
Threat of Terrorism & the Role of Private Security Industry
2 The launch of the Security WSQ marks an important positive step in raising the capabilities and professionalism of the private security industry. These enhancements are both necessary and timely as the recent attempted attacks in London and Glasgow highlight the continued terrorist threat that we face. In Singapore, the detention of Jemaah Islamiyah and the self-radicalised individual underscore the need for continued vigilance at home.
3 The private security industry plays an important role in making Singapore a safe place. Its members, including you, are out there guarding some of our key installations, offices, hotels and shopping malls. A great deal of trust is placed on you by the public who depend on you for their safety and security. It is therefore imperative that the private security industry and its members complement the authorities to help safeguard our security. To do this well, you need to continually improve your operational processes and upgrade your skills.
SIRD and Regulatory Framework
4 The current Private Investigation and Security Agencies Act will be amended to refine existing regulatory controls. This will help build a more professional, better-trained and disciplined private security industry. All private security officers will also be given individual licences if they meet screening and training requirements.
Security WSQ
5 The Singapore Police Force, Workforce Development Agency, National Trades Union Congress and Ministry of Manpower are working closely together to help improve standards and transform the industry. One outcome of this effort is the launch of the Security WSQ today. This will address the growing demand for well-trained security personnel in the industry.
6 With the Security WSQ, private security officers now have a qualification system that charts out skills progression pathways that they can take, leading up to a diploma. Officers with different educational qualifications can enter the scheme at different levels and work their way up. Thus it provides an incentive for individuals to upgrade their skills to attain higher professional recognition and earn better wages.
7 To support the Security WSQ, I am also pleased to announce the set up of the Security Industry Institute which will serve as a national continuing education and training institution for the private security industry. This is a joint effort between WDA and Temasek Polytechnic. The Institute will provide training programmes ranging from the Certificate in Security Operations up to Diploma level, which job seekers and existing security officers can upgrade their skills and professionalism. The Institute will also offer career counseling, job screening and placement services for individuals seeking career opportunities in the industry.
Recognition of Efforts of Pilot Companies
8 To those who are graduating today, I offer you my congratulations. I would also like to commend the companies who have sent their officers for the WSQ training. These officers now return to you better trained to contribute to the companies.
9 One commendable example is Mr. Goh Chin Chye of Evtec Management Service Pte Ltd. Mr Goh was nominated by his employer to attend the Security WSQ Certificate in Security Operations in early January this year. When he returned to his company, his employer noted an improvement in his performance and subsequently promoted him from Security Officer to Security Supervisor. The investment in training had made a direct impact on Mr Goh’s performance at work and as a result, benefiting both himself and his employer.
Conclusion
10 But your journey does not end here. The private security industry and its staff must continue to upgrade its skills, professionalism and standards to keep pace with the changing environment and evolving security threats. I therefore encourage all stakeholders in the private security industry to continue to work together with relevant government agencies to make the industry a strong and effective one.
11 Thank you.
