Good morning
Brother N Silva, President of the Union of Security Employees,
Brother Desmond Choo, Executive Secretary of Union of Security Employees,
Officers from Security Industry Regulatory Department,
Officials from the Ministry of Manpower,
Tripartite Partners and members of the Private Security Industry,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my pleasure to be here this morning to join all of you for the 4th Private Security Industry National Day Observance Ceremony to mark our nation’s 46th National Day.
Growth of Security Industry
2 The security industry has grown much in the last two years. Our officers are better skilled and enjoy better wages. The industry has also seen the number of licensed security officers increase from 30,000 to 50,000. Initiatives such as the Best Sourcing Initiative (BSI) scheme and the First Mover Programme have significantly improved the working conditions for security officers. More companies have since adopted incentivised training, flexi-working hours for officers, along with better work-life balance. All this would not have been possible without the concerted efforts by our tripartite security industry partners that include the Security Industry Regulatory Department (SIRD), Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Security Association (Singapore) Association of Certified Security Agencies (ACSA), and Union of Security Employees (USE).
3 Our security officers are integral to Singapore’s security landscape and community. Amidst the many unsung heroes; we have seen them, foiling robberies, identifying suspicious vehicles as well as the rescue of a student in the recent flooding at Bukit Timah.
4 Demand for security officers is expected to continue rising over the years as many new developments take place in Singapore. Yet there remain challenges to be addressed within the industry. We need to enhance the working environment and hours, improve wages and skills of our security officers, as well as ensure fair HR and employment practices for this industry. There is much to be done to achieve the 30% increase in wages as well productivity as part of our National goal; the tripartite partners would have to engage the industry at various levels.
5 Let me now share a few new initiatives aimed to raise standards and performance of the security industry. SIRD has included a new pillar by assessing Security Agencies on their employment standard and HR practices. The adoption of this pillar aims to promote enlightened HR practices such as quarterly performance incentives, payment of Annual Wage Supplement (AWS), recognition of long service and annual increment for the security officers.
6 In the near future, Security Agencies would be required to display their grading at individual worksites. This will hopefully encourage the Agencies to perform better for their annual grading exercise. The grading would also help buyers to better evaluate their options when hiring a Security Agency.
7 Together our tripartite partners MOM, SIRD and CPFB have tightened enforcement against rogue agencies that have violated regulations such as the employment act. This has effectively reduced breaches from 9.7 per 100 checks in 2009 as compared to 4.3 per 100 checks in 2010.
8 The past few years saw rapid changes in security needs, leading to an expansion of the job scope of security officers. As a result, the demand for a security workforce with a larger and specialised skills set has risen. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has been working closely with our security industry partners to enhance training provided under the existing Security Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework to meet the industry needs. In the second quarter of 2012, WDA will be rolling out additional and enhanced training courses that would better reflect the capabilities needed by the security officers of today.
9 In 2010, the Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) launched encouraged security employers to tap on technological upgrades such as Bio-metric Access & Scheduling System, Remote CCTV Surveillance System and Visitor Management System. Our security officers benefitted by becoming more technologically savvy and more productive in their role as they are now able to take on more responsibilities, this in turn helped them to earn better wages. Looking forward, we hope to engage the two security associations ACSA and SAS to further develop and enhance the skillsets of the security officers.
10 As you can see, we are all wearing the orange ribbon, this ribbon symbolises the racial and religious harmony that exists in Singapore, which was achieved as a result of a concerted effort by every citizen. Similarly for the transformation of the image of the security industry, it would not have been possible, if not for the concerted action, dynamic cooperation, dedication and commitment of our tripartite partners.
11 At this point I would like to congratulate all our tripartite partners on the job well done so far in transforming the image of the security industry.
CONCLUSION
12 In conclusion, we need to recognize that this profession is more than just a secondary and support role, it is at the forefront and our first line of defence for the community. We need to have a paradigm shift and put in best practices to attract the best people into our industry. With the right training, officers of all ages will be able to discharge their duties required of them. With the tripartite team working hard together, I am confident that our
private security industry will continue to evolve and grow stronger to overcome all odds and challenges.
On this note, I like would like to wish all a very good day ahead.
Thank you
