Key Takeaways
Protects People, Property & Data. Professional security services deter criminal activity and safeguard valuable assets, sensitive information, and individuals.
Enhances Access Control & Monitoring. Security guards and advanced systems like biometrics and smart locks ensure only authorized access and real-time threat detection.
Ensures Compliance & Reduces Liability. In regulated industries, expert security support helps meet legal standards, minimize risks, and avoid costly penalties.
There are many aspects of security that we should know. Perhaps what comes to mind is usually guard at a building entrance, or a CCTV camera in a shopping mall.
While these are certainly aspects of it, the world of professional security in Singapore is far more comprehensive, strategic, and vital than many realise.
It’s not just about deterrence. Security is a growing industry and is a regulated, technologically advanced, and people-centric industry that forms a critical pillar of Singapore’s safety and stability.
What is Security?
Singapore’s Security Industry comes in many service operations such as physical security, cybersecurity, operational security, and information security. The security professionals serve to provide safety and protection to people, property, and data breaches from threats and unauthorized access (data). In essence, security refers to safeguarding a secure and protected environment across all aspects of operations whether in the private or public sector.
Physical Security
Protecting people, property, and assets from threats like theft or intrusion. This includes:
- Security guards
- CCTV surveillance
- Access control systems
- Alarm response
Cybersecurity
Focused on defending systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. It includes:
- Firewall and antivirus systems
- Data encryption
- Penetration testing
- Managed Security Operations Centres (SOC)
Operational Security (OPSEC)
Protects sensitive operations and processes from being exposed to malicious parties. This involves:
- Insider threat prevention
- Monitoring behavioural patterns
- Securing internal communications and plans
Information Security
Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, whether physical or digital. This applies to:
- Company documents
- Verbal conversations
- Email or cloud-stored data
In essence, security is about creating an environment where risks are minimized, and individuals and entities can operate with peace of mind.
Security professionals and companies provide specialized services, highly trained personnel, and sophisticated technologies used to protect individuals, assets, and information for businesses, organisations, and even high-profile individuals.
What Sets Singapore’s Security Industry Apart?
In Singapore, professional security is defined by credentials, authority, and structured training.
Regulated by Law, Backed by Standards.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is the governing body of the security industry in Singapore and oversees the Police Regulatory Department (PRD).The PRD regulates security officers, private investigators, as well as security companies. Their role in, ensuring that all officers are properly trained, qualified, and meet licensing requirements. This applies to individuals operating in both the private and public sectors.
Adopting PWM to Build a Skilled and Motivated Workforce.
In Singapore, all security companies adopt the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) which is a structured wage structure that ensures fair wages, continuous skills development, and career advancement that ensures all security professionals are taken care of. Uniforce is one of the very few companies that received the Golden Circle Award for Best Employer and has been accredited to PW Mark Plus through their contribution for their employees that goes beyond the basic requirements of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
Training That Builds Professionalism
In 2005, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) created the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) for every security officer. WSQ is a framework of mandatory training courses to ensure every officer in the private sector has the skills, knowledge, and professionalism to perform their duties effectively.
Embracing Smart Technology
As part of Singapore’s Smart Nation vision, system integration in the security industry such as AI-powered surveillance has grown necessary to enhance efficiency and responsiveness on the ground now and for the future.
Legal Protection for Frontliners
The Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) was established in order to provide security officers security protection from abuse, harassment, and assault while they perform their duties.
Your Questions Answered: Professional Security in Singapore (FAQ)
Thinking about a career in security? Here are some common questions we hear:
What are the primary licenses required for security professionals in Singapore?
- Licenses are issued by the Police Regulatory Department (PRD).
- For individuals: Security Officer (SO) Licence or Private Investigator (PI) Licence.
- For companies:
- Security Agency (SA) Licences is the main licence of operation.
- Security Service Provider (SSP) Licences for specific services like alarm monitoring.
- Licence for Cybersecurity Services (LCS) for managing SOC or penetration testing.
Reference: SPF | Police Licences
What are the essential training modules for new security officers in Singapore?
To get your SO licence, new entrants generally need to complete and pass three basic licensing modules under the Security WSQ framework:
PWM-Security: Guard and Patrol, Access Control Management
Module for basic guard duties, conduct patrols, and operate security equipment such as surveillance and access control systems.
PWM-Security: Incident Response
Module covers handling various security incidents, including fires, crimes, medical emergencies, and bomb threats.
PWM-Security: Threat Observation
Module for identifying suspicious activities, and responding appropriately to suspicious persons, objects, or vehicles covering training to address potential terrorist threats.
What is Progressive Wage Model (PWM)?
- The PWM is a government initiative ensuring fair wages linked to skills and career progression.
- Have a five-level career roadmap, from Security Officer (SO) up to Chief Security Officer (CSO).
- Important to note that in PWM, WSQ training and years of service will contribute to an officer’s career progression.
- Uniforce Security Services adhere to the PWM and prioritize officers’ professional development.
Reference: Progressive Wage Model for Security Sector
What types of services Uniforce Security Services offer in Singapore?
- Security Manpower: Deployment of trained and licensed security officers..
- Security Consultancy: Risk assessments, security audits, and the development of comprehensive security plans.
- Systems Integration: Technological assessments and system integration of security tools and technology for every scale of surrounding environment. Implementing CCTV systems, access control, and alarm systems, etc
- Event Security: Security for large gatherings, ensuring crowd control, VIP protection, and overall safety at events.
- Executive Protection: A specialized security service for high-profile individuals, mitigating risks and ensuring their safety.
Read more: Uniforce Security Services
Are International certifications valued in Singapore?
Absolutely! While local licensing is mandatory, international certifications significantly enhance a security professional’s profile, especially for leadership, management, and specialized technical roles. Highly valued examples include:
ASIS International Certification
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) (the global gold standard for security management)
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI).
Cybersecurity Certifications
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional),
- CompTIA Security+, or
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) which are crucial in the digital security landscape.