Buildings more likely to be targeted by terrorists could be required by law to ramp up security measures – a move that has been described as “timely” but which has led to concerns about funding. The Infrastructure Protection Bill, if enacted, will allow MHA to designate new buildings as “special developments” and existing buildings as “special infrastructures”. Mr Steven Goh, the executive director of Orba, said it has been encouraging stakeholders – including hotels, retail buildings and offices – to harness technology when upgrading security, such as adopting AI for facial recognition. Mr Goh said Orba already works closely with the police to mitigate threats. For instance, concrete barriers to deter vehicle attacks have in the past been installed when Orchard Road was closed for events. But he said some stakeholders are concerned about the cost. “Some funding would perhaps encourage buildings to upgrade their systems to be AI-enabled.” Mr Ravi Sivalingam, head of operational support services at the Esplanade pointed out that Esplanade’s manpower costs for security have increased by 46 per cent over the last three years, and that the cost of security technology and equipment is also rising.... Continue Reading