In the last year, Singapore’s security sector has had to adapt to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the change to a more technology-based and manpower-light operational set-up would have come eventually, the outbreak accelerated it. Mr Nelson Tee, president of the SSAS, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst to quicken the adoption of new technologies. Without Covid-19, there would still be change but at a slower pace.” Where it was previously common to see two or three security officers manning a condominium security post, one is now the norm. Booking-in applications and online pre-registrations for condominium visitors offer convenience and less exposure for both visitors and security officers, he said. The shift in the security landscape came at a time when government agencies were expected to adopt outcome-based contracts (OBCs), which focus on expected outputs and outcomes rather than manpower needs, by May 2020. While SAS president Mr Thomas acknowledged the significant upfront costs of implementing technology, he said buyers stand to benefit from savings through longer-term contracts. Undoubtedly, times are hard for smaller security companies.... Continue Reading