Safety And Security Asia 2009 Concludes In Singapore

The solutions on show help security and safety professionals to keep abreast of the latest developments

The event marked the 20th anniversary of Safety and Security Asia and was jointly held with "Homeland Security Asia 2009" and "Fire & Rescue Asia 2009".

Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) in collaboration with Safety and Security Asia officially opened "Safety and Security Asia 2009" at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 30.

The event, which marked the 20th anniversary of Safety and Security Asia, was jointly held with "Homeland Security Asia 2009" and "Fire & Rescue Asia 2009" to showcase the latest solutions in technologically advanced equipment and cutting edge software and other innovations. Together they were designed to offer the industry a "total solution" under one roof.

Over the three- day event, international experts in the field of security shared their expertise, experience and new solutions relating to the security of hotels, retail, banking, petrochemical and other prominent commercial enterprises with both the participants of the concurrently-ran seminars and the exhibitions. These solutions helped security and safety professionals keep abreast of the latest developments available.

Several renowned speakers in the field of safety and security presented their papers at the 16th APSA International Conference, the Global Technology Seminar and the Commercial Premises Security Conference 2009.

"The formation of SSA marks a milestone in the history of the security industry"

Guest-of-Honour Prof Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister Of State (Law & Home Affairs) who launched the event said in his address that "security is a key factor in the choice of location for international events. Increased vigilance, coupled with robust security measures in place, has helped Singapore to secure the hosting of key events like the APEC Summit and Youth Olympic Games." He added that "with the displacement of threats towards 'soft' civilian targets, security can no longer be the sole domain of the Government. It needs to be taken up collectively; through a collaborative effort by everyone. In this regard, the private sector's involvement and contribution and community participation and support are key ingredients towards strengthening our security."

During the ceremony, winners of the Merlion Awards 2009, the most prestigious award in the industry recognizing outstanding innovations, designs and brands, were announced and winners were presented their trophies by Professor Ho. The Singapore Retailers Association Safe Shopping Awards also gave special recognition to outstanding security personnel from retailers who are part of the SRA Retail Security Charter. It recognized their contribution to the security efforts implemented by their employers.

The 20th anniversary also marked a momentous occasion for Singapore's security industry with the formation the Singapore Security Alliance (SSA)

The 20th anniversary also marked a momentous occasion for Singapore's security industry with the formation of Singapore's very first security alliance. Spearheaded by five organizations, the Singapore Security Alliance (SSA) is a joint initiative formed to forge closer ties among the organizations to better promote the well-being of Singapore's security industry and its members. This alliance is anticipated to introduce new lines of communication and facilitate coordination among the different bodies of the security industry, thus upping the level at which safety and security is reinforced in Singapore.

The memorandum of understanding was signed to commemorate the formation of the SSA. Present at the signing were:

• Mr. Edward Liu, Managing Director, Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS)
• Mr. Joseph Tang, President, Asia Professionals Security Association (APSA) Singapore Chapter
• Mr. Anthony Lee, Honorary Chairman, American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS), Singapore Chapter
• Mr. Ivan Chin, Director, International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners
• Mr. Dennis Lim, President, Security Systems Association of Singapore

"The formation of SSA marks a milestone in the history of the security industry. CEMS is very proud to be the central fulcrum that launched this significant alliance," said Edward Liu. He added, "We are excited to see this new alliance bring the local security industry closer and to a higher level of understanding, all for the betterment of Singapore.

SSA 2009 is strategically organized to address the development needs and opportunities presented by Asia's rapidly growing security and safety industry.