Speech by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport, at the SBS Transit Inaugural Security Symposium 2024

Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group CEO of SBS Transit,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

1.     Good afternoon, everyone. I am happy to join you here today at SBS Transit’s inaugural Bus and Rail Security Symposium 2024.

2.     Public transport plays a crucial role in connecting people, enabling business and strengthening communities. An average of about seven million bus and train rides are made each day in Singapore. The public transport family therefore has a duty to protect the security and safety of millions of commuters every day.

EVER-EVOLVING SECURITY LANDSCAPE

3.     While the safety and security that we enjoy sets us apart from many other cities, we cannot take this for granted. The security landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by global tensions, extremist threats, and self-radicalised individuals.

4.     While the recent Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024 by the Internal Security Department highlighted that there are currently no indications of an imminent attack, the terrorism threat to Singapore remains high.

5.     For instance, a 17-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean youth, who had plans to carry out a terror attack in the HDB heartlands, was just arrested in August this year.

6.     This incident serves as a stark reminder that any public space could be vulnerable. This includes our public transport system, which is a prime target due to its accessibility and dense crowds.

7.     More recently, a 37-year-old Singaporean man who stabbed a priest at St. Joseph’s Church was arrested earlier this month. Two courageous members of the congregation had rushed forward to disarm and subdue the assailant. Their quick and decisive actions helped prevent further harm to the priest, and possibly others. Other members of the congregation provided first aid to the priest before the authorities arrived. 

8.     Investigations are still ongoing, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that this was an act of terror. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance of staying vigilant, and the critical role that the public plays in ensuring that we are prepared for an emergency.

STRATEGIES TO DETER AND DEAL WITH SECURITY THREATS

9.     Each and every one of us plays an important role in keeping our public transport system safe. We can enlist commuters to serve as extra pairs of eyes and ears on the ground, to help us by reporting any suspicious person or object to the relevant authorities. To this end, LTA, in collaboration with our Public Transport Operators and the Singapore Police Force, has been actively engaging the public through the "See Something, Say Something" campaign.

10.    Beyond what individuals can do, we can also put in place robust capabilities to multiply our efforts, to deter, and in the worst case respond, to security incidents in our public transport system.

11.    The theme of today’s symposium – “Leveraging Technologies and Partnerships to Enhance the Security of the Public Transport System” – reflects this approach. We can harness the power of technology to bolster our efforts to ensure public security, while also cultivating strong community partnerships and networks, to strengthen our ability to respond to crises.

12.    I will elaborate on each of these two areas in turn.

TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENABLER TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECURITY 

Public Transport Security Committee (PTSC)

13.    First, on technology. The Public Transport Security Committee, or PTSC in short, comprising representatives from LTA, security agencies, and public transport operators, was set up in 2004 to drive security policies and strategies in our public transport system. The PTSC also spearheads security enhancements and technology projects to make our public transport system safer and more secure.

14.    For example, the PTSC has worked with the Rail Operators to trial security technologies, such as mass screening devices and AI-powered X-ray machines, that can be deployed at transport nodes to carry out passenger screening during periods of heightened alert, while minimising impact on commuters. The PTSC also conducts regular study visits to other countries to learn from their best practices in public transport security.

Technologies Implemented by Public Transport Operators

15.    The PTSC complements the individual efforts of our public transport operators, who have also been proactive in harnessing technology to improve the security of their premises.

a.    Both our rail operators have been exploring the use of AI-enabled CCTV systems at train stations to identify security threats in real-time, such as unattended bags, to enable timelier response and intervention.

b.    In addition, I understand that SBS Transit has deployed a smart system that monitors attempts to access sensitive rooms at the rail depots.

c.    Our bus operators too have implemented technological measures to identify and prevent intrusion into staff-only areas of their bus interchanges and depots.

SBS Transit’s Latest Partnerships to Harness Technology

16.    I am heartened to hear that SBS Transit is also continuing to push ahead with the exploration of new technologies. Today, SBS Transit will be inking three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to employ advanced technologies to elevate the security of our public transport network.

17.    As part of these MOUs, SBS Transit will be collaborating with the Security Solutions Association of Singapore (SSAS), and local technology companies Weston Robot and Talonz Technologies to trial the deployment of autonomous robots and AI-driven video analytics to boost security across its depots, bus interchanges and MRT stations.

18.    Today, SBS Transit is also showcasing a range of other technologies that are being trialled for potential deployment. For example, KABAM Robotics will be exhibiting Project SENTINEL, an innovative security platform designed to enhance commuter security and safety. By integrating security robots and mobile CCTV footage, the platform can provide real-time alerts about incidents to station staff, to allow them to respond swiftly to potential security threats.

19.     I look forward to seeing these technologies in action later.

LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECURITY

20.    In addition to leveraging technology, the community also plays a critical role in ensuring the security of our public transport system.

21.    This starts with bringing together stakeholders among government agencies, public transport operators, and members of the public, to raise awareness and encourage participation in emergency preparedness activities, and ultimately strengthen our mutual commitment to creating a more secure Singapore. This approach is in line with the national SGSecure movement, to build resilience in the community against security threats.

22.    One example of partnership in action is the conduct of multi-agency ground deployment security exercises at our transport nodes.

a.     In May 2024, SCDF partnered with SBS Transit for a joint operational exercise at Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange, simulating a chemical agent release and subsequent rescue of the affected commuters.

b.     In August 2024, LTA and SBS Transit collaborated on an exercise at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, which aims to familiarise commuters and public transport staff with the appropriate response during an emergency.

c.     Through these exercises, we can simulate real-life emergency scenarios, ensuring that all stakeholders remain vigilant and operationally ready to act swiftly in the event of an emergency.

23.    I encourage our transport operators to continue building partnerships to leverage shared experience, resources, and expertise, to foster a strong culture of vigilance.

24.    To this end, SBS Transit will be signing a fourth MOU with Temasek Polytechnic today. This collaboration aims to uplift the professionalism of security officers working within the public transport sector, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to address not only today’s security challenges, but also the ever-evolving security challenges of the future.

CONCLUSION

25.    A safer and more secure public transport system is a common good that requires shared effort. In closing, I urge all our partners and stakeholders here today to fully engage, learn about, and draw inspiration from the latest security technologies and best practices on show at this Symposium. I thank you for your commitment to working together in the crucial mission of keeping our public transport system safe and secure for all transport workers and commuters.

26.    Thank you.