More than 350 participants from the retail industry attended the inaugural Safety & Security Watch Group (SSWG) counter-terrorism seminar held at One Marina Boulevard on Monday, 18 July 2016. The seminar was graced by Mr Melvin Yong, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC.
The participants were updated on the security situation and given useful tips on hardening their premises, contingency response and recovery in the event of an attack. This would allow the retail industry to help themselves and their customers in their premises in the event of a terror attack.
This inaugural SSWG seminar was organized for the retail industry as Singaporeans spend a considerable amount of time in shopping centres and retail spaces. More importantly, recent events around the world have shown that the retail industry is a ‘soft target’ for terrorist attacks.
SSWG members have been pro-active in adopting robust measures to augment the safety and security of their premises through the timely review of contingency plans and validation of these plans through regular exercises. It also serves as an opportunity for members to network and share best practices targeted at the different industries.
Support From Our Retail Industry Members
One example is the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), who has been working closely with SPF and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in shoring up Orchard Road’s support in raising awareness and stepping up emergency response measures in the event of a terror attack.
Chairman of the ORBA, Mr Mark Shaw, said, “Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), as Place Manager of Orchard Road, supports the SG Secure initiative by being an effective conduit to disseminate information, raise awareness, and heighten vigilance against terrorism. The Association encourages stakeholders to train and equip employees to respond competently to unexpected incidents. Orchard Road businesses are urged to be a part of this meaningful public-private partnership and to make a commitment towards combatting any act of terror.”
This is the first of several SSWG counter-terrorism seminars that the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will be organizing for the business community from July 2016, under the ambit of SG Secure.
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Melvin Yong, Member of Parliament, Tanjong Pagar GRC, delivered the opening address at the inaugural SSWG Seminar.
Executive Director of the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), Mr. Steven Goh, and Community Partnership Department Assistant Director, Superintendent Rosalind Sam.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 July 2016 @ 1:55 PM