31 DECEMBER 2020
ACSA PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Dear valued members
Love and greetings from your ACSA.
2020 was an extraordinary and challenging year globally. The calamity and catastrophic environment brought about by COVID 19, took a toll on almost every citizen in the world.
Many countries are experiencing 2nd or 3rd waves of the pandemic or even new strains of the COVID 19 virus are also mushrooming.
In Singapore, the government’s timely intervention has mitigated and kept the COVID 19 at bay. The arrival of the vaccines has brought a glow to almost all Singaporeans and a sense of relief to many businesses.
I sense that it has been a boost and our journey towards reviving and revitalising the economy seems to be well on track.
The private security industry was plagued too during the devastating global crisis. We were faced with unprecedented challenges that changed the security landscape with unforeseeable environment and unpredictable situations.
Our industry was steadfast and resilient, passed the test of time in the new normal. We were one of the few industries that stood tall with hardly any retrenchment. This augurs well for our security officers.
I acknowledge that several SAs were posed with a manpower crunch, when our officers who hailed from Malaysian were faced with the trans border commuting issues. I am pleased to share that many of our foreign officers made a judgement call, to remain in Singapore and continued working here. To these officers, we thank them for their kind thoughts to continue working in Singapore. This is a laudable gesture on the part of our foreign manpower despite being away from their families.
It’s without a shadow of doubt that the workplaces of our officers took a twist, it became an unsafe work environment as our officers were bestowed with additional duties, which resulted in our SOs to shoulder new responsibilities like screening and taking the temperatures of the visitors entering their facilities that they were assigned to.
Based on ACSA’s monitoring, about 54 security officers contracted COVID 19 in the course of their duties. I am pleased to share that all our officers have since recovered. I must commend these courageous officers who had taken the risk and compromising their health and even their lives. No amount of words can thank these outstanding Officers for assuming the risky roles.
I salute all SAs and your officers for coping with the insurmountable difficulties posed in 2020. Albeit the inclement forecast anticipated in 2021, I urge all members be ready and be poised to receive 2021. The journey is expected to be turbulent; however I am confident that the security industry will come out on top once more.
Some new developments are expected to be introduced in the coming new year and they include :
a. ACSA -SBF Foundation Compassion Fund
ACSA in partnership with Singapore Business Federation Foundation has launched a Compassion Fund (CF).
The CF is an industry led imitative to complement the government’s support schemes to help individuals during the COVID 19.
Information has been disseminated to all SAs. We encourage all SAs to nominate their deserving officers for the CF.
Successful candidates will be advised through their employers. I urge you to seize this opportunity and nominate your deserving Singaporean officers.
b) Security Industry Transformation Awards (SITAj
ACSA will once again be presenting our honourable members with the SITA. It will happen in the 1st quarter of 2021.
Look out for the details of this prestigious award.
c) Removal of OTE
With effect from 1 January 2021, MOM will no longer be issuing OTE. Our officers can continue to work OT, which is capped up to 72 hours per month.
d) PWM Beyond 2020
The revised PWM will take effect on 1 January 2021. It is to be in line with the government’s drive towards creating a work life balance culture. The government has recommended for more rest days whilst maintaining the same gross monthly salaries paid in 2020.
e) SAGE Beyond 2020
Following the feedback by the industry, MHA appointed a SAGE Task Force to review and recommend changes. The Task Force has almost completed its work.
In summary the revised SAGE will be as follows :
– no more grades. It will be either a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ ;
– it will be aligned with the SA’s annual renewal;
– assessment will be based on ‘ core ‘ and ‘ elective’ competencies
– exploring on two / three years licenses.
Details are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2021.
f) Protection of Security Officers
MHA is in discussion with ACSA, SAS and USE to review and recommend measures to enhance the protection of security officers who are on duty.
This review is at the request of ACSA, SAS and USE.
Announcements can be expected in the third quarter of 2021 on the proposed changes.
g) Outcome Based Contracting (OBC)
The award of security contracts will be based on OBC in the near future. The government sector has commenced to implement the OBC.
ACSA has produced a handbook on the OBC. Members can use the guidebook as a point of reference. It can be purchased from our secretariat.
To create a greater awareness, ACSA will be parternering with CEMS organise a seminar on OBC featuring prominent service buyers and SAs who have adopted the OBC.
Look out for details , to be shared soon.
Conclusion
I have outlined how 2020 was for the world and in particular for the private security industry in SIngapore.
The new developments that are also alienated to give you a better awareness and clarity.
It’s my humble invitation to all members to cruise with your ACSA team and make marked difference to the private security industry. Together we will sail the choppy waters to realise better security outcomes for the current security landscape in the new normal.
On behalf of your ACSA team, It leaves me to wish you and your teams, a blessed and bountiful 2021.
John Vijayan Vasavan
President
ACSA Email : john@acsa.sg
