Next up in our 20th Anniversary’s Stewards of AETOS series, we cast the spotlight on ASP(2) (APF) Ikhsan Bin Selamat, a well-respected figure who has dedicated his career to serving as an Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) since 1981.

Serving over more than four decades, ASP(2) (APF) Ikhsan has taken on diverse roles and portfolios, beginning from frontline duties and progressing to his current position as the Head of Support Team in AETOS Security Management.

Today, he leads more than 200 officers, supporting the day-to-day operations of the Auxiliary Police Force and working together with the various divisions to safeguard major ad-hoc events in Singapore.
 

Hi Ikhsan, can you tell us more about yourself and how long have you been serving with AETOS?

Hi everyone, I am ASP(2) (APF) Ikhsan Bin Selamat. I joined Changi International Airport Services Auxiliary Police Force (CIAS APF) on 10 April 1981, and have been with AETOS ever since. Currently, I am the Head of the Support Team. I oversee around 200 officers, and together, we support the full-time APOs for major events and daily deployments.

What made you join AETOS?

After completing my National Service, my main priority was to find a stable and rewarding job. At that time, CIAS APF was formed, and the opportunity presented itself. I applied and got the job, starting my career as a Police Constable (PC) with only a Vocational and Industrial Training Board (VITB) certification, now known as the NITEC certification, NTC-3.

My career truly began to take off after AETOS was formed in 2004. I am very grateful to the management at that time for recognising my potential and promoting me through the ranks. It was a steady and progressive journey—from Police Constable to my present role of Assistant Superintendent of Police (2). Each step forward was not only a result of hard work, but also the unwavering support and encouragement of my mentors and colleagues.

This journey has shown me that with perseverance, consistency, and a strong support system, success is always within reach.

How has your role in AETOS evolved over the years?

When AETOS was formed, I was a Team Leader (TL) at Changi International Airport, responsible for managing around 170 officers. That period, especially in Delta Division, stands out as the most memorable time in my AETOS journey. We held the fort for eight years, consistently performing as the best team, which eventually earned us the Commissioner of Police (CP) Commendation.

Over the years, I have witnessed many of my team members grow and advance in their careers with AETOS. Many of them have been promoted to become Senior Supervisors and even Senior Officers. This fills me with pride because my guiding philosophy has always been that everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed.
 

What about AETOS has made you stay all these years?

I've chosen to stay with AETOS all these years because I've witnessed firsthand the progress the organisation has made, and of course, the amazing people I've met along the way. From the beginning, I was able to work with leaders who not only had the organisation’s interests at heart, but also genuinely cared about our people. Despite how AETOS has evolved over the years with several leadership transitions, the priority of putting our people first has remained constant, even till this day.

I am very confident that with our collective strengths, AETOS has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future!

Can you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences that you have had over the years in AETOS?

I have always believed that a leader is only as effective as the team supporting them, and this belief was reinforced during a pivotal moment in my career. Back in 2008, we secured a major contract to manage critical land checkpoint operations at both Woodlands and Tuas. While it marked a significant milestone for AETOS, this period also presented one of the toughest challenges as I was appointed as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) when Singapore’s most-wanted terrorist, Mas Selamat, had escaped. 

Our officers worked tirelessly, wearing bulletproof vests and enduring back-to-back 12-hour shifts to ensure our nation’s security and safety. Their dedication and perseverance were truly commendable, and I have immense respect for each member of the team who stepped up during that challenging period. 

Another memorable occasion was my transition from Woodlands Checkpoint to AETOS Headquarters, where I took on the role of Recruitment Manager in the Human Resources (HR) Department. In 2017, we achieved a record-breaking number of recruited officers for AETOS, and I was proud to be part of that accomplishment. It was a completely different experience managing a civilian team compared to uniformed officers. To this day, I continue to support the HR Recruitment Team in any capacity I can. 

What significant changes and transformation have you witnessed in the company since it started in 2004? 

In the past two decades, one of the most remarkable changes has been the organisation’s shift towards using digital technologies.

In the early days, our work relied heavily on manual processes using typewriters—a tool that might be unfamiliar to the current generation. We've come a long way since then. Another standout example of our transformation is our journey from a modest and small command post to our current Integrated Command Centre (ICC).

It's an eye opener seeing how AETOS has used technology to enhance our work and transform operations. 

Name some accomplishments you are most proud of and memorable moments you would like to share!

I fondly recall receiving commendations from previous Commanders and Police Commanders for my contributions, and also the time when I was selected to be part of the first group to be trained in the Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System (TOPSIS), when it was rolled out in Singapore in 2009.

I also had the privilege of participating in significant assignments, such as auditing Hamad International Airport in Qatar for cargo security at their terminal, and training staff at Brunei International Airport on cargo security for the Brunei S3 Security Force. Additionally, I was selected to join the Ground Security Coordinator team and underwent training in New York, USA. Back then, I would regularly renew my US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Ground Security Coordinator license in Narita, Japan as well. These experiences allowed me to travel around the world while representing AETOS.

What advice would you give to new employees to help them thrive in our dynamic organisation?

Nothing is impossible in life, so never give up. Take my journey as an example—I started from scratch as a PC rank and only with a NITEC certificate. Since then, I worked hard to obtain a Higher Diploma, learn as much as possible, to reach where I am today. I am glad that I can now share all of my experiences with the new officers.

Furthermore, kindness towards one another is fundamental, along with patience, dedication, and perseverance. These qualities are key to achieving success, wherever you are. Challenges will always surface, but having hope and patience will see you through. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
 

Any wishes for AETOS?

I wish AETOS a very happy 20th anniversary, and may the organisation continue to reap success in all its future endeavours!