Coming up next in Stewards of AETOS, we turn our attention to DSP(2) (APF) Roy Yeo Sock Kee, Commanding Officer (CO) of Specialised Services Division (SSD). With 18 years of unwavering dedication to AETOS, DSP(2) (APF) Roy's career transition from a professional footballer to a respected leader within our ranks exemplifies the commitment, passion, and excellence that define our #AETOSFamily.

As we celebrate two decades of Securing Our Future, we delve into the stories of stewards like DSP(2) (APF) Roy, giving us a compelling glimpse into his inspiring journey and aspirations for AETOS. Read on to discover more!
 

Hi Roy, can you tell us more about your journey in AETOS and how long have you been serving here?

Hi everyone! I’m DSP(2) (APF) Roy Yeo, currently serving as the Commanding Officer of Specialised Services Division. It’s been an incredible 18 years since I joined AETOS in 2006.

My journey here has been immensely fulfilling with many opportunities for growth, challenges, and rewarding experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. Along the way, I’ve also forged lifelong friendships and built strong bonds with colleagues—relationships that I will always cherish.
 

What inspired you to join AETOS?

Frankly speaking, joining AETOS wasn't something I had initially planned. A friend recommended the job to me, so I thought I'd give it a shot. At that time, I was pursuing a career in professional football and by the age of 33, injuries and other circumstances made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in the sport.

A uniformed career was never really on my radar, but after some encouragement from my friend, I decided to attend the interview. The CEO at the time shared the organisation’s milestones and vision, which really struck a chord with me. That was when I told myself I'd commit to this job for three years. Fast forward to today, I'm still here, finding fulfilment and purpose in what I do every day!

What significant changes have you witnessed since AETOS started in 2004?

When I first joined, I came in as a Provision Inspector and was deployed at Changi International Airport, leading a team of 145 officers. Later, I was in charge of managing the Operation Command Centre at dnata Singapore, which started with just six operators.

Over the years, we stepped out of our comfort zone and expanded our business beyond airport operations. Our first big leap was securing contracts for Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints, and the second major milestone was our involvement in the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. Since then, we have secured this major ad-hoc assignment every year, which also shows our client’s trust and satisfaction in our service.

Personally, I've seen a notable transformation in our uniform, where we had a change in colour to differentiate ourselves from the local police force. Furthermore, we’ve embraced technological advancements over the years, such as the launch of our Integrated Command Centre in 2022. This initiative has opened doors to greater capability development, including fleet management, FM and sustainability tracking for our clients.

Can you share any memorable moments you have experienced here with AETOS?

One of the most memorable moments for me was the pandemic period. The lockdown prevented people from leaving the country, which was particularly tough for some of our Malaysian Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs). We scrambled to set up a dormitory for them, and I remember seeing officers making phone calls to their families, even though they were just less than a kilometre away from home across the border; they were so close yet so far away from each other.

When the good news came that the land checkpoints were reopening, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I shed tears of happiness. It was such a relief to know that our people could finally go back and reunite with their loved ones. As the former CO of Charlie Division at Woodlands Checkpoint, I was heavily involved in the preparations for the reopening of borders. It was a tough process, but knowing that our efforts were essential in bringing people back to their loved ones made it all worthwhile.

What advice would you give to current or new employees to help them thrive in AETOS?

To thrive at AETOS, my advice is to focus on becoming a good leader by listening to your team. One key aspect of effective leadership is to genuinely care for your people and demonstrate integrity in whatever you do.

For those just starting out, whether you’re fresh out of National Service or new to the workforce, view AETOS as a career rather than just a job. If you decide to be an officer, spend the first three years learning the ropes, another three years mastering your role, and then consider your future path. You will grow to realise that engaging with the clients and public daily is invaluable for developing your soft skills, which are essential for managing relationships effectively with anyone.

How do you feel to be part of the AETOS Family?

Being part of the AETOS Family holds a lot of significance for me. Over the past 18 years, I’ve seen many colleagues grow as individuals, and some even achieving heights in their career here. I often tell my team members that we spend more time together than with our own relatives, supporting each other side by side every day; they are just like my extended family—my brothers and sisters. We’ve faced many challenges together, and those experiences have strengthened our bond, which is what makes my journey with AETOS so special.

What does it mean to be a good leader to you?

A leader should always be at the forefront, leading by example and tackling obstacles before they affect the team. Leadership goes beyond management; it’s about supporting your officers when they face difficulties. It’s crucial to have a team that shares similar principles, and leaders have to be the first to offer support when needed.

Showing genuine care and concern is another key aspect of leadership. I make it a point to check in with my officers on how their families and themselves are doing. A good leader should also focus on nurturing their team members into future leaders by recognising their potential and empowering them to grow.

What do you wish AETOS would achieve in the next 20 years and beyond?

Looking ahead, I’m confident that AETOS is poised to reach even greater heights. It’s crucial that we continue to explore how technology can enhance and expand the services we deliver to our clients.

We’re on the right track, and I’m excited to see how the organisation will further innovate and integrate technology into our operations. This allows us to train up officers who will not only excel in enforcement but also engage in more meaningful and impactful work that benefits both the organisation and their professional development.

I envision AETOS as a brand that people are eager to know and be part of, all because of our strong reputation and standing in the industry. To achieve this, we must uphold the highest standards in every aspect of our work—from our business capabilities to our officers and leadership.

I wish AETOS a happy 20th anniversary, and here’s to many more extraordinary years ahead!