08 June 2020
As part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, AETOS is doing our part to provide security services for foreign worker dormitories and alternative accommodation facilities. A few hundred AETOS Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) and Security Officers have been deployed at 53 different locations across the island, including Government Quarantine Facilities (GQF), floating hotels under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and military camps. As part of our integrated services, AETOS is also supplying technology solutions such as CCTV systems to some of the deployment sites.
In addition to the regular duties such as security patrols and access control, the officers also perform temperature checks, ensure that social distancing measures are adhered to, and escort workers who have tested positive for COVID-19. This is no easy feat as the officers are required to don full personal protective equipment (PPE) - including medical gowns and gloves at some of these deployments - for their entire 12-hour shifts.
Said Sergeant (APF) Syarifuddin, an APO currently deployed at an isolation facility, “Once I put on the attire, I better understood the hardships that healthcare workers face on a daily basis. While it is not easy to wear full PPE under the hot sun, I hope to make a positive impact alongside my fellow AETOS frontliners”.
Mr. Lim Kok Hwa, Vice President of Operations said, “In times of adversity, our actions define who we are and what we are capable of. We are proud that our officers stepped up to the challenge and joined in the national effort to battle this pandemic on the frontlines. To support them, our main priority lies in ensuring our officers’ well-being. With constant supervisory visits and increased measures targeted at maximising their welfare, our officers are able to discharge their duties with confidence and positivity.”
Read More
06 May 2020
Operations Manager Zaffar Ali Khan recently received the Model Worker award from the Union of Security Employees (USE). The award is conferred on outstanding workers who exemplify Worker 4.0, displaying the traits of being Resilient, Relevant and Ready for the changes brought about by digitalization and disruptive technologies. Crucially, they improve both their jobs and their own employability while contributing to their company and their industry as a whole.
We interviewed him to find out more.
Congratulations on the award! How do you feel?
Honestly, I was very surprised because I was totally unaware that my fellow union officials had nominated me for the award. I am definitely very happy – it’s always nice to receive recognition for your contributions and hard work.
Tell us more about your job scope. What do you do in a typical week in AETOS?
My fellow Operations Managers and I carry out a wide range of duties. We manage manpower deployment, supervise the Security Officers on the ground and fulfill various administrative roles, all while ensuring that the needs and expectations of our clients are being met. That’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Currently, I supervise ten deployment sites, such as Singapore Cruise Centre and Changi Ferry Terminal.
How about your role in USE?
At the AETOS level, our union members handle matters such as welfare and discipline. We often act as counsellors and advisers for our officers, lending them a listening ear or helping to settle grievances. At the union level, we discuss issues that affect the wider security industry, such as regulations and manpower trends, as well as how to improve it. For example, I was involved in the brainstorming and development of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for the industry. We also attend courses such as leadership and personal development, which are funded by the union.
What does it take to be a ‘Model Worker’? Any tips to share?
When it comes to work, I think that attitude is the game-changer. We should lead by example – especially as we are not just representing ourselves, but the company as well. By building rapport with clients and stakeholders, and being tactful and patient when dealing with issues, we come off as professional and committed to our work. Additionally, a spirit of continuous learning helps a lot. I made it a point to constantly take new courses to upgrade myself, and then pass this knowledge on to new generations of security professionals.
How are you facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation?
As a leader, the wellbeing of my officers is my top priority, and this extends to ensuring their morale remains high during this difficult period. Their twelve-hour shift work is not easy even during normal times, so we need to consider their welfare and how best to support them.
I came from the rank and file, having joined CIAS as a Security Officer almost seventeen years ago, so I can empathize and understand how the men and women on the ground think and feel. One of the most important things is to ensure that my officers know they have the support of their leaders and the management. I make it a point to communicate with them regularly, and go down to the ground to listen to their concerns and feedback in person. Ensuring that their voices are heard
Above all, treat your officers as if they were your family. Whether times are good or bad, a family will get through them together.
Read More
31 December 2019
In the upcoming year-end countdown celebration at Marina Bay, AETOS will be complementing the authorities’ heightened security measures by deploying their auxiliary police K-9 unit to help augment security operations and to boost security presence amidst the revelry.
This is the first time that a K-9 unit from an auxiliary police unit has participated in a major national event, and a total of two Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) teams will be deployed at strategic areas around the Marina Bay.
Said Mr. Alfred Fox, Chief Executive Officer of AETOS, “AETOS has been a long-standing security service provider for the annual countdown celebration since 2009. As an integrated security service provider, we are pleased to offer the deployment of our AETOS K-9 unit in addition to our well-trained security personnel as well as other technology solutions, so as to assist the Home Team in achieving operational efficiencies and better security outcomes.”
Through a three-month rigorous training programme, the sniffer dogs have been trained to become capable of detecting explosive substances with much ease. These dogs have also received the Singapore Police Force (SPF) certification back in October 2019, for having achieved the stringent standards as required by SPF.
Today, the AETOS K-9 dogs are operationally ready to assist in major events; clearance searches and bomb sweeps at critical installations and border checkpoints, as well as air cargo screening for the aviation sector.
“We have always placed great importance on the operational readiness of our officers, and now, on our canine colleagues as well, to ensure safety and security during major events such as the MBSC2020. It is therefore crucial that all of them are equipped with the right skillsets and knowledge to swiftly manage and respond to any security threats and incidents when it happens,” said DAC (APF) Tan Chong Hee, Commander of AETOS Auxiliary Police Force.
The AETOS K-9 Unit will be deployed on 31 Dec and the company advises the public to not approach these working dogs to pet them whilst they are on duty.
Read More