The building on Corporation Drive is equipped with many of the security services that AETOS can offer to its clients.
AETOS, a member of the Surbana Jurong Group, has opened its first purpose-built complex, situated minutes down the AYE highway from its former headquarters in Jurong West, in the western part of Singapore.
The building was declared open in an official ceremony on 26 January, graced by Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Manpower and Home Affairs, Josephine Teo. The event was attended by over 200 guests, including government officials, clients and partners.
The indoor shooting range uses lighting and targetry controls to simulate different environments and situations during live firing training. Previously, AETOS had to rent training facilities at the Old Police Academy.
The seven-storey complex has several key facilities, including AETOS’ first shooting range – a 25-metre indoor range which was designed and built by SMM.
It also has a new Cash Processing Centre that provides a complete end-to-end chain of financial security services, boasting numerous physical security measures such as multiple interlocking access doors, custom-made transparent workstations and extensive 24/7 CCTV coverage.
The innovative safety and security technologies that AETOS offers to its clients have been incorporated into this complex, such as an Intelligent Fire Detection System, virtual fencing through video analytics, and automated security terminals for seamless access control.
Monitored from its in-house command centre, these features are part of the clustered building security service provided to its clients, integrating security, safety and facilities management to increase operational efficiency and reduce reliance on manpower.
At the opening ceremony were (from left) Wong Heang Fine, Group CEO of Surbana Jurong, Quek Poh Huat, Chairman of AETOS Holdings, Minister Josephine Teo and James Tan, Executive Director and CEO of AETOS Holdings.
Under the upcoming government-led Security Industry Transformation Map, key initiatives include the adoption of technology and the re-alignment of the regulatory environment in its support. In her opening address, Minister Teo noted that “the appropriate use of technology to carry out routine, labour-intensive tasks allows the security officer to focus on tasks that are more complex or require human judgement, such as incident response”.
To this end, AETOS is fully committed to the adoption of such technologies, leading the shift in the overall industry as it strives to meet changing security needs and manpower constraints.
An extension of Singapore’s Central Business District, Marina Bay has hosted numerous major events, including the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and the National Day Parade.
AETOS, a member of the Surbana Jurong Group, has once again secured the contract to provide armed security services for the annual Marina Bay Singapore (MBS) Countdown – the nation’s largest and grandest New Year’s Eve celebration.
AETOS’ involvement in this iconic event began when it was first engaged by The Esplanade Co in 2009. The current event organiser, Pico Pro, has chosen to continue with AETOS – a decision attributed in part to its stellar performance in the previous years’ countdowns and its proven track record in providing event-related security solutions.
Held around Marina Bay and the surrounding precinct, the MBS Countdown typically comprises a wide range of events and festivities and attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. The highlights of this year’s programme include visual displays of building projection mapping sequence and a fireworks showcase. An estimated 600 Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) will be deployed across the district, performing duties such as crowd management and traffic enforcement.
Patrick Koh, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, of AETOS, said, “We are proud to continue being a part of this significant national celebration. Moving forward, I am confident that AETOS will remain the preferred security partner for the MBS Countdown and other prominent national events to come”.
AETOS’ fleet of cash-in-transit vehicles which are equipped with the GPS Tracking System
The recent terror incidents at London Bridge and Westminster Bridge show a trend of attackers using vehicles as weapons. These attacks have highlighted the deadly and destructive capability of vehicles, especially oversized trucks, and their potential to cause heavy casualties if used in a premeditated manner.
From a security standpoint, technology is set to play a key role in preventing such attacks. To that end, there has been increased interest from clients to adopt the Vehicle GPS Tracking System for effective fleet management and monitoring of potentially dangerous oversized vehicles. We speak with Jonathan Ngow, General Manager of AETOS Technologies & Solutionsto find out more.
Q1. Name the top features of the Vehicle GPS Tracking System and ways they can help businesses manage their fleet.
Real-Time Telematics Data
The AETOS Vehicle GPS Tracking System provides accurate information such as location, speed, direction and the ignition status of any vehicle, making it the ideal solution for asset monitoring. The collated real-time data also enables quick decision-making and activation in response to an event of a natural disaster, Hazmat or terrorist attack.
Remote Immobilisation
If the vehicle is compromised in any way, most systems have features that would usually cut ignition and kill the vehicles’ engine to disable the vehicle. Unfortunately by doing that, it does not allow the driver to safely steer the vehicle to stop at the side of the road. The system that AETOS uses can remotely disable the throttle and activate the hazard light and horn. The driver would also still possess steering and braking capabilities to manoeuvre the vehicle to safety until it comes to a halt.
Unique Drivers’ ID system
An approved driver is given a unique personal identification number to enter before the system allows him to start up the vehicle. This helps to prevent any unauthorised usage or misuse of vehicles.
Q2. How has AETOS applied this technology to its business operations and how has the company benefited from it?
In our field of work, technology is a critical enabler as security situations become more complex and sophisticated. The Vehicle GPS Tracking System is a robust solution which can help enhance safety and security in our operations, and our officers’ productivity. For instance, this system has a seamless playback function, allowing us to retrace any speeding cases or assist in accident investigations. The GPS Tracking System is also being used in all of AETOS’ cash-in-transit operations, enabling secure monitoring of all our operational vehicles and their routes as they transport valuable assets islandwide.
Q3. What market trends do you expect to see for the Vehicle GPS Tracking System?
There is much scalability to this technology solution and its business applications extend to markets such as oil & gas, retail, car rentals and delivery services. Fleet management needs have started to evolve in the last five years as leaders become more open to adopting such smart security features. Just like any other technology, the challenge still lies in maintaining the interface’s usability and ensuring that the system is up to date with the latest software and hardware developments.
The commercial use of drones has been prevalent in recent years and one may wonder, what exactly is the whole fuss about these aerial machines, or better known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)? As AETOS was one of the three companies to be awarded the prestigious Master Contract last November by the Ministry of Transport in Singapore to provide UAVs to public agencies, Robin Littau, Vice President of Business Development, share his thoughts on this technology.
See below a brief exchange with Robin.
Q1. What can we achieve with UAVs and what are some of the current business applications as well as potential opportunities?
Robin: Harnessing innovative technologies, such as UAVs, helps to enhance the productivity of our frontline officers and labour-intensive operations. We initially got into this business after a request from a government ministry to use UAVs for monitoring and surveillance of security operations. Interestingly, the bulk of our business now is mostly non-security related! Some current applications include: land survey, video production, inspection services for buildings and construction sites, as well as accident investigation.
In addition to these applications, future considerations for the use of UAVs include: road, rail tunnels and pipeline inspection. UAVs can also be used as part of an integrated security solution for perimeter intrusion detection, such as key installations and vital infrastructures.
Q2. What was one of your most interesting UAV projects?
Robin: In 2015,National Environment Agency awarded a contract to AETOS to capture aerial footages of its new facility on Semakau Island. This was particularly memorable because of the challenges that we faced – having to launch and land the UAV from a small boat in open waters, and to navigate it through strong winds and rocky seas! Despite these challenges, we managed to capture the crucial shot and the Minister himself was thoroughly impressed with the end result during the official opening.
Q3. What are some of the challenges that you face?
Robin: We have to adhere to the stringent rules set by the regulator, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Currently any commercially operated UAV must be flown in line of sight and below 200ft; weight including payload must not exceed 7kg, and it cannot be flown within 5km of any aerodrome. Obtaining the necessary flying permits in a timely manner for time-sensitive project can sometimes pose as a challenge for us.
A new acquisition by Temasek unit Surbana Jurong will boost its presence in the fast-growing security and surveillance sector. Surbana, an urban planning and infrastructure development consultancy, has acquired 100 per cent of Aetos Holdings, also a subsidiary of state investment firm Temasek Holdings. The deal was completed yesterday for an undisclosed amount. Click here to read more.
Surbana Jurong acquires 100% shareholdings in AETOS Holdings Pte Ltd from Temasek, in a move that is set to expand SJ’s overall service offerings to include safety and security capabilities.
Singapore, 13 October 2016 – Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Private Limited (Surbana Jurong), one of Asia’s leading consultancies in urban and infrastructure developments, announced today that it has acquired 100% shareholdings in AETOS Holdings Pte Ltd (AETOS) from Temasek (an investment company based in Singapore), which will expand Surbana Jurong’s overall service offerings to include safety and security capabilities.
With this acquisition, the Surbana Jurong Group will now have a global workforce of almost 13,000 employees in over 95 offices across 40 countries in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, with an annual turnover of around S$1.3 billion.
Said Group CEO of Surbana Jurong, Wong Heang Fine: “Safety and security services have become an integral aspect in urban planning and infrastructure development amidst the changing nature of security threats globally. AETOS’ total security solutions will enable Surbana Jurong to provide holistic solutions for our clients as city governments, building and asset owners increasingly see the need to overlay their physical development plans with safety and security considerations.”
“Master plans and building designs which we develop for districts, cities and municipalities will now be able to include a security dimension. More importantly we will be able to integrate security and safety management as a total package in our facilities management services for the real estate sector, conducting audit and risk assessments of building designs and proposing security solutions that can be plugged into our ‘SMART City in a Box’ platform. Security solutions include surveillance and monitoring systems (CCTV, intruder detection), access control systems (RFID, biometrics) and screening systems (X-Ray screening, explosives & radiation detection). We will also be able to utilise AETOS’ state of the art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to enhance our surveillance security services as well as enhance our land survey capabilities,” added Wong.
James Tan, Executive Director and Group CEO of AETOS said: “We are pleased to become a part of the Surbana Jurong group. The enlarged platform will provide immense new opportunities across the urban and infrastructure planning and development space, and allow AETOS broader scope to actively use technology to complement human resources in the security arena. We are also very keen to grow our security consultancy business together with Surbana Jurong, supporting its SMART City and Building Consultancy businesses. We can integrate our security management expertise with SJ’s facilities management capabilities to provide value added services for building owners and operators in the real estate sector globally. With AETOS’ large force of armed and unarmed guards, we can provide Infrastructure owners with total infrastructure protection for their transport (rail, airports, seaports, tunnels) and industrial (petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants, biomedical facilities) assets.”
AETOS is one of the three licensed Auxiliary Police organisations in Singapore. It has the second largest auxiliary police force with a total Group staff strength of 2,900 and offers a complete range of security services including: Premises & Event Security; Enforcement, Protection & Outrider services; Security training and consultancy; Safety and Security technology & solutions; and Cash & Valuables management. AETOS has provided security solutions for signature events such as the year end Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, the Singapore F1 night race, Singapore Airshow and the 2015 South East Asian Games. It is also the region’s leading provider of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
About Surbana Jurong
Surbana Jurong (SJ) has a rich 50-year heritage in the development of Singapore’s urban, industrial and infrastructure landscape. SJ traces its roots to the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), agencies synonymous with Singapore’s early township and industrialisation efforts.
Headquartered in Singapore, Surbana Jurong Private Limited (SJ) was formed in June 2015 through the merger of renowned urban planning & affordable housing design expert Surbana International Consultants, and Jurong International, Singapore’s premiere industrial and infrastructure engineering design stalwart. Surbana Jurong is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek, an investment company based in Singapore.
In August 2016, SJ acquired world-renowned infrastructure engineering designer SMEC Holdings. SJ also announced in October 2016 that it had acquired security firm AETOS Holdings Pte Ltd, bringing Surbana Jurong’s combined global workforce to almost 13,000 employees in over 95 offices across 40 countries in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. SJ is currently the largest Asia-based urban, industrial and infrastructure consulting firm, providing one-stop consultancy solutions across the entire value chain of urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure domains.
SJ’s motto ‘Building Cities, Shaping Lives’ reflects its belief that development is more than just steel and concrete. SJ creates spaces and infrastructure services where people live, work and play, shaping cities into homes with sustainable jobs where communities and businesses can flourish.
About AETOS
AETOS Holdings Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, provides total security solutions to businesses and government agencies.
It was established in 2004 following the strategic merger of three very experienced and matured key Auxiliary Police Forces – PSA Corporation (PSA) (1947), Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) (1967) and Changi International Airport Services (CIAS) (1981). Together, these three entities brought to AETOS more than 50 years of experience in providing security solutions to Singapore’s key maritime, aviation and infrastructure installations.
Today, AETOS has close to 3,000 employees and four subsidiary companies namely AETOS Security Management, AETOS Guard Services, AETOS Training Academy and AETOS Technology & Solutions. It continues to grow from strength to strength with professionals from the police force, the civil defence force, the military and the public service entities, all bringing with them years of operational experience and know-how. In recent years, AETOS has become a key security service provider for signature events such as the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, Singapore F1 night race, Singapore Air Show and the 2015 South East Asian Games.
By combining the strength of its processes, methodologies, manpower and technological expertise, AETOS provides an integrated suite of security services that include training and consultancy, event and asset security management, and a host of other security and technology solutions.
Surbana Jurong (SJ) has a rich 50-year heritage in the development of Singapore’s urban, industrial and infrastructure landscape. SJ traces its roots to the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), agencies synonymous with Singapore’s early township and industrialisation efforts.
Headquartered in Singapore, Surbana Jurong Private Limited (SJ) was formed in June 2015 through the merger of renowned urban planning & affordable housing design expert Surbana International Consultants, and Jurong International, Singapore’s premiere industrial and infrastructure engineering design stalwart.
In August 2016, SJ acquired world-renowned infrastructure engineering designer SMEC Holdings. With this acquisition, SJ now boasts a combined global workforce of 10,000 employees in over 95 offices across 40 countries in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. SJ is also presently the largest Asia-based urban, industrial and infrastructure consulting firm. SJ today provides one-stop consultancy solutions across the entire value chain of urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure domains.
SJ’s motto ‘Building Cities, Shaping Lives’ reflects its belief that development is more than just steel and concrete. SJ creates spaces and infrastructure services where people live, work and play, shaping cities into homes with sustainable jobs where communities and businesses can flourish.
