EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SECURITY INDUSTRY DIGITAL PLAN IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SINGAPORE’S SECURITY INDUSTRY

Abstract

Digitalisation and the adoption of technology has become an integral part of many businesses and this is no exception for companies in the security industry. The security industry in Singapore is plagued with the long-standing issue of a shrinking workforce and manpower crunch. Hence, the Security Industry Digital Plan was introduced in 2018 to encourage security agencies to push for the adoption of technology in their security operations. The challenges and benefits of digitalisation in the area of both local and overseas security industry was also identified as a research gap.

This research study aims to evaluate the level of receptivity and willingness towards technological adoption in the Singapore security industry by soliciting the perspectives and opinions of security officers from various security companies. In addition, the factors affecting the adoption of technology by security companies will be examined in detail. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was utilised in this research study. Surveys were employed to obtain the feedbacks of security officers on the ground. Subsequently, interviews were conducted to gain additional insights and substantiate the data collected from the surveys.

The findings suggest that security officers in general are receptive to the idea of digitalisation and are willing to use digital equipment during their course of duty. The common consensus gathered from them is that they believe digitalisation will benefit the security industry. Challenges that hinder security companies are the resistance to change, financial constraints and the lack of expertise and training.