Newsletter
August 2020 Issue: Co-operator Newsletter Quarterly Issue
Know Our Co-ops Series: Singapore's First Security Co-operative
| Know Our Co-ops seriesCo-operatives have been an integral part of shaping Singapore, touching the lives of more than 1.4 million members. Co-operatives were birthed out of shared needs, responsibility and commitment to each other and to the society, and were amongst the earliest community self-help organisations to take root in Singapore.The Know Our Co-ops series aims to let our affiliates to get to know each other better; appreciate each other's good work; and encourage conversations which can lead to collaborations. After all, we are in the same business to make a difference. |
Foresight, ingenuity and a strong commitment to raising the standard of security brought two key co-operatives together to birth a solution – the setting up of Singapore’s first security co-operative.
In 1984, the Singapore Police Co-operative and the Singapore Government Credit Co-operative pooled their resources together to start a new business, the Premier Security Co-operative.
The idea of providing job opportunities for retired police, army and other uniformed officers and to raise the professional standard of security services was too compelling to ignore.
“It was a good move that we went into a business which we were familiar with. We knew we had to take risks like in any business. The success of NTUC co-operatives inspired us to push ahead.
| Premier Security Co-operative and other players have made Singapore a safe and secure nation. The low crime rate and peace of mind did not happen by chance. We have played a big role. We cannot take security for granted,” said Mr Eugene Wong, Former Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Chairman of the first Board of Directors, Premier Security Co-operative. Started with two security officers, Premier Security Co-operative now employs over 300 officers, and majority of them are retired uniformed personnel from the police, civil defence or armed forces. The agency was first housed at the Police Welfare Division in Lady Hill Road but moved to a bigger premise at the Golden Wall Auto Centre in Short Street in 1985. Today, Premier Security Co-operative has its own 5,000 square feet office at 33 Sam Leong Road. The Co-operative prides itself in offering a wide range of services such as security guard services, security audits, cash in transit services, professional advisory and consultancy services, goods escort and patrol car services, and security training courses. Its vast industry expertise includes commercial buildings, casino security, dormitories, data centres, government infrastructures and institutions, public transport sector and more. |
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The Co-operative also maintains an unwavering focus on its people. It puts the needs of its members and staff first before profits. For instance, Premier Security Co-operative has been providing housing support for its Malaysian employees since the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) took effect on 18 March. It has continued to do so even when the Ministry of Manpower’s Temporary Housing Support for employers had ended on 31 March.
“Premier Security Co-operative has set itself apart by its ability to combine the valuable experience and knowledge of retired police and other uniformed officers with its stellar security protocol, across various industries, to the satisfaction of its clients. The result is a tightly-knit, highly effective trained personnel with an unmatched wealth of skill and experience which relentlessly serves its clients’ needs,” said Mr William Seak, Managing Director, Premier Security Co-operative.
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