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HTX Chairman builds partnerships in Australia

The trip reinforced relations between Singapore and Australia, especially in the fields of law enforcement, public safety and security.


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam (right) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to mutual S&T collaboration through an extension of the AFP-HTX Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Operational Science and Technology Cooperation with AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw (left). (Photo: HTX)

Mr Aubeck Kam, chairman of HTX’s board of directors as well as the Permanent Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, led a delegation comprising MHA and HTX personnel to Australia from 15-21 September 2024.

The goal of the trip was to build ties with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD), the Australian Border Force (ABF), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Another objective of the trip was to reinforce relations between Singapore and Australia, especially in the fields of law enforcement, public safety and security.

During the trip, the delegation and their Australian counterparts held exchanges related to leveraging science and technology (S&T) to address operational challenges, hence deepening their understanding of each side’s interests and priorities in S&T, public safety and security.


Chairman Aubeck Kam (right) reaffirmed HTX’s commitment to mutual S&T collaboration with DHA Secretary Stephanie Foster (left). (Photo: DHA)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam (front row, 4th from right), DHA Secretary Stephanie Foster (front row, 5th from right), Acting ABF Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald (behind DHA Secretary Stephanie Foster) pose for a photo with members of the delegation. (Photo: HTX)


The delegation visited the ABF’s SmartGates Lab. (Photo: HTX)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam experiencing ABF'S latest SmartGates technology. (Photo: HTX)


The delegation also visited the AFP’s Majura Forensic Complex, where they witnessed a S&T demonstration by AFP’s bomb scene examinations, bomb response, drone and remotely piloted aircraft systems units. (Photo: HTX)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam (left) and HTX Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Centre of Expertise Director May Ong (middle) learning about mobile phone data extraction from AFP Chief Scientist Dr Simon Walsh (right). (Photo: HTX)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam (right) learning about autonomous bomb response capabilities. (Photo: HTX)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam trying out a counter-drone gun. (Photo: AFP)


The delegation witnessed a live demonstration of ABF's underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at Melbourne Port. (Photo: HTX)


HTX Chairman Aubeck Kam (right) at the AI for Law Enforcement and Community Safety (AiLECS) lab, which is a joint venture between AFP and Monash University. (Photo: HTX)


The delegation concluded their trip to Australia with a visit to the Victoria Police (VICPOL) HQ to view their S&T capabilities. (Photo: HTX)