Text Size:
HTX Deputy Chief Executive (Development) Ng Yeow Boon speaks at the inaugural ASEAN Battery Safety and Innovation Conference. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
HTX’s impact on public safety and security will go beyond the shores of Singapore with the recent launch of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Battery Safety Network (ABSN).
The result of a collaboration between HTX’s Forensics Centre of Expertise (CoE), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Battery Consortium (SBC), the new network will serve as a dedicated platform for ASEAN to address the safety challenges arising from the widespread adoption of batteries in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
These challenges are particularly acute for ASEAN as the region’s tropical climate heighten the risks of battery fires.
The result of a collaboration between HTX’s Forensics Centre of Expertise (CoE), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Battery Consortium (SBC), the new network will serve as a dedicated platform for ASEAN to address the safety challenges arising from the widespread adoption of batteries in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
These challenges are particularly acute for ASEAN as the region’s tropical climate heighten the risks of battery fires.
From left to right: Singapore Battery Consortium Technical Director Dr. Chiam Sing Yang; HTX Forensics CoE Director Lim Chin Chin; HTX Deputy Chief Executive (Development) Ng Yeow Boon; A*STAR Deputy Chief Executive (Research) Professor Andy Hor; Regional Director of UL Standards & Engagement, Kolin Low; UL Solutions Senior Manager (Fire Research and Development) Alexandra Schraiber; Public Sector Science & Technology Policy & Plans Office (S&TPPO), Group Chief Technological Officer, Mr Chris Leck; and A*STAR Battery Centre Director Mr Kelvin Chan. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
HTX Deputy Chief Executive (Development) Ng Yeow Boon highlighted in his speech that battery safety has become a particularly important issue for the Home Team.
“At HTX, many of our capabilities, such as unmanned systems, are powered by batteries. We need the energy solutions for these capabilities to be safe and resilient,” he explained.
By bringing together battery safety experts, regulatory agencies, fire and emergency services, and industry leaders, ABSN will help ASEAN develop a unified regional approach – including the establishment of consistent safety standards and the sharing of best practices – to drive battery safety innovation across the region.
“At HTX, many of our capabilities, such as unmanned systems, are powered by batteries. We need the energy solutions for these capabilities to be safe and resilient,” he explained.
By bringing together battery safety experts, regulatory agencies, fire and emergency services, and industry leaders, ABSN will help ASEAN develop a unified regional approach – including the establishment of consistent safety standards and the sharing of best practices – to drive battery safety innovation across the region.
From left to right: HTX Forensic Scientists Dr Dean Seah and Dr Sheik Mohamed Anees, Forensics CoE Director Lim Chin Chin, and Forensic Scientist Dr Edwin Ong. (Photo: HTX/Dr Sheik Mohamed Anees)
Following the inaugural closed-door coordination meeting with ASEAN member state representatives on 24 April 2025 and the ASEAN Battery Safety and Innovation Conference a day later, Forensics CoE will be co-organising conferences, workshops, and other outreach events with its ABSN partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen regional engagement.
HTX Forensic Scientist Dr Dean Seah shared with the audience Forensics CoE’s latest fire research on active mobility devices. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
Forensics CoE is already working closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to enhance fire safety measures based on its battery fire research findings. These measures include early detection of battery-related fires mitigation strategies, improvements in firefighting operations and fire investigation capabilities, as well as supporting SCDF in formulating policies and fire codes.
Forensics CoE Director Lim Chin Chin (3rd from left, clockwise), one of the three Singaporean representatives, serving as a moderator at the inaugural ABSN coordination meeting. (Photo: HTX/Alvin Lim)
The ABSN was officially launched at the inaugural ASEAN Battery Safety and Innovation Conference. ABSN aims to host two key events each year to bring together ASEAN and international experts to collaborate on safer battery technologies. Singapore is serving as the secretariat for ABSN for this year.
