Meet HTX’s unsung heroes securing NDP 25

Inside HTX’s Ops Command Post, however, the mood is comparatively muted. Forming a sea of blue, more than 20 police officers pore over a matrix of laptop and TV screens, carefully surveying key locations to ensure crowd safety. Waiting in the wings is HTX’s Ops Systems Alpha Team, who routinely works over 12-hour shifts to support Singapore Police Force's (SPF's) security and crowd monitoring efforts throughout the NDP period, burning a total of eight weekends.

Team lead A.M. Azhar’s mind has been abuzz since morning, when he began issuing walkie-talkie sets to officers. Beyond the logistics, the retired police officer and engineer steps into the Command Post with a host of pantang (superstitions) lurking in the back of his mind. The most widely held one is that wearing red can invite hiccups, perhaps a euphemism for flashing red alarms. “It’s bizarre, but there have been so many incidents that we’re almost afraid to mention them,” he shared.

For Azhar and his teammates, technical glitches are the stuff of nightmares. Ops Systems is responsible for implementing the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure at NDP command posts, ensuring critical systems such as CCTV surveillance, radio networks and security screening equipment operate smoothly.


Given its sheer scale and complexity, the operation demands watertight planning. Dennis Ng and Winston Siow, who head Policing Operations at the Ops Systems Sustainment Centre, shared that their team’s challenges include coordinating with vendors to secure an unusually large volume of specialised equipment, ensuring that critical systems remain fully operational throughout the event, and managing last-minute logistical constraints such as building restrictions that require cameras to be installed overnight.

“While the crowd enjoys the fireworks, I’m just praying hard that nothing fails,” said Winston. This year’s expanded SG60 celebrations bring increased operational complexity, with more venues to secure and additional MRT camera taps integrated for enhanced surveillance coverage.

While this year’s milestone parade promises pomp and circumstance, remaining on standby to keep command posts running smoothly is the team’s priority – and that alone brings them pride and purpose. “Though often behind the scenes, tech support plays a critical role in ensuring our frontline officers are equipped to serve and protect with excellence,” said Azhar.

Among them is the CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) Centre of Expertise, which ahead of NDP, conducts site recces with SPF as well as tests air samples to detect invisible bioterrorism threats such as diseases Anthrax and Smallpox.

Ticking off tasks in her crisp white laboratory coat is CBRNE scientist Charmaine Sim, who has her work cut out for her this NDP. CBRNE has ramped up its bio surveillance efforts and set up air samplers across more strategic, discreet locations. “The air samplers function like vacuums, drawing in ambient air through specialised filters that are capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 micrometres,” she explained.

During the parade on 9 August, CBRNE will conduct real-time surveillance and testing to detect any potential biological threats swiftly.

For Charmaine, the “rare opportunity to apply specialised training in a real-world, high-stakes environment” far outweighs the technical demands. “Witnessing the seamless coordination between various agencies, ranging from uniformed services to technical specialists, highlights the complexity and scale of the operation. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed,” she said. “Serving in this capacity during NDP is never about recognition or visibility. It is, and has always has been, about our quiet service to the nation – protecting what matters to us."



The stakes are high when it comes to securing public safety at this year’s NDP, which will be dialled up with an expanded show canvas spanning the Padang, Marina Bay and skyline, as well as island-wide festivities.

Working tirelessly at the frontline to secure the perimeters of NDP 25 is HTX’s Specialised Systems crew under its Platform Systems Sustainment Centre, who deploy Mobile Crash Barriers (MCBs) at major events to protect against vehicular terrorist threats.


In the hushed hours past midnight, team lead Wee Si stands slick with perspiration under the dim lights of an empty street. He works amid an air of strained concentration to deploy the MCB overnight in the lead up to National Day.

Working within a tight road closure window is a lesson in precision. The crash barrier must be placed on level ground, and the deployment area must be clear of overhanging structures like trees, lamp posts and signboards. “We remain very focused because there’s no room for error. We take detailed measurements to ensure everything is in place and we finish the setup on time,” said teammate Isabel Seet.



Clearly, it takes a village to keep NDP revellers safe – from all angles. SPF’s surveillance spans both land and sea, with maritime security supported by HTX’s Marine Systems team (Platform Systems Sustainment Centre).

Rain or shine, engineer and senior technical officer, Li Chin Koon and Ananthan Arumugam tinker away at the two Marine Reservoir Patrol Boats (MRPBs) stationed at Marina Barrage, making sure that they remain in ship-shape. Equipped with radar, communications systems and powerful outboard engines, the vessels patrol the area to maintain security, manage restricted zones, and prevent unauthorised vessels from entering the area.



The responsibility of maintaining these boats falls squarely on the shoulders of this seasoned duo.

Weeks before the actual event, they begin to painstakingly inspect every detail — from the outboard engines, batteries and generators to the radar and communication equipment — ensuring that every component is primed for flawless performance. Their role goes beyond technical maintenance. They also train the officers who will operate the boats during the parade, helping to troubleshoot common mechanical issues while underway.

Despite not being on the boats during the actual patrols, the duo remains on standby, maintaining communication with officers on the water. When technical issues arise, their expertise and unflappable demeanour are vital. Ananthan recounted a tense moment from the previous year when a generator failure rendered one of the MRPBs unusable just half an hour before the event. “I had to make a quick decision whether the boat could be used or not,” he said. Ultimately, the Police Coastguard PC-class boat on standby was deployed instead, highlighting the importance of having contingency plans in place.

As part of an ensemble shadow cast in one of the nation’s biggest celebrations, their sense of duty is palpable. “When we see the boat casting off without any faults during the event, it’s a proud moment for us,” said Chin Koon. Yet, their dedication comes at a personal cost. “My family is happy about my work, but at the same time, we can’t spend time with them because of the hours we have to sacrifice,” Ananthan shared.

While long hours and grinding work are par for the course for HTX’s Vehicle Systems team (Platform Systems Sustainment Centre), their efforts culminate in a grand spectacle. This year’s NDP raised the bar for engineers Hong Leng San and Kiang Jian Chuan, Desmond, who have overseen months of preparation to ready Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) expanded fleet for the mobile column. Featuring 15 different types of vehicles – the largest variety in parade history – the fleet will roll through both the Civic District and the heartlands.

This was preceded by vehicle selection, extensive maintainence checks and repainting. The team also ensured that the SCDF fleet was operationally ready in anticipation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents.

“This year’s preparation was especially challenging because of the tight maintenance schedules and sheer variety of vehicles involved,” shared Leng San.

Two special vehicles – the Sixth Generation Pump Ladder and the new Medical Support Vehicle – will debut at this year’s parade. The additions are especially close to Desmond’s heart as he was involved in their acceptance tests and early deployment phases. “It’s very satisfying to see these new appliances showcased to the public for the first time, after all the work that went into getting them operational,” said Desmond.

For the engineer, these represent a major leap in SCDF’s operational capabilities. “The new Pump Ladder’s digital system makes it easier for our responders to operate the equipment efficiently and troubleshoot issues faster during emergencies,” explained Desmond.