HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan presenting a gift to Pedro Allende, Under Secretary for Science and Technology at DHS, at the reception. (Photo: HTX/Nicole Lim)
- Singapore and the US have maintained a Science & Technology (S&T) agreement since 2007 to advance bilateral cooperation in public safety.
- HTX undertakes cooperative S&T activities with the US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology (DHS S&T) Directorate on behalf of Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Collaboration spans capability development, knowledge exchange and regional cooperation, including a first-responder training initiative.
- As the partnership approaches its 20th anniversary, both sides are looking to deepen science and technology collaboration to address evolving public challenges.
On 14 October, HTX held a reception ahead of the 20th anniversary of the US-Singapore Science & Technology (S&T) agreement. Entered into force in 2007, the agreement underpins the long-standing partnership between Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to advance bilateral S&T cooperation in public safety.
In July 2023, HTX was designated to undertake cooperative S&T activities on MHA’s behalf under the agreement.
Hosted by HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan, the reception was attended by Pedro Allende, Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the DHS, as well as Ong Choon Beng, Deputy Commissioner (Policy & Transformation) at Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Pedro Allende visited the Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC) to see how HTX is training Embodied AI to augment Home Team officers. (Photo: HTX/Isabelle Lee)
The event celebrated key milestones in the partnership, from establishing a permanent DHS S&T presence in Singapore, to pursuing joint projects and strengthening international cooperation.
Following the appointment of a DHS S&T attaché to the US Embassy in Singapore in 2024, HTX and the DHS S&T Directorate have pursued collaborative initiatives, including a modelling and simulation project to enhance training for first responders and law enforcement officers.
The partnership has also opened up avenues for wider international cooperation, including the Sub-Regional CBRN Response and Assistance Workshop.
Held from 21 to 23 January 2025, the workshop was co-hosted by HTX, the US Embassy in Singapore and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). It brought together 45 experts from six countries to exchange knowledge and strengthen regional preparedness for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear emergencies.
The US delegation viewing an exhibit at H2RC, with Daniel Teo, Director of the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise (first from right). (Photo: HTX/Isabelle Lee)
Senior-level exchanges have further reinforced the partnership. Notably, Julie Brewer, the Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology at DHS, spoke at the opening panel of the Milipol TechX Summit (MTX) 2026 in Singapore – which brought together international leaders and experts to advance science and technology collaboration in public safety.
The reception rounded off the US delegation's visits to several HTX facilities, including the Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC) and CBRNE@Changi. It also provided an opportunity for representatives from HTX, the DHS S&T Directorate and MHA to reflect on achievements together and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Tsan highlighted the sustained commitment of Singapore and the US to practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both countries.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to deepen, with substantive collaborations that harness science and technology to continue to help us keep our communities safe and secure.
