CBRNE

In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, threats involving Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) materials can emerge without warning. Helping to fend against such threats is the CBRNE Centre of Expertise (CoE), which protects Singapore’s borders and public safety through cutting-edge research, operational readiness, and cross-agency preparedness programmes and collaboration.

Network of CBRNE Laboratories

Strategically located across Singapore’s northern, southern, eastern, and western borders, our laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025-accredited as well as being licensed under the MOH Heathcare Service Act. These form a robust frontline against CBRNE and toxic industrial threats and human pathogens. These labs provide rapid scientific advisory and verification services to the Home Team, supporting border surveillance, suspicious material analysis, and event security. During the Covid-19 pandemic, our labs played a pivotal role in conducting Human-PCR and wastewater testing which was crucial in preventing the spread of the disease in Singapore.

Beyond daily operations, we invest in research and capability development, ensuring the Home Team is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for the surveillance, detection, verification and mitigation of threats.

Sensor Development

The CBRNE CoE has also pioneered advanced detection and confirmatory technologies to identify hazardous chemical gases, vapours, aerosols, powders, and ionising radiation. Collaborating with industry partners and Institutes of Higher Learning, our team explores new applications and tools such as gold standard scientific equipment such as mass spectroscopy, multiplex diagnostics, sequencing technology and artificial intelligence to develop and deliver solutions that can quickly identify new variants of CBRNE threats, thus ensuring Singapore stays ahead of the threat curve.

Threat Simulation, Modelling & Mitigation

Our Threat Simulation & Mitigation (TSM) team combines chemical and atmospheric engineering, sensor tech, and machine learning to model large-scale CBRNE scenarios. From gas plume tracking to urban dispersion modelling, we have developed predictive tools that enhance situational awareness and guide rapid mitigation strategies for first responders.

Threat Detection & Artificial Intelligence

Our team also leverages physics and AI to advance cargo, baggage and parcel screening. Beyond X-ray and computer tomography, the team also works on compelling technologies like Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance and muon tomography to game-change the future in cargo scanning. We work closely with Home Team departments in sandbox and live environments to continuously optimise X-ray scanner performance with custom calibration tools and deploy AI-enhanced analytics to boost detection accuracy and operational efficiency.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to continuous innovation. To this end, we actively foster partnerships across government, academia, and industry to co-develop solutions that strengthen public safety and security and ensure Singapore is always prepared, resilient, and future ready.