Beyond the Runways: SSS Is Doing a Whole Lot More Than Just Guarding Planes
Think of SATS Security Services (SSS) as the unseen hand that keeps the skies—and more—safe. The company’s reputation as an aviation stalwart is often taken for granted, but the reality is far richer.
What’s SSS Up To Now?
- High‑security towers in iconic spots across the island
- Guarding heritage sites, cultural festivals, and even some major corporate venues
- Support for crisis situations—think rapid response at emergency hotspots
So if you imagined a dozen plain‑clothed officers shuffling in front of a jet, you’re missing a whole season of action.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
Take Deputy Superintendent of Police G. Visvanathan and DSP Nathan as examples. Both rave about the versatility of their team. They say the training goes beyond “just keeping people away from the runway.”
From “the edge of a beach” to “the heart of a bustling market,” SSS officers bring more than a badge to the table. They bring a toolkit of skills that can adapt to any mission.
Four Things You Never Knew About SSS
- — They train in crowd‑control tactics for festival seasons.
- — Their drones are often the first line of sight for emergencies.
- — They run security trials for new gadget tech before it hits the market.
- — And they’re happy to keep things low‑and‑quiet while managing high‑profile security events.
Despite changes in the industry over the last 30 years, DSP Nathan still keeps the SSS family vibe alive, loving every new chapter that comes along.
So next time you hand over a key at the airport, think of the bigger picture: SSS is there for you—back of the airport gate, front of a festival, or somewhere in between. Plenty more than just the “flight‑in‑plain” view.
Cool in the midst of chaos
Meet DSP (APF) Nathan: The Calm Captain of the SSS Fleet
When you hear the name DSP (APF) Nathan swing across the airwaves, you’ll probably picture a military commander who’s all about precision. But the truth? He’s a relaxed, talking‑heads, coffee‑drinking kind of guy who balances a demanding schedule with a dash of humor.
Morning Routines: High‑Energy Briefings
- Starts the day in a panel meeting where the latest ops updates get the spotlight.
- Gets a real-time scorecard of everything that could go wrong.
- Saves the solid thoughts for later in the day.
Afternoons: Real‑World Recon
- Darling ground visits – his phone charger? The only thing he forgets.
- In-conversation with officers to hear on‑the‑ground concerns.
- His mission: keep the peace and trust – think of him as a diplomatic guru.
Why He’s Still Learning After 35 Years
He says, “I am 56, still a student in the field.” He cites two key skill sets:
- Customer‑service soft skills – you can’t just be a commander; you need to manage the humans.
- Staying on top of fast‑moving tech – the industry’s like a tornado.
He’s aware that tomorrow’s battlefield can change in a blink. Even today, handling crisis fast is a “new kind of tough love.” Yet, the trick is that continuous growth keeps him fired up.
Calm Under Pressure: The Mantra
“Easily, I keep my head cool.” He doesn’t let external stress drop his performance. He shares this with his crew, a totally normal practice of harmonizing a high‑stakes environment.
The Power of a Team
He says:
“You can’t handle this on your own. If your team knows what they’re expected to do, you’re guaranteed to get the job done.”
So, it’s less a single hero and more a roaring two‑head‑wide crew, each doing their part to make a success story out of intense operations.
Outriders, roll out
From Traffic Lights to Outrider Nights: The Story of Inspector Hanafi Azlan
Meet INSP (APF) Hanafi Azlan, the visionary behind SSS’s first outrider fleet. Born with a clear ambition in mind, he swapped the fluorescent buzz of traffic police lanes for the thrill of non‑aviation security in 2017 – a move that proved to be a game‑changer.
Early Dreams & Bold Choices
“My first ambition? Either a patrol cop or a fighter pilot,” 37‑year‑old Hanafi recalled. After 11 years of mastering speed limits and stop signs, he decided it was time for a fresh start and stepped into the role of an auxiliary police officer.
Why the Switch? The Pulse of Fast‑Paced Action
- He craved the adrenaline rush of non‑aviation security services.
- He saw a chance to repurpose his honed skills on new challenges.
- He believed SSS was the perfect platform to grow.
And the progression was seamless: today, Hanafi leads non‑aviation services as the Deputy Commanding Officer.
Building the Outrider Fleet: A Tech‑Savvy Ride
Drawing on his traffic police background, Hanafi spearheaded the tech strategy to keep riders safe and connected. Picture this:
- Front and rear cameras on every bike provide real‑time feeds to the command center, ready to dispatch backup instantly.
- Helmets are Bluetooth‑enabled, allowing hands‑free chatter with the squad and the command hub.
- Riding jackets are anti‑skid, padded, so any fall comes with barely a scratch.
“This is how we keep our outriders snug and secure,” he smiles.
What Outriders Bring to the Table
Since December 2021, the SATS Security Services Outriders Unit has tackled a variety of tasks: route closures, traffic diversions, crowd control, and even guard/escort missions. The daily grind lets Hanafi and his crew demonstrate the core value of SATS – a genuine passion to delight.
Mastering the Art of Calm
When tensions flare, the best move is to talk. “Prolong the conversation; people will open up and reveal their mindset,” Hanafi notes. This dialogue paves the way for a shared understanding, keeping the streets safe and people happy.
Final Thoughts
“Maintaining peace isn’t just about force – it’s about knowing the folks we protect,” Hanafi concludes. With an outback fleet on the move and a knack for diplomacy, the future looks brighter than a sunset on a clear highway.
Still exciting, even after 29 years
When the Cruise Line Plays Hide-and-Seek with a Pandemic
Meet Benny Lee – the Sherlock of Ship Safety
At 52, Benny Lee still feels the buzz of a new mission every time he latches onto a late‑night call.
“It’s like a roller coaster,” he chuckles, “but the bar moves faster, and the only seatbelt is teamwork.”
The 2020 Twist
March 2020 turned the world inside out, and Benny’s crew found themselves juggling a one‑liner crisis: the Costa Fortuna.
- The Costa Fortuna had been denied entry at several ports due to COVID worries.
- Singapore said, “Sure, we’ll give you a home.”
Normally, a ship’s arrival takes three days of paperwork, yet with a pandemic in play, MBCCS had only 24 hours to transform from a cruise terminal to a quasi‑hospice.
What This Looked Like
- Portable isolation tents popped up faster than a Zoom call.
- Doctors were ready to examine passengers on the spot.
- Nurse stations were next‑door, ensuring quick moves from patient to patient.
All guests had to disembark, get tested via PCR and serology on-site, just to prove they weren’t bringing the monster into the system.
Benny’s Wisdom
“The trick is keeping your cool,” he says. “We’re not scared, we’re just a bit more nimble than a cat on a hot stove.”
For him, the ‘what if’ is not a problem but a chance to show how high the team can fly.
“Remember to care for yourself, understand your role, and bring that smile even when the world’s been flipped upside‑down.”
From insurance agent to auxiliary police officer (APO)
From Policy to Patrol: How Liaw Jin Feng Beat the Odds
Changing lanes in your professional life is no walk in the park, especially when you jump from one field entirely to another. Yet, 24‑year‑old SGT (APF) Liaw Jin Feng seemed unfazed when she shared her leap from insurance agent to airport premises officer (APO).
Why the Great Leap?
“I wanted to try something different and I was genuinely curious,” Jin Feng said with a grin.
Getting Started in 2021
Jan 2021 marked the beginning of her APO journey. In the nine months since, she’s faced a handful of intriguing challenges—from screening out a visitor without a valid pass to catching unsuspecting tourists snapping selfies in a no‑photography zone.
Friends Shocked, People Inspired
Her shift even caught her friends off guard. They’d always seen her as the epitome of shyness—far from the bold image one’d expect on the front line.
Although new to the workforce, Jin Feng quickly found herself posted in high‑stakes locations. She won’t spill all the secrets of her assignments, but she revealed that gaining the confidence to approach strangers is a big part of the job.
What Drives Her?
- Comfort‑zone breaker: She’s all about pushing past personal limits.
- Training boost: The SATS Security Services Academy sharpened her skills in equipment operation and unarmed defense.
- Soft‑skill seasoning: Emphasis on friendly, open‑hand greetings.
“Think of it as a warm welcome,” she explained, “pointing feels cold; an open palm says ‘hello’ and makes people feel at ease.”
It’s a small gesture, but it’s a powerful signal that SSS officers are not just protectors—they’re approachable allies who keep peace while keeping smiles.
Keep In Touch
Want to learn more about a career in airport security? Write to [email protected] or hop on a chat about the future.
To explore opportunities with SATS Security Services, simply drop by https://www.sats.com.sg/security—but if links are a no‑go, type it into your browser anyway.
Partnership Notice
This article is brought to you in partnership with SATS Security Services.
