Singapore's commitment to national security extends beyond conventional threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks to encompass the complex challenge of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials (CBRNE). This multi-faceted approach to security was emphasized by May Ong, Director of HTX’s CBRNE Centre of Expertise (CoE), at the recent CBRNe Convergence Asia 2024 conference.
The CBRNE CoE plays a critical role in safeguarding Singapore's borders against these diverse threats. To this end, the CoE has established a network of specialized laboratories at key border checkpoints. These labs, adhering to the stringent IEC/ISO 17025 standards, are equipped with state-of-theart analytical instruments. Their primary function is to swiftly identify and prevent any attempts to smuggle CBRNE substances into the country, ranging from illicit drugs to wildlife trafficking.
Ong highlighted the CoE’s commitment to technological innovation in enhancing Singapore's border security. A notable development is the exploration of muon technology for cargo scanning. Muons, subatomic particles found in cosmic rays, have the unique ability to penetrate dense materials more effectively than traditional X-rays. This makes them particularly useful for detecting concealed security-sensitive substances.
In addition to muon technology, the CoE is leveraging advancements in robotics and drone technologies. These are being developed into mobile scanners, which can be deployed in situations where standard stationary scanners are impractical or insufficient. This mobility significantly enhances the flexibility and reach of Singapore’s border security operations.
Digital innovation is another key area of focus for the CBRNE CoE. The team is working on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with X-ray scanners to improve the accuracy and speed of threat detection. Additionally, the CoE is developing digital tools designed to sift through vast amounts of data to quickly flag the presence of potential CBRNE substances.
Looking to the future, the CoE recognizes the importance of being prepared for emerging threats. This foresight is driving their investment in AI and computational chemistry tools to not only predict new types of CBRNE threats but also to understand how changing weather patterns might influence the frequency and distribution of hazardous material incidents. This aspect is particularly crucial given the potential impacts of climate change on security scenarios.
Through these multi-dimensional efforts, Singapore’s CBRNE CoE is ensuring that the nation stays at the forefront of combating and preventing a broad spectrum of security threats, thereby maintaining its reputation as a safe and secure nation in an increasingly complex global landscape.
