NEC contributes biometric & sensor tech to Singapore public safety trials
The Singapore Government and NEC Asia have successfully completed three safety and security trials designed to improve Singapore's safety and security needs.
The security trials, conducted over a 12-month period, were held both in and near Jurong Island as part of the Safety and Security Industry Programme (SSIP) 2020.
NEC used a combination of facial recognition, sensors and other biometric technologies that collected data from visitors.
They also involved early detection of suspicious behaviour, off-site security clearance of authorised personnel and on-the-spot enrolment for first-time visitor access to controlled areas.
According to NEC, the collected data was part of an analytics and security insights program that improved public safety.
The Safety and Security Industry Programme (SSIP) 2020 is led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Singapore Economic Development Board and in collaboration with JTC.
"NEC is pleased to be part of the SSIP 2020 initiative to utilise Singapore as a test bed to develop and deploy advanced next generation security solutions that can be scaled for use globally. We are committed to working closely with the authorities and corporations to create a safer and more secure environment for citizens and communities," comments NEC Asia Pacific managing director Lim Kok Quee.
NEC provided its NeoFace Facial Recognition software in conjunction with its Intelligent Complex Event Processing engine. These are able to correlate audio and video analytics to detect suspicious behaviour and identify persons of interest.
NEC also provided and tested a Bus Sensors Monitoring Management System that used tamper-proof security sensors as part of the second trial.
The trial was designed to facilitate off-site security clearance for authorised personnel into Jurong Island, with the aim of reducing checkpoint congestion.
"JTC is always on the lookout for new solutions to ensure a safer environment in our industrial space. A key example is how we achieved better security operations by improving biometric access control at Jurong Island. We are pleased to support these latest efforts to test bed new security innovations," says JTC's assistant CEO of Engineering and Operations group, Heah Soon Poh.
The third trial tested an automated system that included biometrics that could enrol first-time visitors for entry into Jurong Island. Biometrics included on-the-spot facial recognition and fingerprint recognition enrolment at car inspection bays.
"Our safety and security agencies are continuously seeking to make use of new technologies and innovation to keep up with challenges and maintain our operational excellence. Testing innovative solutions through the SSIP provides a useful platform to do so, and we look forward to more collaboration with solutions providers to address safety and security challenges, and to serve the public better," adds MHA Ops-Tech Group senior director Ng Yeow Boon.
All three trials provided real-time monitoring and alerts to a simulated Command Centre. This informed authorities of incidents that may require law enforcement.
NEC says it hopes to further collaborate with the Singapore Government to address security, critical infrastructure, surveillance and border control issues for a safer Singapore.
