Launch of Technical Reference on Security Standards
A new national standard for hotel security was launched on 5 December to guide hotels to plan, design and implement their security system. Called the Technical Reference (TR) for Security Management System for Hotels, it is the first such standard on hotel security management in the world.

The standard, initiated by the Singapore Hotel Association, was launched by SPRING Singapore (Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board). SPRING Singapore facilitated the development of the TR together with the STB, the Singapore Police Force, SHATEC and representatives from six hotels.

The security standards in the TR cover the installation and maintenance of security equipment, provision of materials and information outlining security procedures, training of non-security personnel, manpower training and measurement of security performance. Hotels which implement the TR will be able to identify areas for improvement and make the necessary steps to achieve the required level of security.

The implementation of the standard by the hotel industry will provide a benchmark to assess their security management systems. It is also timely as it provides added assurance at a time when travellers are concerned over safety and security when travelling overseas.