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Security and Intelligence Division Marks 60 Years of Safeguarding Singapore’s Security and Interests
5 September 2026
The Security and Intelligence Division (SID), Singapore’s external intelligence agency, marked its 60th anniversary at a closed-door commemoration event held on 4 September 2026.
The Security and Intelligence Division (SID), Singapore’s external intelligence agency, marked its 60th anniversary at a closed-door commemoration event held on 4 September 2026. Themed “Our Mission, Our Stories, Our People”, the event honoured the contributions of past and present officers, and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing critical intelligence and assessments that support Singapore’s political leadership and the government in advancing Singapore’s security and national interests.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong was the Guest of Honour at the event. He was joined by Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, and Senior Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office Teo Chee Hean.
In his address, PM Wong spoke of the value that SID has provided to the nation’s leadership and its unique contributions to Singapore’s security and success over the past 60 years. “Over the past 60 years, SID has played important roles at critical junctures in Singapore’s history. There are many others which may never enter the public record, and will not be discussed, even in a closed-door setting like this. But through all of them, SID has helped successive generations of Singapore leaders see the world more clearly – identify threats early, understand the intentions of others, and make difficult decisions with greater confidence.” PM Wong also expressed appreciation to past and present SID officers, including pioneer leaders such as former SID Directors Mr Tay Seow Huah, Mr S.R. Nathan and Mr Eddie Teo for their dedication and service to Singapore.
Looking ahead, PM Wong said that the external environment has changed, which means SID’s work will only become more demanding, and more important. “We all know the world is becoming less safe – it is more contested, more fragmented, and less predictable. The threats are also becoming more varied. In the past, many assumptions about the external environment could be taken as relatively stable. Today, we have to watch many things more closely – how relationships are shifting, where dependencies are building up, how new restrictions may affect us, and where the next vulnerabilities may emerge. At the same time, the boundaries between security, economics and technology are becoming less distinct. Trade, investment, supply chains and access to technology are increasingly being used as instruments of statecraft. Economic dependencies can create strategic vulnerabilities; commercial decisions can have national security consequences.”
PM Wong encouraged SID to continue sharpening its edge to keep Singapore safe and ahead. “So we need to understand not just what countries are saying and doing politically, but also how they may use all sorts of different levers, economically and technological levers to advance their interests. SID must therefore help us understand these shifts early, assess what they mean for Singapore, and give us the foresight to prepare and respond. And all that makes SID’s work more complex, more demanding, but importantly, more consequential. SID must therefore continue to adapt and strengthen its capabilities going forward. SID must help the Government see patterns that others may miss, understand intentions that are not openly stated, and anticipate what may happen next.”
PM Wong also emphasised that the most fundamental factor to SID’s success will be its people. “SID must continue to attract and retain people with sharp minds, sound judgment, deep expertise, and a strong sense of mission for Singapore. They must be able to build deep tradecraft and regional expertise, work confidently with technology, think independently and give unvarnished assessments. And beyond ability, you need people with integrity, courage and resilience – who understand the hard realities of the world, but never lose sight of what they are working to protect. The work demands dedication and discretion. Officers must be prepared to serve without public recognition. Finding such people will never be easy. But we must keep making the effort. I am glad we have many of them in SID.”
Rounding up his address, PM Wong re-affirmed SID’s mission and vital role in safeguarding national security. “SID has truly come a long way over these past six decades. From a small group of pioneers working quietly after hours, you have grown into a professional and capable intelligence service. Trusted by the Government, respected by your partners, and indispensable to Singapore’s security and success. The world ahead will be more challenging. New challenges will emerge and surprises will come. SID cannot predict everything but SID can certainly help Singapore anticipate developments earlier, understand better, and prepare for what may come. For a small country like Singapore, that ability to anticipate, understand and act early is a vital source of strategic advantage. And you help contribute to this strategic advantage.”
Speaking on his experience with SID, the agency’s longest serving Director, Eddie Teo said, “The work that the SID does is indispensable for our nation’s security. What truly sets SID apart is its ability to collect information from diverse sources and apply expert human judgement to reveal the bigger picture. This is what enables our leaders to make informed decisions on matters relating to national security and national interests. And its success has been proven time and again, invisible to the man on the street precisely because crisis after crisis is averted.”
The key to SID’s strength and continued growth as an intelligence agency lies in the quality and dedication of its people. Retired former Chief-of-Staff, Kevin Santa Maria said, “Intelligence operations are fundamentally built on the dedication and sacrifices of our people, who receive little public recognition for the efforts they undertake. But every one of us is profoundly aware that working in SID is not just a job – it is a calling.”
SID continues to serve as the secret edge to Singapore’s security and success. Its mission remains enduring, carried forward from one generation to another. To continue attracting the best people with integrity, courage and the dedication to serve, SID has now launched its official LinkedIn page (www.linkedin.com/company/securityandintelligencedivision/ (opens in new tab)), alongside its public website (www.sid.gov.sg (opens in new tab)). These platforms serve to enhance public understanding of the SID career, and better connect with Singaporeans with the values and skills to contribute towards its mission.
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