Keeping us safe on NUS Campuses is a round-the-clock affair and Teenesh S/O Thanabalan, Security Operations Manager, Campus Emergency and Security (CES) has been up for the task since joining the University a year ago. Prior to joining NUS, he had served in the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Military Police outfit for eight years. In his current role, he coordinates security operations with a team of over 30 security officers, including ancillary security, to maintain a safe and secure environment for the campus community.
Q1: What are your primary roles and responsibilities?
My main role is to oversee security operations in all our hostels – that includes the Kent Ridge, University Town and Bukit Timah campuses. I work closely with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the key performance indicators and service level agreements for security services are met.
Apart from this, I conduct regular engagements on crime prevention matters and regular security audits, and provide feedback and recommendations to ensure the security personnel meet the stipulated security operations standards.
Currently, I’m reviewing our standard operating procedures (SOP) for security operations – this essentially spells out how our security team should respond and manage incidents. Some of the common calls we receive are on fire alarm activations, mantraps - whereby someone gets trapped in an elevator, loss of personal properties, accidents, or emergencies. Ensuring the SOPs are updated in a timely manner allows for efficient and smooth response to an incident.
Prior to a major event on campus where a security sweep was required, Teenesh took the lead on briefing security officers on their roles and responsibilities.
Q2: What is a typical day at work like for you?
No two days are alike. NUS is such a vibrant campus with many activities and events taking place almost daily. The Campus Security Operations team is usually consulted on, or supports, these events.
On mornings that are less eventful, I start my day by looking through incident reports from the night before, following up on them with stakeholders where necessary, and working on preventive measures. I would perform post-incident visits periodically to ensure the officers are coping well in their line of duty. I make it a point to set aside time to work on my assigned projects as well.
Sometimes, work requires me to be on campus during wee hours of the night, for example, when I do supervisory checks at the security posts.
In addition, I conduct crime prevention outreach programmes at hostels during the evenings when the students are available. We share with them information on how to identify scams, safeguard their personal properties, and be vigilant about their surroundings.
We also remind them about the campus security hotline that is available 24/7 in the event there is a need for assistance. For these visits, I collaborate with the Singapore Police Force and am often joined by students from the NUS National Police Cadet Corps.
Throughout the academic year, Teenesh leads crime prevention outreach activities at hostels to ensure students stay vigilant and learn to safeguard themselves from being victims of crime.
Q3: What is the best thing about your work?
Definitely my colleagues at CES, who have been very welcoming and forthcoming! The team spirit really shines through when we’re working on the ground.
I’ve also been given many opportunities to learn and grow within the department and have been empowered to make decisions and share my ideas. It’s really fulfilling when your recommendations or solutions are taken in and you see them being implemented.
Teenesh (back row, sixth from left) and the CES team celebrated their successes at University Campus Infrastructure Staff Appreciation Night 2023.
Q4: Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or a favorite pastime?
Since my SAF days, I have been into calisthenics exercises and football. What I love most about exercising is not just the physical benefits but also the mental clarity and sense of accomplishment it brings.
This has become a form of self-care for me, providing a space to clear my mind and reset after a busy day. It takes a fair bit of discipline to be consistent in your workouts. That form of discipline has transferred to my daily lifestyle in and outside of work in getting tasks accomplished within deadlines.
Q5: Finally, what would you say to NUS students and staff about staying safe?
Anyone can be a victim of crime and there are things we can all do to ensure the campus is a safe place for all.
- Stay vigilant about your surroundings
Recognize when something is amiss or if there is any suspicious activity spotted.
- Help is just a phone call away
Call us on our 24/7 security hotline number +65 6874 1616 if there is a security incident or a cause for you to feel unsafe in campus. Our friendly officers behind the phones are on standby to render the assistance you might require.
- Keep your personal belongings safe
Missing personal belongings is among the commonly reported incidents, so don’t leave your valuables such as laptops, phones, and wallets unattended or to “chope” tables and seats.