Singapore’s intelligence agency held a closed-door event recognising six decades of service.
The Security and Intelligence Division (SID), Singapore’s external intelligence agency, commemorated its 60th anniversary at a closed-door event on 4 September 2026. Held under the theme “Our Mission, Our Stories, Our People”, the event recognised the contributions of past and present SID officers and highlighted the agency’s role in providing intelligence and assessments to support Singapore’s political leadership and national security.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong was the Guest of Honour. 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 about SID’s contributions at critical points in Singapore’s history and its role in helping successive generations of leaders assess external developments. “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,” he said.
PM Wong also expressed appreciation to past and present officers, including former SID Directors Tay Seow Huah, S.R. Nathan and Eddie Teo. Looking ahead, he said changing geopolitical, economic and technological conditions would make SID’s work increasingly demanding.
“The world is becoming less safe – it is more contested, more fragmented, and less predictable,” PM Wong said. He noted that economic dependencies, trade, investment, supply chains and access to technology could have implications for national security, requiring SID to assess emerging developments and vulnerabilities.
PM Wong also highlighted the importance of SID’s people, saying officers needed “sharp minds, sound judgment, deep expertise, and a strong sense of mission for Singapore”, alongside integrity, courage and resilience.
Eddie Teo, SID’s longest-serving Director, described the agency’s work as “indispensable for our nation’s security”, highlighting its ability to draw information from diverse sources and apply expert human judgement.
Retired former Chief-of-Staff Kevin Santa Maria similarly emphasised the dedication of SID officers, saying, “working in SID is not just a job – it is a calling.”
To support recruitment and public understanding of careers at SID, the agency has launched an official LinkedIn page and public website.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
