HTX partners with Samsung to develop solutions for frontliners, national cybersecurity

Source: Samsung Electronics. From left: Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore, and Chan Tsan, Chief Executive of HTX at the MoU ceremony, formalising the partnership and solidifying their commitment to advance public and online safety.

Samsung Electronics Singapore and Singapore's Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that underscores the organisations’ commitment to advancing online and public safety in Singapore through technology development and innovation.

The agreement paves the way for collaborative, co-development initiatives that address the evolving technological needs of Home Team agencies, allowing frontline responders to execute their duties with greater efficiency and safety. The MoU will also facilitate joint efforts to protect citizens from evolving cyber risks and create a safer, trusted digital space in Singapore.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Samsung and leverage their technological expertise in mobility and wearables to co-create the next generation of frontline technology,” said Chan Tsan, Chief Executive of HTX.

“This partnership is poised to serve as a force multiplier for our Home Team officers, providing them with new capabilities that will bolster their safety and elevate their operational ability to safeguard our community and citizens.”

"We are honoured to partner with HTX, one of the world’s foremost science and technology agencies in homeland security. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of driving innovation to elevate efficacy and create a better future,” stated Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore.

“With the introduction of Galaxy AI in our Galaxy S24 earlier this year, we witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of innovation on workplace productivity and effectiveness. By combining our capabilities with HTX’s expertise, we are confident in empowering Singapore’s law enforcement agencies with future-ready tools to effectively tackle the dynamic challenges of our changing world."

The MoU outlines three key areas of collaboration between Samsung and HTX:

- Enhancing national cybersecurity: The partnership focuses on strengthening Singapore’s national cybersecurity efforts, particularly in combating scams, spam, and other online risks. Initiatives include preloading anti-scam applications like the ScamShield app on Samsung devices in Singapore and promoting better cyber hygiene using cybersecurity tools, such as Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, to prevent sideloading and block malicious activities.

Moreover, the MoU facilitates the exchange of information and expertise between Samsung and HTX, with the aim of fostering future innovations to address these online risks nationwide.

- Augmenting frontline operations: Samsung and HTX are committed to co-developing Samsung devices deployed by Home Team agencies. This includes customising Samsung wearables and devices based on specific departmental needs and ensuring the parameters are tailored to local physiological and operational requirements.

Additionally, the MoU facilitates potential trials for innovations such as exoskeleton solutions and ultra-wideband smart devices, thereby enhancing Home Team officers’ operational and communications capabilities on the field. The agreement also enables secure data exchange between Samsung and HTX for trials that measure the physiological parameters of frontline operators. This can lead to advancements in areas like officer safety and wellbeing.

- Developing next-generation mobility solutions: Samsung and HTX will focus on developing cutting-edge solutions for the next generation of ruggedised handsets and supporting mobile applications used by law enforcement agencies. By prioritising the development of future-ready mobility solutions, the agreement can help frontliners remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and evolving situations, ultimately improving public safety and security.