AETOS Holdings: Poised for Regional Growth with SS ISO 37001

The standard helps the company enhance trust among its overseas partners, paving the way for its successful expansion into regional markets.

AETOS officers in action

AETOS auxiliary police officers in action.

About the Company

AETOS Holdings Pte Ltd, with 5,000 employees, provides a suite of integrated security solutions to businesses and government agencies. Established in 2004 through the strategic merger of three key auxiliary police forces – PSA Corporation, Singapore Technologies Kinetics and Changi International Airport Services, AETOS has over 70 years of collective experience in securing key maritime, aviation and infrastructure installations.

“Integrity Is Our Core Value” – Adopting SS ISO 37001

In 2018, AETOS adopted SS ISO 37001 – Anti-bribery Management Systems. The standard provides guidance for organisations to establish, implement, maintain and improve their anti-bribery management systems. Mr Tan Boon Heng, Head of Inspectorate and Compliance, AETOS, says, “We uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. Integrity is our core value, guiding how we do business. As Singapore’s first security firm to achieve SS ISO 37001 certification, AETOS remains committed to the highest corporate standards, fostering trust and confidence among clients and partners.” AETOS became certified by integrating SS ISO 37001 standards and controls into its existing governance framework.

Tan Boon Heng, Head of Inspectorate and Compliance, AETOS Holdings

Tan Boon Heng, Head of Inspectorate and Compliance, AETOS Holdings

Business Benefits of Adopting SS ISO 37001

1. Ensure Leadership-Driven Commitment

SS ISO 37001 emphasises top management leadership and involvement. Following its guidelines, AETOS ensures that senior leaders, like Mr Tan, undergo comprehensive annual training on antibribery management systems. This equips leadership to uphold and reinforce a strong anti-bribery culture at the highest level.  For example, Mr Tan has been trained in carrying out internal audits for anti-bribery so that he is well-versed in the policy, objectives and requirements of the company’s anti-bribery management system. 

2. Implement a Multi-Layered Anti-Bribery Approach 

Leveraging SS ISO 37001, AETOS has strengthened its anti-bribery management systems, beginning with a comprehensive bribery risk assessment. It systematically evaluates potential risks across its operations, implementing a tiered risk classification framework to assess vulnerabilities within the organisational structure, operational activities and business partnerships. 

Based on this assessment, AETOS develops and implements targeted control measures, with enhanced oversight mechanisms for identified higher-risk areas. This risk-based approach ensures efficient allocation of resources while maintaining effective anti-bribery controls across its operations.

In the area of training and awareness, its employees, including both frontline officers and corporate staff, are required to complete a mandatory annual anti-bribery e-learning course, which incorporates real-world case studies and interactive scenarios that equip employees to identify and respond to bribery risks. SS ISO 37001’s communication guidelines have also enhanced AETOS’ internal messaging – covering compliance updates, bite-sized reminders and targeted alerts through various communication channels – especially during high-risk periods like festive seasons.

Additionally, AETOS has established multiple confidential reporting channels, including an independent whistleblowing email address, ensuring employees can report concerns without fear of speaking up. SS ISO 37001 has also reinforced AETOS’ Incident Management Programme by introducing a structured approach to investigations, evidence gathering and case escalation.

Mr Tan says, “SS ISO 37001 enables us to deliver clear and consistent anti-bribery messaging across our large workforce, fostering a culture of integrity at all levels.” 

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AETOS security officers undergoing training. 

3. Strengthen Reputation and Enter New Markets

Being ISO-certified enhances the company’s reputation and instils confidence among its clients and partners. “The trust built with our clients makes us a preferred service provider and strengthens our competitive edge in securing contracts,” Mr Tan adds.

Since 2018, AETOS’ local revenue has maintained a steady growth of 5% annually, affirming its position as one of Singapore’s top three security companies.

SS ISO 37001 not only bolsters AETOS’ position in the local market but also enhances its reputation as a trusted Singapore brand internationally. In recent years, AETOS has successfully utilised SS ISO 37001 as a foundation for expansion into Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, introducing new services such as operations technology, security consultancy and leadership training.

These services require the highest levels of transparency and integrity. With SS ISO 37001 in place, AETOS ensures that its risk mitigation strategies, incident response protocols and security frameworks are free from undue influence. “This not only strengthens compliance but also gives overseas partners the assurance and confidence that AETOS is a reliable global partner,” says Mr Tan. 

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A Standard for Peace of Mind

Mr Tan concludes, “SS ISO 37001 provides us with a structured framework to uphold a rigorous anti-bribery management system. In our industry, customer confidence is paramount. Being SS ISO 37001-certified, AETOS offers clients peace of mind that our practices align with global integrity and compliance standards.”