My Job at SATS: I train the next generation of Auxiliary Police Officers at SATS Security
The day’s lesson on access control was about to begin. We took our seats quietly at the back, ready to observe the class. The trainees were already settled in, some chatting with their seatmates, others sipping their morning coffee, and a few quietly waiting for the session to start.
In walked SSGT (APF) Suriyandra Tanagobal. “Good morning, class. Shall we start?” His voice effortlessly filled the room.
SSGT (APF) Suriyandra Tanagobal, Apron Operations Officer and Trainer at SATS Security Services
Lessons and hands-on training
In the first hour, Suriya tested the trainees’ knowledge of access control, offering guidance where needed. But it’s not all “talk”. During the discussion, he had some trainees demonstrate the correct security protocols, emphasising that officers at SATS Security Services (SATS Security) primarily ensure the security of the aircraft and its passengers.
Suriya’s teaching style blends seriousness with humour, including inside jokes that those in the security field would find amusing. He doesn't just provide protocols; he illustrates scenarios he himself experienced, helping trainees anticipate and respond effectively.
Trainees are asked to demonstrate the correct security protocols
After the classroom training, the trainees moved to the “Dojo,” where SATS Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) and Security Officers (SOs) do immersive experiential training. Suriya asked them to work with a partner and demonstrate the techniques they had just learnt.
This was just the first half of Suriya’s day as a trainer at SATS Security. He often conducts courses at least twice a month and performs apron operations duties on other days to keep up to date.
Read also: What I do as a SATS Auxiliary Police Officer
From engineering to security
When you first meet Suriya, you notice his neatly ironed blue uniform and the confidence in his walk. He has been with SATS Security for almost eight years now – a job he never imagined doing when he was younger.
“I was working for an automotive company in Australia as an engineer,” Suriya reminisces. But after five years, as his kids began to miss home, they decided to return to Singapore.
Back home, Suriya sought a role that could leverage his military background, as he was an ex-regular in the army before moving to Australia. He was also looking for a job that offered stability for his family. “I wanted a long-term job, where I could grow and eventually retire,” he explains.
Then he found SATS Security and decided to give it a try. And the rest, they say, is history.
From ground operations to training
Joining the operations team, Suriya spent his first few months at cargo security screening and access control for various passenger terminals. The chance to move around and experience different roles excites Suriya. To him, the various assignments of an APO are learning opportunities to become an even better officer.
He admits that actual deployment trains officers better, recalling his initial weeks of deployment. “Even though I had completed all the necessary training, I still felt anxious on the ground, thinking whether I can carry out my roles well,” he says.
He’s grateful that his trainers mentally and physically prepared him for the job, but he knows the field is challenging. This is why he shares all knowledge with his trainees, so they can be better prepared operationally.
Suriya also trained as a police outrider and goes to deployments whenever necessary
Suriya’s job rotations have helped him as a trainer. Knowing and experiencing firsthand what you teach is more powerful than textbook knowledge. To him, a top-grade officer must be street-smart, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Passion for training
Suriya became a trainer in 2017 when his superiors recognised his skills and background. Back in the military, he helped train soldiers. In Australia, he was involved in his company’s in-house training as well.
If you ask Suriya why he enjoys training, he will tell you: "I love to share my knowledge. It gives me fulfilment when my trainees successfully pass their assessments and perform well on the ground.”
He still performs apron operations duties to stay updated with the ever-changing aviation security field, and he undergoes refresher courses to stay current with the latest security technologies. “Every year, SATS Security sends me to the United States to refresh my knowledge about our technologies so I can share them with the trainees,” he says.
Looking ahead
When he joined SATS Security in 2016, Suriya wanted job stability and growth. Now that he has both, he envisions a future in a leadership role where he can mentor the next generation of officers.
"I have no regrets," he reflects. "I want to share my knowledge and experiences with the younger ones before I retire from service."
Catch Suriya together with other APOs for some drinks and a chat at Starbucks, Jewel on 2 Aug 2024, 10 am to 4 pm.