Today’s threats move fast – and so does the

Home Team

. From law enforcement and emergency response to civil defence, border security, and drug control, this network of 10 agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs is constantly evolving to protect Singapore and its people.

But the nation’s safety did not happen by chance. It is the result of decades of dedication, innovation and strong inter-agency collaboration and community support.

From past to present: Watch how the Home Team was formed

From its beginnings as separate departments to today’s united, tech-enabled force, the Home Team has grown with one mission in mind – to keep Singapore safe, resilient and ready for whatever lies ahead. Trace some of the Home Team’s key milestones and developments captured in The Straits Times headlines.

From once operating independently to now co-developing intelligent systems across different agencies, the Home Team’s integrated approach is built on a shared mission – keeping Singapore safe and secure.

It was not always this way. Previously, each Home Team department, under the purview of MHA, had their own specific role.

However, as safety challenges became more complex, there was a need for agencies to work closely together. In response, the Home Team concept was launched in 1997 to take a unified approach. Its role evolved further with the 2006 launch of the Home Team Academy, aimed at sharpening skills across the various forces.

In 2019, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) was established to develop customised tech solutions and grow organic capabilities for the Home Team.

When a deadly earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, cyborg cockroaches – tiny, tech-enhanced insects – grabbed global attention. Co-developed by HTX, they crawled into collapsed buildings, sending real-time data to...