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The Evolution of Security Guarding in Hong Kong

Security Guarding has a long history in Hong Kong. Since the mid-1900s, with the city having a diverse mix of nationalities and languages, an exponential population growth and many buildings with difficult access routes, Security Guards were vital for ensuring the safe passage and entry of people who may not be familiar with the city. In 1956, the city implemented the ‘Watchmen Ordinance’, designed to register personnel and regulate security activities. Today, over 300,000 Hongkongers own Security Personnel Permits, proof that they have been officially trained and meet the requirements of the position.

Security Guarding was once considered a role for older people, a way of passing the time while continuing to earn a bit of money. Even today, it is not uncommon to see some office buildings, industrial buildings and housing estates protected by Security Guards in their 70s and 80s. In recent years, the industry had seen a steady decline in applications from those younger than 54. Young people were put off the profession by what they perceived to be a challenging role with long hours and a poor public image. The Hong Kong Security Association (HKSA) argued that offering training opportunities and recognition of achievements would improve the appeal of the sector for those looking for professional and progressive opportunities.

The security sector has always been indispensable to Hong Kong, but times are changing fast, and so are the requirements for those tasked with protecting people and property. The protests of 2019 saw frequent vandalism, violence and clashes between the public and the police. Some businesses became targets, while others were located in protest hotspots. The need for alert, professional and well-trained Security Guards was immediate, businesses and estates were desperate to protect their property and residents.

Since the protests, Security Guarding has taken on a new image. During the unrest there were various news stories of security personnel making fast decisions to lock doors, protect civilians and allow access for law enforcement; all while adhering to the strict protocols of corporate operating procedures and local laws.

In recent months, there has been a sharp increase in the number of young people applying for Security
Personnel Permits. While this is likely due to high unemployment in the service and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19, it also shows a change in attitude. Young people are starting to recognise the importance of security in business operations.

Training also plays a key part for those choosing to apply for security positions. The protests and COVID-19 have presented additional processes to ensure the health and safety of individuals and property. Basic health screening, first aid and emergency procedures are high on the agenda for those seeking security for their
building.

For ASAP Group, ensuring our personnel meet all the requirements of our clients is key. We aim to set the standard for training, quality and professionalism, in the hope that the rest of the industry might follow. Our weekly site visits, daily reporting procedures and dedicated in-house supervisors aim to make our personnel feel valued. We believe that satisfied personnel provide the best service, and to make the security industry the best it can be, that’s what we will continue to do.

For more information on our Security Guarding services, you can email us at [email protected]

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Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
Working closely with our specialist technology associates, we facilitate and design the measures needed to protect companies from cyber-attacks and hostile surveillance. With ever-increasing digital hacking capabilities, our engineers specialise in the sophisticated detection of electronic surveillance. Our counter surveillance systems are regularly upgraded to offer the latest protective hardware and software.
Valuables in Transit
We provide facilitation to securely move urgent, sensitive, or high-value items using trained and experienced security officers. Our services include secure global shipping, air cargo, road transportation and oversight of temporary storage facilities.
Security consulting
Our consulting team has significant global experience advising and supporting multinational and private companies. We do not believe in generic solutions and we take pride in our methods and ensure that each assignment is approached with a bespoke management style, delivering effective and relevant solutions. Consulting services range from targeted delivery, such as threat analysis, vulnerability risk assessments, procedural gap analysis or contingency planning, to the development and integration of entire security management systems.
Security Training
Our training packages are designed with a bilateral approach, providing the advice, tools and experience to increase confidence, and high-level training to promote structural awareness in corporate environments. Training is always prepared as bespoke to the individual requirement, we can include a range of content and delivery methods. Our training packages range from corporate staff procedural security training to individual specialist training for private security teams and government groups.
Maritime & Aviation
Our Maritime and Aviation personnel are trained to the highest standards and operate in accordance with tested operating procedures. Through our international networks, we provide a host of support services to our clients operating in maritime and aviation environments, including charters, provision of security stores and equipment, hardening, crew training and audits.
Events Security
Along with our partner companies we can provide trained and experienced staff to support the security of any type of event throughout Asia. We offer access control and proactive personnel who are trained to respond appropriately to any emergencies. Our event security packages also include monitoring of high value items to mitigate the risk of theft or damage at exhibitions.
Security Guarding
We professionally review all requirements, implement commercially integrated procedures, provide well trained bilingual supervisors to manage and maintain our guarding contingents, and apply agreed quality control and KPI management. We provide effective management of physical security through the careful consideration of asset criticality, structured communications and integrated technical measures as required. We ensure that our security solutions remain operationally effective while being cost efficient.
We professionally review all requirements, implement commercially integrated procedures, provide well trained bilingual supervisors to manage and maintain our guarding contingents, and apply agreed quality control and KPI management. We provide effective management of physical security through the careful consideration of asset criticality, structured communications and integrated technical measures as required. We ensure that our security solutions remain operationally effective while being cost efficient.
Security Guarding
Close / Executive Protection
Whether we are providing personal security for a celebrity or high net worth individual, or a more stand-off solution for a business executive, we want to make sure the profile is right. We ensure conditions are professionally assessed, adequate reconnaissance is applied, comprehensive operational communications and response procedures are maintained; and deploying duly trained local or expatriate personnel to provide a safe and professional level of service.