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Articles by Alywin Chew
Seizing the initiative: HTX launches H2RC to train humanoid robots for public safety
AI Events Innovation Robotics New facility will train humanoids with Embodied AI capabilities to take on tasks that are routine, physically demanding or dangerous, to augment human officers Text Size: Some of the many humanoid robots being used for Embodied AI development in H2RC.
Answering the call of duty when disaster strikes
IFS People Rescue Two fingerprint experts from HTX’s Integrated Forensics Service deployed to support Operation Vanguard disaster relief efforts in Nepal Text Size: The quiet Operation Vanguard send-off ceremony for the batch of Home Team officers bound for Nepal on September 4 felt crowded, but with emotions, not people. “I guess you could say it’s a mixed bag of feelings,” said Yong Heng Wei, Officer in Charge, Fingerprint Examination Team from HTX’s Integrated Forensics Service (IFS).
One team’s ‘secret’ weapon at DEF CON
HTX cybersecurity engineers Zeus Chan and Kenneth Lee. (Photo: HTX/Alywin Chew) Xponents Zeus Chan and Kenneth Lee, together with their SIT teammates, recently won four Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions at DEF CON 34. The two Xponents said their close friendship was a factor behind their wins at the major cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas.
Power of synergy takes centre stage at HTX Science Day
HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan (front row, centre) pose with the scientists and engineers from HTX’s Science Pillar. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang) HTX’s Science Pillar is greater than the sum of its parts, and even greater synergy between its four Centres of Expertise (CoE) will help it drive HTX 3.0 – the agency’s latest growth chapter that is focused on growing its impact to the Home Team.
Humans of HTX: The art of failing forward
Culture Innovation People Some people spend their lives figuring out what they're good at. Allan Loi spends his figuring out what he hasn't tried yet. Text Size: Director of HTX’s Policing Programme Management Centre Allan Loi. (Photo: HTX) Allan Loi’s career has been defined by curiosity, resilience and a willingness to step into unfamiliar territory. His childhood love for science, nature and hands-on exploration shaped a lifelong habit of learning through experimentation.
The restless engineer
Culture People Pioneers Values For HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan, restlessness isn’t an inability to remain calm or composed – it is the energy driving the agency’s innovation efforts as well as his own pursuit of new challenges in life Text Size: As the Chief Executive (CE) of HTX, Chan Tsan is responsible for steering the agency in its endeavours to force multiply the Home Team with science and technology.
5 things you SHOULD NOT do at DEF CON SG
Cybersecurity DEF CON SG Don’t be a cybersecurity noob. You’ve been warned. Text Size: DEF CON SG marks the first time the legendary cybersecurity convention is being held in Southeast Asia. (Photo: DEF CON) For the uninitiated, cybersecurity extravaganza DEF CON may seem like any other conference heavy on handshakes and deal-making. If that’s what you think the inaugural Singapore edition of the event is going to be like, read this article. Till. The. End.
White hat hacking: Fighting fire with fire
Mention the word “hacker” and most people would think of a cybercriminal who’s adept at gaining unauthorised access to networks and computer systems. But like many things in life, there are in fact two sides to the coin – not all hackers bat for the “dark side”. Case in point? White hat hackers (skip to DEF CON SG to find out where they converge). Yes, this group of people hack as well, but for a different reason – to identify and rectify vulnerabilities in computer systems.
HTX signs MOU with South Korea's NIPA to advance AI and Public Safety innovation
HTX’s international collaborations on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to force multiply the Home Team have taken a significant step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA). NIPA is a non-profit governmental organisation under South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (information and communication technology). It plays a key role in promoting international cooperation in ICT.
HTX Central Procurement Office
(From left) Senior Deputy Director, Info-communication Technology (ICT), CPO, Jansen Lim, Senior Deputy Director, Goods, Services & Strategic Procurement, CPO, Chan Sheau Shan, and Senior Deputy Director, B&I, Specialised Equipment & Platforms, CPO, Tze Ching Goh.
A celebration of teamwork and the 'One Home Team' Spirit
Dozens of Xponents were recognised for their efforts in helping keep Singapore safe and secure, as they took to the stage amid rapturous applause at the Minister’s Awards Presentation Ceremony, held at the Home Team Academy on 29 Oct 2025. This year, HTX was involved in nearly 20 winning projects, among which was the Traffic Priority System, which reduces the time it takes to convey critical patients to hospitals.
HTX CE: Come challenge our systems at DEF CON Singapore
HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan gave a resounding call to action during his speech at Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) on 22 Oct 2025, inviting members of the global cybersecurity community to test the resiliency of the agency’s tech, including humanoid robots, at the inaugural DEF CON Singapore event next year. Tsan made the remarks during the Securing Smart Cities event that was part of SICW, emphasising the importance of cybersecurity resilience and rigorous testing.
Empowering the Home Team's sustainment efforts
AI Sustainment Flagship project of HTX’s Capability Sustainment pillar officially launched Text Size: The Home Team Sustainment Centre (HTSC) was officially launched by Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong on 26 Aug 2025.
The NGINE behind HTX's AI ambitions
HTX’s artificial intelligence (AI) movement significantly boosted its ability to scale AI development for the Home Team when the agency unveiled its first enterprise-grade AI infrastructure on 26 Aug. Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong officiated the launch of the new system, which is situated in a classified location.
HTX CE wins Most People-Focused CEO Award
Latest accolade marks the second time this year HTX’s unwavering focus on its people is rewarded HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan. (Photo: HR Excellence Awards) By Alywin Chew HTX’s exuberant, people-centric workplace culture was in the spotlight again when the agency’s chief executive Chan Tsan took home the Most People-Focused CEO accolade at the HR Excellence Awards 2024 held on 11 Oct.
Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with failing, not all kinds of failure should be celebrated
Link Many societies today place success on a pedestal and reject failure. Some would even argue that this is more pronounced in Asia. In fact, a 2019 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that Singapore students were the most afraid of failure compared with their global counterparts.
Don’t paint everything with the same brush. Get your localisation efforts right.
Link Just like life itself, running a start-up is all about growth. Without it, a start-up can easily get left trailing in the wake of the competition and quickly lose its market share and relevance. For some start-ups, growth at a certain stage of their evolution means spreading their wings and going global. Doing so comes with a host of benefits, such as increased revenue courtesy of a new pool of customers, as well as improved brand recognition.
Cellivate Technologies raises eyebrows as it secures hefty funding in the final round of The Big Spark
22 Mar 2024 09:06PM Cellivate Technologies raises eyebrows as it secures hefty funding in the final round of The Big Spark Link Dr Viknish Krishnan-Kutty, founder and CEO of Cellivate Technologies, emerged as the biggest winner of CNA’s business reality show The Big Spark when he walked away with a whopping S$4.15 million in potential funding from five venture capitalists (VC). Only five teams out of the initial 24 made it to the final of The Big Spark after two rounds of competitions.
Just five teams advance to the final of CNA’s latest business reality show The Big Spark and face one last obstacle – convincing eight venture capitalists that their businesses are worth investing in
18 Mar 2024 10:04AM Just five teams advance to the final of CNA’s latest business reality show The Big Spark and face one last obstacle – convincing eight venture capitalists that their businesses are worth investing in Link Hopes were dashed, and ignited, following the conclusion of The In-Depth Pitch as the judges wielded the axe and sent just a third of the 15 teams to the final round – The Big Pitch.
Fifteen start-ups from across Southeast Asia survived The Quick Pitch round and got to continue their quest to win part of S$1 million in seed funding in The Big Spark
26 Feb 2024 07:38PM Fifteen start-ups from across Southeast Asia survived The Quick Pitch round and got to continue their quest to win part of S$1 million in seed funding in The Big Spark Link Having a great idea and a heart full of good intent is no guarantee that a start-up will win over potential investors and achieve success — this was one of the biggest takeaways from the first three episodes of MediaCorp’s new reality show The Big Spark.
Formula E on track for China return
Debut Shanghai race set to succeed amid family-friendly format, lower prices, surge in EV interest Racers vie for position during the 2019 Sanya E-Prix on Hainan Island, on March 23, 2019 — the last time the Formula E Championship was staged in China. The series returns to China next year when it makes its Shanghai debut over the weekend of May 24-25.
Formula E recharges for China return Original
Racers vie for position during the 2019 Sanya E-Prix on Hainan Island on March 23, 2019 — the last time the Formula E Championship was staged in China. (PHOTO / CHINA NEWS SERVICE) Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said on Wednesday he expects next year’s ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in Shanghai to be a sellout. The last time a Formula E race was held in China was in 2019, in Sanya, Hainan province, with the championship set to debut in Shanghai next May.
Awesome season for Shanghai sights
From ancient architecture to modern marvels, the fall adds color and crowds to vibrant megacity Tourists watch a parade staged at a theme park in Shanghai. (FAN JIANLEI / FOR CHINA DAILY) From the mesmerizing autumn light that bathes everything in a sheen of gold to the cool, crisp weather and iconic plane trees that are slowly but surely shedding their red and yellow leaves, everything seems so beautiful in Shanghai during the season.
Commentary: FAS needs to provide clear solutions, not superficial band-aids for Singapore football
This was also highlighted by Members of Parliament during a recent debate on sporting success. “If our national athletes are expected to devote their youth to sports and to go all out to win at competitions in order to fly our flag high, we have to assure parents that professional sports is a viable career,” said MP Poh Li San (PAP-Sembawang) in her speech. MP Gerald Giam (WP-Aljunied) had similar sentiments.
Commentary: Don’t just blame the FAS, make football part of the societal fabric again Original
He couldn’t understand why I didn’t pick the likes of Fandi Ahmad or V Sundramoorthy. The truth was I didn’t have a favourite player. As a 10-year-old who barely knew anything about the sport except that I had to get the ball past the person who was standing between two concrete pillars in the void deck, my choice was solely dependent on the fact that he wore my favourite number. Before long, I was hooked on the sport, and playing it with my peers wasn’t enough to satiate my obsession.
Millennials show Hugo who's Boss
Luxury fashion house CEO Mark Langer strives to blend inspiration and transaction For German luxury fashion house Hugo Boss, its fashion show at Tank Shanghai on Oct 18, a Friday, was more about showcasing its new collection than anything else. It was a resounding statement of the brand's commitment to the Chinese market, said the company's CEO Mark Langer. "We have a very special connection with Shanghai. The first store we ever opened in China was here, along the Bund.
Commentary: I evaded COVID-19 for 3 years in China and I’m glad I finally caught it
SHANGHAI: A few months ago, I was toying around with the idea of writing a dystopian novel about how every person who has ever gotten infected with COVID-19 eventually turns into a zombie in the year 2024. Chaos engulfs the world, entire nations are wiped out of existence within days, and China becomes the last bastion of humanity due to its relatively low infection numbers that came courtesy of its strict pandemic measures. I thought the plot was something that many would be able to relate to.
CIIE witnesses birth of virtual human
Published: 12:18, November 12, 2022 | Updated: 12:19, November 12, 2022 PDF View Revert PDF View CIIE witnesses birth of virtual human By Alywin Chew in Shanghai Aja (background), a "virtual human" specially designed for the Chinese market, is unveiled at the fifth CIIE.
Foreign food firms step up to lucrative Chinese dining table market
Published: 11:54, November 09, 2022 | Updated: 11:55, November 09, 2022 PDF View Revert PDF View Foreign food firms step up to lucrative Chinese dining table market By Alywin Chew in Shanghai Visitors line up at a KFC stand during the ongoing fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
A moving account
Australian TV host touched by stories of China's poverty alleviation during the making of new documentary, Alywin Chew and Cao Chen report in Shanghai. A scene from China on the Move shows Guo Yi, a ranger of Ant Forest Project, in a desert in Gansu province.
Liverpool need a bus
By Alywin Chew Groundhog Day. That's all I have to say about Liverpool's loss to Brighton. Anfield is no longer a fortress. It is now a drive-through where you grab your Happy Meal and leave. Yes, the team is still mathematically in the title race, but let's be realistic - the title defence has already failed.
Lelong, lelong! It's open season on Liverpool
By Alywin Chew Ah, yes. Manchester United, this is how you play football. This is what a North West Derby should be like. Five goals, four yellow cards and a bunch of hard, untimely tackles meant that this latest duel between the two arch rivals was a far more watchable affair, but the truth was that this wasn't the sort of thriller that would go down in the history books as a classic.
Manchester United, you should be embarrassed
By Alywin Chew The North West Derby is traditionally an exciting affair filled with full-blooded tackles, players getting up into each other's faces and sporadic scuffles that get the adrenaline racing. This is a fixture where form goes out the window, blood is literally spilled, shin pads are split into two and controversy is rife in the air.
The Seven Shades of Red
By Alywin Chew I once thought that Pulau Tekong was where young Singaporean men got to open their eyes to the world and meet people from all walks of life. Well, I've changed my mind. Basic Military Training Centre can take a backseat. The comments section of the Internet is now the place to be if you want to learn how fascinatingly diverse (and ridiculous) humankind can be.
Dear Spurs, be a bird, not a cock
By Alywin Chew If Jose Mourinho had said to me "the best team lost tonight" following the full-time whistle, I'd have congratulated him for being a recipient of the new COVID-19 vaccine. After all, the vaccine has been known to cause serious neurological symptoms in some individuals. That being said, I would like to give the Portuguese the benefit of the doubt because Tottenham were obviously the better team - if we are talking about parking the bus. But enough of antagonising the losing team.
eVARton 2 Liverpool 2 - Time to VAR the VAR
View of the big screen after Liverpool's Jordan Henderson scores a goal against Everton which is later disallowed upon VAR review. (PHOTO: Pool via REUTERS/Catherine Ivill) By Alywin Chew Liverpool and Everton might have shared the spoils on Saturday, but it was in fact the side in blue that took over a title from the side in red. What title? The “VAR Loves Me the Most” title. I was so livid with the offside decision made that I started hyperventilating.
Shanghai begins the gradual climb back
Restaurant, bar owners still feeling the pinch as customers remain cautious about spending Customers gather at a Madison Soul Goodness pop-up event in Shanghai recently. (GRAEME KENNEDY / FOR CHINA DAILY) Boisterous weekend crowds at The Union Trading Co appear to indicate that business at this award-winning Shanghai cocktail establishment is back to normal as the COVID-19 outbreak comes under control in the city. However, the truth lies somewhere in between.
May discourse be with you
Suzhou-based Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's inaugural public lecture, 'from Star Wars to street art', focuses on cross-cultural exchange, Alywin Chew reports in Shanghai. Culture event curator Lee Li-heng (second from left) and members of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University gather at the university's first public lecture held in Shanghai.
Bridge of culture
Yue-Sai Kan, who did a live broadcast of China's 35th anniversary celebrations, now awaits a much bigger parade, Alywin Chew reports in Shanghai. Yue-Sai Kan has been busy with such issues as helping to bridge the cultural gap between China and the West, and environmental sustainability.
Shanghai in a parallel universe
German architect/photographer’s visual works turn his adopted city into land of fantasy Mark Siegemund’s photos: Lights On shows buildings in Lujiazui during the National Day holiday. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY) In early May, Shanghai was transformed into a frozen landscape. The Huangpu River was frozen over, the buildings caked in snow and a towering wall of ice could be seen rising above the ground in the Lujiazui financial area.
The empress of Shanghai's craft beer scene
Zhang Yindi has become an ambassador for Shanghai’s craft beer scene. (ALYWIN CHEW / CHINA DAILY) Zhang Yindi, better known as "pi jiu ayi" or "beer auntie", is all the evidence that one needs to prove that the craft beer scene in Shanghai is booming. Since setting up a small craft beer supermarket called Beer Lady in 2011, Zhang has gone on to open another four outlets across the city.
Artisanal brews hopping in popularity
Boxing Cat Brewing is among the home-grown players that have benefited from the pro-local beer sentiment in Shanghai. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY) From tiny, hole-in-the-wall bottle shops to cozy taprooms to lively bars complete with their own fermentation tanks, consumers in Shanghai today are spoilt for choice when it comes to craft beers. According to Dianping, a food delivery and business directory app, there are more than 280 craft beer establishments in Shanghai.
Shanghai, in a parallel universe
Mark Siegemund's photo: Lights On shows buildings in Lujiazui during the National Day holiday. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY) In early May, Shanghai was transformed into a frozen landscape. The Huangpu River was frozen over, the buildings caked in snow and a towering wall of ice could be seen rising above the ground in the Lujiazui financial area. "My photography is not just about showing reality. It's about art. It's about showing a fantasy world.
Universities join forces to forge new scientific alliance
Officials and faculty members from Fudan University and the University of Sydney smile and shake hands after signing the memorandum of understanding in Shanghai on May 25. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY) The University of Sydney and Fudan University on May 25 signed a memorandum of understanding to form the Brain and Intelligence Science Alliance aimed at fostering greater levels of cooperation in data science, neuroscience and artificial intelligence.
Blueprint for schools of future
In labs or libraries, in classes or during breaks, students and teachers in Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University try to adopt a united, integrative education model to help learners acquire knowledge and skills for the future job markets.
18-year-old receives lifetime supply of beer
By ALYWIN CHEW | chinadaily.com.cn Updated: Jan 2, 2019 Tian Jimo is gifted her personal beer tap which could only be activated through facial recognition. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Birthday celebrations often involve a cake and candles, but for Tian Jimo, her entry into adulthood was marked by something a little different – a lifetime supply of beer by Harbin Beer. Born in Beijing on Dec 31, 2000, at 11:59 pm, Tian was considered the last person in China to turn 18 in 2018.
Robot drinks stir man vs machine debate
Innovative Shanghai bistro poses questions on future of food and beverage sector Located in the basement of the K11 Art Mall in downtown Shanghai is Ratio, a new pop-up store that operates as a cafe by day and cocktail bar by night. Automation is the name of the game here. For instance, customers gain access to a digital menu after scanning QR codes found on the tables. Apart from a comprehensive selection of drinks, they can also customize their orders.
A dash of modernity - trendy B&Bs near Wuzhen
Located just outside Wuzhen, an ancient river town in Tongxiang city, East China's Zhejiang province, Ciyun Road has over the past few years garnered the reputation for being an enclave for contemporary minsu (Chinese-style bed-and-breakfast) that offers travelers a refreshing alternative to local hotels with dated decor or those located within the scenic zone.
Wuzhen: A water town like no other
Unlike its counterparts, the riverside tourist attraction has harmoniously interwoven the old and new and offers a tastefully curated selection of goods and services for both residents and visitors. Alywin Chew reports. I've been to a number of well-known ancient towns in China over the past two years, but the only things I remember now are the stench of stinky tofu and the overwhelming amount of tourist kitsch on display. I thought I had seen them all. I thought all ancient towns were the same.
Singapore companies eager to tap into BRI
Singapore businesses are well-positioned to tap into China's Belt and Road Initiative, but they must learn how to "hunt in a pack" and hone their expertise in their own region if they are to make the most out of the opportunities. Those were the key points raised by business leaders at a Nov 2 business forum in Shanghai that was organized by the Shanghai Singapore Business Association.
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