A delegation from AFAC travelled to the inaugural Singapore International Disaster and Emergency Management Expo (SIDEX) and the Singapore-Global Firefighters and Paramedic Challenge (PGFPC).  

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Commissioner Eric Yap invited AFAC CEO Rob Webb and 2 supporting officers to attend the events held during SCDF's Ready Week from 19-21 November. Director of Engagement and Member Experience, Zoe Kenyon, and Event Director of  Hannover Fairs, Rob Keen, completed the delegation.

Organised by COSEM (the co-operative of SCDF) and supported by the SCDF, the event attracted over 400 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, together with emergency management and disaster leaders from across the world.

Michael Chua, CEO COSEM, welcomed delegates to SIDEX. He noted the importance of collaboration, coordinated approaches to disaster management, and the opportunity that SIDEX provided to share experiences and build networks. 'Every lesson we learn, brings us closer together to build a resilient world', Michael said.

Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs was the Guest of Honour. He discussed some of the challenges that communities and disaster managers face globally and the importance of building networks, collaboration, and trust across the region and beyond.

He highlighted some of the key initiatives of the SCDF, including the launch of the amphibious vehicle at SIDEX, the establishment of a fire safety research centre, and the My Responder mobile app for community first responders.

A/Prof Faishal concluded that 'resilience begins with ordinary people doing extraordinary things', acknowledging all who have contributed to making the world a safer place.

Program highlights

SIDEX explored the theme 'Ready today, resilient tomorrow', with each day of the conference dedicated to a particular sub-topic.

Day one focused on civil protection and fire safety. Jim Pauley, CEO, National Fire Protection Association, provided the keynote address followed by 2 panels on fire safety standards and technology for enhancing building and infrastructure safety.

Day 2 was centred on emergency preparedness and response, led by keynote Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton KFSM, Chief Fire Officer Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Panel sessions focussed on community readiness and operational challenges.

Day 3 discussed disaster management and humanitarian response. Former US Fire Administrator, Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, provided insights into interagency collaboration and her work in the US. Panel sessions discussed regional disaster response and the role of paramedicine.

Exhibition

Approximately 250 exhibitors displayed the latest in capability, equipment and innovation. Spanning the disaster management continuum, the exhibition was divided up into regional areas featuring Singapore, Korea, China and international companies.

The AFAC delegation was given a hosted tour of the exhibition, providing opportunities to meet exhibitors and find out more about innovative solutions to improve operations and community safety.

Marine Division field trip

The SCDF Marine Division is responsible for marine fire and rescue operations in Singapore waters. AFAC attended a field trip hosted by Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong.

Participants learnt about the development and operational capabilities, including the transformation that has occurred since the establishment of the division after responsibility was transferred from the maritime and Port Authority in 2012.

A highlight for all attendees was sailing on the new second-generation Marine Rescue Vessel, Blue Dolphin.

Ongoing collaboration

AFAC sincerely thanks Commissioner Yap and the team at SCDF for hosting us in Singapore. We look forward to ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities between AFAC and SCDF and keeping in touch with new connections across the globe.