For years, Mdm Sivamani Taigrajan held a misguided impression of security officers. She had always assumed that they spent much of their time idle, with relatively few responsibilities.
Having led an active lifestyle since young, Mdm Sivamani aspired to pursue a uniformed career, and the path to becoming a police officer initially seemed like a natural and compelling choice.
It was her late father, Mr Taigrajan, who discouraged her from pursuing a career in the police force. Instead, he urged her not to look down on any profession and to put herself in a security officer’s shoes to truly understand the nature of their work.
A security officer himself, her father inspired Mdm Sivamani to take a leap of faith and enter the security industry. Today, at 51, Mdm Sivamani has devoted more than two decades to the field.
After her father passed away from lung cancer in 2005, Mdm Sivamani took a brief hiatus before enrolling in a two-week security course.
Her first posting was at the Singapore Science Centre, where she engaged with visitors, provided directions, and managed emergency situations.
“The two-week course was an eye-opener for me. I realised that the security industry was not merely about monitoring but also about being able to respond effectively to crisis situations,” said Mdm Sivamani.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Mdm Sivamani faced her fair share of challenges. There were instances when she had to conduct night patrols with a torch and confront her own fears.
“My male colleagues trained me patiently, and since I had a strong interest in the job, I adapted quite quickly as well,” she shared.
However, she observed that some men tended to underestimate her capabilities, assuming she could not handle certain tasks. To Mdm Sivamani, however, gender plays no role in job competence.
Naturally introverted, Mdm Sivamani said the job gradually transformed her personality. Through interacting with people almost daily, she became more confident and outspoken.
She currently holds the rank of chief security officer and serves as a security supervisor at a command centre, overseeing a team of 12 security officers.
When asked what has kept her committed to the profession for over 20 years, Mdm Sivamani highlighted that every day brings something new.
“We do not do the same thing every day. My job is interesting because I handle a wide variety of situations daily,” she said. “There could be fire alarm activations, cases of people fainting, or individuals getting lost.”
In her work in the security industry, Mdm Sivamani has witnessed significant changes, including increased female participation and greater flexibility in work arrangements.
“People used to think that security officers only work 12-hour shifts. Times have changed, and now officers can opt for 8-hour shifts as well,” she noted.
A strong advocate of upskilling, Mdm Sivamani encourages both junior and senior officers to continuously upgrade themselves in line with their responsibilities.
Mdm Sivamani also serves as the General Treasurer of the Union of Security Employees, where she ensures that funds are properly managed and accounted for.
As a recipient of the Comrade of Labour Award at the NTUC May Day Awards on May 13, 2026, she hopes that those considering the profession will not view it as a “retirement” job.
“The security industry has evolved tremendously. It is no longer just a job for someone’s grandfather or father. I encourage people, especially women, to adopt an open mindset and consider joining this industry,” she said.
The NTUC May Day Awards 2026 honoured a record 188 individuals and organisations who have made a difference in the lives of workers and the Singapore workforce.
