How Kwang Hwee takes over as Singapore’s police commissioner

He added: “I look forward to working closely with our officers, partners and the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.”

At the Home Team Academy on Jan 5, Mr Hoong said: “As I conclude my time as commissioner, I’m heartened that the force will be in the capable hands of (Mr How). I have had the privilege of working very closely with him, and I know that he will lead with conviction, courage and compassion.”

Speaking to more than 2,000 officers, foreign dignitaries and guests at the ceremony, Mr Hoong added: “Throughout nearly four decades of my service, we have stood together through challenges that tested our resilience and shaped who we are.”

Addressing the evolving terrorism threat, sophisticated cybercrime and scams, and the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Hoong said: “There were moments when the future felt uncertain, when threats evolved faster than our systems and preparations, when the weight of responsibility set heavily on our shoulders.

“But every time, without fail, you, our officers, rose to the occasion,” Mr Hoong told officers.

During his tenure as commissioner, Mr Hoong established the

to tackle the scam scourge, and set up the

to handle terrorism threats in Singapore.

Mr Hoong added: “As commissioner, my greatest honour was not the title. It was the opportunity to witness every day the values that define this organisation: courage, loyalty, integrity and fairness.

“In a world of rapid change where threats continue to evolve and systems shift, these values are all the more important and will remain timeless.”