In honor of Membership Appreciation Month we wanted to highlight ASIS members from across the globe and ask them one question, “What are the key challenges of security today and how has ASIS membership helped you face them?”
In my discussions with security leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, three key challenges consistently emerge: building a skilled team, adopting AI and technology, and navigating evolving regulations. While the specifics vary from country to country, these issues regularly come up in our conversations.
1. Building a Skilled Team
The rise of cybersecurity threats, sophisticated social engineering tactics, and AI-driven risks have increased the complexity of security operations. At the same time, today’s workforce—particularly younger professionals—brings different expectations shaped by technology and social media. As a result, security leaders see the need to improve both the technical and interpersonal skills of their teams.
2. AI and Technology
AI-enabled video surveillance and other emerging technologies are automating many security tasks once handled manually. While management is eager to explore AI, many remain uncertain about its effectiveness and potential risks. Furthermore, management wants to maximise their investment by having these technologies automate other departments as well, particularly in workplace safety and facilities management. Since security teams oversee these systems, security leaders are tasked with evaluating the most cost-effective and impactful solutions for their organisations.
3. Evolving Policies and Regulations
The EU’s new AI, sustainability and cybersecurity directives are expected to influence global corporate policies—similar to what GDPR has done. At the same time, several APAC countries have introduced their own regulations, which sometimes conflict with company policies. As a result, Security leaders are often caught in the middle. They need to comply with both international and local laws while ensuring operational effectiveness.
In navigating these challenges, ASIS International has proven to be an invaluable resource:
- ASIS standards, guidebooks, and training programs provide a knowledge base for many of the issues faced, offering practical solutions and best practices.
- Industry events and seminars facilitate the sharing of best practices among members. At the same time, the ASIS CONNECTS Forum allows members to crowdsource solutions to common challenges.
- As the world’s largest security association, ASIS lends authority to security leaders’ recommendations. Referencing ASIS insights can strengthen proposals and increase senior management buy-in. This is especially so when advocating new technologies or security initiatives.
As security operations become more complex, collaboration and knowledge-sharing are more important than ever. A security leader at an international bank recently faced pressure from the local Public Security Bureau to install a non-approved device on the bank’s network. By consulting an ASIS member working in a different bank, he was able to resolve the issue while maintaining compliance. This highlights the value of industry connections in overcoming challenges. ASIS International plays a vital role in this area by providing members with the tools, networks, and credibility needed to navigate an increasingly dynamic security landscape.
Jeff Lam, PSP, has been an ASIS member for more than five years and currently serves as the ASIS Singapore Chapter Chair. He works as a senior program manager with Axis Communications.
