Cyborg Innovation and Border Tech Experts Among Hundreds Promoted in Home Team

Singapore promotes 289 senior Home Team officers, highlighting the deployment of cyborg cockroaches in Myanmar and new facial recognition border tech.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 7:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Rewarding Scientific Achievement in Disaster Response

The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) saw significant recognition during the April 13 promotion ceremony at the Orchard Hotel. Among the prominent honorees was Ong Ka Hing, who serves as the deputy director of the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise. Ong was elevated for his pioneering work in developing cyborg cockroaches designed for search-and-rescue operations. These Madagascar hissing cockroaches, measuring approximately six centimeters, are equipped with remote-controlled sensors to locate individuals trapped beneath rubble, turning biological organisms into sophisticated humanitarian tools.

Field Validation During Regional Humanitarian Crisis

The practical utility of these insect-hybrid robots was demonstrated following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. During the disaster, which resulted in over 3,000 fatalities, Ong’s team deployed ten cyborg cockroaches into the field, marking the first time such technology was used in a live humanitarian setting. According to Ong, the operational data gathered during the mission has been critical for refining the prototypes. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam praised the swift deployment of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and its supporting technologies in responding to the regional crisis.

Modernizing Border Security Through Facial Recognition

Innovation within the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) was also a central theme of the event, exemplified by the promotion of Assistant Commissioner Poh Seng Hock. As the deputy commander of the Woodlands Checkpoint, Poh has been instrumental in the New Clearance Concept projects, specifically the FR@BIKES initiative. This system utilizes facial recognition technology to provide accelerated immigration clearance for motorcyclists. Poh, who oversees one of the world's busiest land crossings, emphasized a leadership philosophy where every subordinate is encouraged to contribute ideas, noting that no single official holds a monopoly on innovative solutions.