About Me

Dex Yuan MBA, CPP, PMP

My Career

I have been working in the security industry for around 22 years.  I started my career with the Singapore Police Force in 1996 and worked there for 5 years before breaking the “iron rice bowl” to join the private sector.

I have since joined 2 US MNCs, holding various positions as security executive, security manager and APAC workplace services and security manager.  One of my most exciting and rewarding career was my 4+ year stint in Resorts World At Sentosa (RWS) where I was in the pioneer team.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to set up the security of the 1st integrated resort in Singapore.

I left RWS in 2013 to join SP PowerGrid, a utility company in Singapore.  This is another place where I have the opportunity to apply many of the security theories and concepts to real life environment.  Managing the physical security in one of the largest critical infrastructures in Singapore is definitely challenging and rewarding.

My Academic Background

While my career spanning 20 years are mainly in physical security work, my academic background was in Computer Science.  I earned a Diploma in Electronics, Computer and Communications Engineering with the Singapore Polytechnic and later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with the Open University (UK).  When I first started my career in Security, some people said my academic background had little relevance to my work and they don’t see how it can help me.  But they were wrong.  My computer knowledge was a great deal for me as I was recognised as a “Tech” guy among my peers and was given many opportunities and projects which allowed me to progress in my career.

In 2017, I also earned my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with the Nottingham University.  I  saw the MBA as an essential training in order for corporate managers to better understand their corporate business and protect their organisational assets more effectively and efficiently.

My Professional Certifications

When I started my career in corporate security in 2002, I was a rookie with only 5 years of law enforcement experience with the Singapore Police Force.  After spending a few years doing hands-on work and learning the basics from my peers and security contractors, I decided to upgrade my knowledge in order to be competent in my work and be recognised by others as an expert in my field of work.

In 2007, I earned my first professional certification, CPP which later paved the way for many other professional certifications in my following 15+ years in corporate security.  Some of the other professional certifications I have obtained include the following:

  • Fire Safety Manager (FSM) by Singapore Civil Defense Force
  • Business Continuity Certified Expert (BCCE) by BCM Institute
  • Advanced Certificate in Training & Administration (ACTA) by Workforce Development Agency
  • Certified Counter-Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) by CCTP Institute
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) by Project Management Institute
  • Advanced Toastmasters (Silver) by Toastmasters International
  • Neuro-Lingustics Programming (NLP) Practitioner by The America Board of NLP, USA

My Volunteer Experience with ASIS International (ASIS)

I joined ASIS International (ASIS) in 2007 and have been a member till today.  Prior to joining ASIS, I joined another security association where I was quick to realise it was more of a social drinking club and hence I dropped out soon.  I searched around, but could only find ASIS as a security association that positively promotes education and networking.  I discovered the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) board certification in security management is very well recognised and hence I pursued the certification.  I obtained my CPP in 2008 and I continue to be recertified every 3 years.

My involvement in ASIS took one step further when I started to become a volunteer leader with the Singapore Chapter.  I started off as a committee member and later took on assistant secretary and secretary roles.  In 2017, I was elected as the Honorary Chairman for a 2-year term (2017-2018).  It was a very fruitful journey for me to bring the Chapter to a new height during the 2-year term.

My Passion for Security

My passion for security has remained strong and grew over the years.  While most of my work involves physical security, I have also gained experiences in many other closely related functions;information security, personnel security, fire safety, workplace safety, crisis management.  With a wealth of experience and my passion for Security, I hope to spread the good of the career in security and share my experiences with others.  I created this platform so that I can promote Leadership and Excellence in Security.

The Creation of dexyuan.com

I have owned this domain name for many years but have not really use it.   As I started doing my reflection with the fast approaching year-end of 2018, I made a commitment to set up a website using dexyuan.com.  On 6 Nov 2018, Deepavali, the Festival of Light, I spent one afternoon working on the website and eventually “light up” the sleeping domain dexyuan.com which you are seeing now.