Effective security programs depend on a comprehensive working knowledge of available resources, to include the identification and development of strategic security relationships. This is especially important for organizations operating in the Asia-Pacific region, where customs, culture and language barriers challenge even the most experienced security professional.

1. Asia/Pacific Asia/Pacific
to network and share information of mutual security interest
among its members. Regional conferences highlight key “Security companies are usually
interest items through professional presentations and vendor
exhibits, promoting innovative ideas in an effort to solve staffed by former military, law
shared security problems. The ASIS internet website is
located at http://www.asisonline.org. Membership is open enforcement and/or security
to all security professionals, as well as those interested in the
security field. service personnel with specific
Another exceptional organization operating within
the region, the Asia Crisis and Security Group (ACSG), skills, country and regional
is comprised of security, crisis and continuity professionals
representing multi-national corporations and non- expertise.”
Building an governmental organizations. Group members regularly
share information and best practices, leading to enhanced
effective
organizational security and crisis management methods for consultations, security/vulnerability/threat assessments,
their respective organizations. The ACSG website is located due diligence and other investigations, instruction and the
at http://acsgroup.org/. presentation of seminars or subject matter expert exchanges.
security program HOST COUNTRY SECURITY SERVICES
Representatives of these companies can be found at the
various OSAC, Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific
organizational meetings.
in the Asia/ Conducting business in a foreign country can be difficult
without a well-rounded knowledge of the operating EXPATRIATES AND LOCAL CITIZENS
Pacific region. environment. Key to this is the relationship you build with
your host country law enforcement and security services. It One of the most cost effective security resources are
is in this arena that many organization security professionals expatriates and local citizens within the region. Developing
fail to establish an effective relationship. The importance and maintaining social relationships with these individuals
of relationship building within the host country’s security can lead to a wealth of “ground truth” information, depending
E
By ffective security programs depend on a comprehensive network with both private sector and government security services can never be underestimated, as this can enhance on a person’s local knowledge, access and status. If your
Scott M. Bernat working knowledge of available resources, to include personnel. U.S.-registered companies with an interest in mutual cooperation and increase understanding of potential industry is port or maritime related, it would be a good idea
the identification and development of strategic security security can join and attend these meetings, usually alongside threats. Liaison efforts must go beyond dinner and drinks. to have friends or contacts in and around the port areas.
relationships. This is especially important for organizations representatives from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate Through the presentation of security seminars and subject Dependent on your industry focus, areas of interest can also
operating in the Asia-Pacific region, where customs, culture Regional Security Office. Members have the added benefit of matter expert exchanges, organizations can establish their include airports, other transportation hubs, factory districts,
and language barriers challenge even the most experienced presenting and discussing security issues of concern, as well as team as experts, gain mutual respect, heighten information oil, gas and/or mining sites. The information you receive
security professional. Resources include security personnel, sharing lessons learned and best practices. The DoS OSAC sharing and focus local security services on areas of industry through casual conversation can be of value when weighed
websites and organizations associated with government internet website can be found at http://www.osac.gov. interest. These activities can be cost effective by drawing on against official information obtained through private or
establishments, host country security services, private security staff knowledge and skills, as well as industry experts. governmental organizations. The old adage “Listen, you
companies, expatriates as well as local citizens. The safety BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL One example is where Company A, a major maritime might hear something” certainly holds true here for the
and security of personnel and operations depend on the ORGANIZATIONS shipping agent, is concerned about recent thefts in security professional.
knowledge and assistance gained through interaction with and around a primary port area. Company A’s security
and utilization of these resources. Business Chambers of Commerce are an excellent department or designate engages port security personnel and SECURITY SUCCESS
networking resource and often include a safety and security develops a seminar/subject matter expert exchange focusing
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE committee dedicated to ensuring its members receive on port and supply chain security. Participants include not The integration and utilization of the above resources,
timely and accurate security information. The American, only port and local security/law enforcement personnel, but strengthened by the resultant development of mutual respect,
An excellent starting point to find security-related Australian, British and Chinese business communities form also Company A’s designated security personnel. End result understanding and information sharing, is the recipe for
information of importance to organizations operating in the the most well known Chambers of Commerce focused on is a sharing of information regarding safety and security security success. A proactive security professional will ensure
Asia-Pacific region is government websites. The Australian the Asia-Pacific region. The region also hosts many Rotary concerns and relative problem solving discussions, all leading that all available resources are engaged, positive relationships
Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Clubs for business and professional leaders, as well as other to a safer and secure port. A “win-win” situation for both the are formed with counterparts and the organization’s assets
(http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/), British Foreign and prominent business groups such as the Federation of Hong company and host nation. are protected. This is the gold standard for security in the
Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel- Kong Business Associations Worldwide. Members of these Asia-Pacific region.
and-living-abroad/) and the U.S. Department of State (DoS) organizations network to promote their market areas and PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES
(http://www.state.gov/travel) provide current information routinely share information of mutually beneficial interest. About the Author
on safety and security issues, public announcements, travel These types of groups can be valuable sources of safety and Depending on your budget, private security companies Scott M. Bernat is a civilian Special Agent
advisories, significant anniversary dates, terrorist group security information, often focusing on common problems can be an excellent source of information and assistance in of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative
profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic and and real solutions. the establishment and operation of an effective program, Service (NCIS). His 25 year career
foreign press reports. Many other governments maintain especially when your own security department is limited in has spanned the globe, with particular
internet websites on which travel advisories and safety/ ASIS INTERNATIONAL / ASIA CRISIS AND personnel or specific skills/expertise. Security companies emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, where
security related information are posted. SECURITY GROUP are usually staffed by former military, law enforcement and/ he has developed, implemented and managed numerous
Another resource is accessed through participation in or security service personnel with specific skills, country security and investigative programs focused on threats to the
the U.S. DoS Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and regional expertise. Private companies can provide a U.S. Department of Defense, as well as violations of U.S. and
During OSAC meetings, members can directly interact and International provides security professionals the opportunity wide range of services, to include personnel augmentation, Foreign criminal laws.
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