We delve into the career of Mr Woon Sian Hai and recognise his important contributions to the Force.
By: Low Ee Ching
Early Career in the Force
In 1966, Mr Woon Sian Hai joined the Force as an Inspector and was posted as a Routine Officer in ‘B’ Division. He was posted to various Land Divisions and units, including the Crime Prevention Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Then-Acting (Ag) Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Woon was in charge of monitoring the implementation of the Neighbourhood Watch, which was aimed at encouraging the public to look out for one another, in addition to having Police presence in residential areas. In proposing to rotate meeting venues among neighbours, then-Ag DSP Woon shared that this “[would] help to bring the neighbours closer and foster better understanding among them.”
Origins of the Marine Police
In 1992, Mr Woon rose up the ranks to become Commander of the Police Coast Guard (PCG). In recalling the origins of the Marine Police, Mr Woon shared: “It was first called the Marine Police because the jurisdiction was within the Port Limits and only 7-metre patrol boats were deployed.”
However, as the Marine Police began to safeguard a wider area of the Singapore Territorial Waters (STW), officers were trained to operate a fleet of larger patrol crafts transferred by the Singapore Navy in batches. In recounting the operationalisation, Mr Woon shared: “After training our personnel to operationalise the patrol craft, we then deployed them to patrol our STW under Police colours in 1993. Since then, the PCG has been able to patrol beyond the port limits and take on additional roles at sea.”
Transformation of the Police Coast Guard
In 1993, then-Superintendent Woon oversaw the PCG’s transformation which included major enhancement of its technological capabilities, training of its manpower, and upgrading of its infrastructure. In April 1993, the Marine Police was renamed to the PCG to emphasise its important role in ensuring the security of our coastline and sea-lanes.
Leadership in the Police National Service Department
In 2002, Mr Woon took helm as Director of the Police National Service Department (PNSD). Under his direction, he oversaw key projects including the reorganisation of PNSD in handling the command and training of the Police National Service Key Installation (KINS) unit, establishing the Police KINS Training Camp, and the successful introduction of open mobilisation exercises following the 9/11 terror attacks. In recounting his experience, Mr Woon shared:
“We put up a paper to the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct joint open mobilisation with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and it was approved. The first such exercise was successfully conducted, so now we are ever ready should the need arise.”
Heading the Police Custodial Department
In 2006, Mr Woon was tasked to head a newly set up Police Custodial Department, which included overseeing the management of accused persons when they received medical treatment, and escorts for various visits to prevent them from escaping from custody. Mr Woon retired from the Force in 2006 with the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC).
Lessons in Leadership
In reflecting on his leadership journey, Mr Woon shared his insights during an internal leadership forum in 2005:
“Amongst others, I learned to think on my feet and do the right thing. Making your presence felt on the ground is also very important. Lastly, you need to build mutual trust between you and your men.”
In his oral history interview, Mr Woon offered this heartfelt advice to officers: “You must have the passion for this job. So once you are in, you got to give your best and then you would enjoy the fruits of your labour.”
Oral History Interview Series
Our officers have incredibly interesting careers, and for the past decade, our team has been meeting retired officers of all ranks to uncover their stories and learn from them. Through these sessions, we built a rapport and deeper respect for the men and women who overcame challenges to keep Singapore safe. We hope this series will inspire officers in their service and carry on the legacy of those who have gone before them. – Metta Yang, Head, Heritage and Social Responsibility Branch, Public Affairs Department
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