PUBLISHED ONJanuary 05, 2026 12:05 PMBYSean LerThe Singapore Police Force (SPF) bade farewell to its long-serving commissioner Hoong Wee Teck who handed over command to new top cop How Kwang Hwee in a ceremony on Monday (Jan 5).
Hoong, 62, has served the SPF for 38 years and led it for over a decade — since 2015.
He is credited for having significantly strengthened the capabilities of the police, particularly in the adoption of new technologies.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing commissioner paid tribute to the "strong trust and shared responsibilities" from partners and the public.
"A safe country is not built by police officers alone. It is built by a community that believes in the common purpose, anchored by the strong trust and shared responsibilities.
"To our partners, including our fellow Home Team and public service agencies, volunteers, community stakeholders and overseas counterparts, thank you for your collaboration, your vigilance and your unwavering support," he said.
Reflecting on evolving public security threats such as the Covid-19 pandemic, scams and terrorism, Hoong said that there were moments of uncertainties, especially when threats evolved faster than the police's systems and preparations.
"But every time, without fail — you, our officers, rose to the occasion...Together, we have ensured Singapore remains as one of the safest places in the world," added Hoong.
According to Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report, Singapore leads the world in perceived safety among residents — the 12th time the city state topped the list.
New police commissioner How Kwang Hwee has served in the SPF for 27 years.
He joined the SPF in 1998 and rose to his present post as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Policy) in 2024.
He had previously led the Operations Department as its director and was also the Deputy Commissioner for Investigation and Intelligence.
How is credited with leading the planning and execution of several major operations, including the security operations of the Trump-Kim Summit in 2018 and the anti-money laundering cases which resulted in the arrest of 10 foreign nationals.
He begins his tenure as Singapore's ninth post-independence police commissioner on Jan 6.
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