Singapore – Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Khalid Haji Ismail, has been conferred Singapore’s Meritorious Service Medal, a prestigious award recognising his significant contributions to enhancing bilateral security cooperation and regional stability. The medal was presented by Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, at a ceremony held on August 18 at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr Khalid, who became director of the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB) in April 2023 before assuming the post of Inspector-General of Police in June 2025, was commended for his instrumental role in strengthening ties between the MSB and Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD). Both agencies have long maintained substantive engagements in intelligence-sharing and joint operations, with particular focus on counter-terrorism.
The ISD noted that under Mr Khalid’s leadership, bilateral cooperation between the two security services reached new heights. Intelligence exchanges and coordinated efforts played a vital role in disrupting extremist networks linked to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) and other groups posing threats to regional stability.
“The Meritorious Service Medal is a recognition of Mr Khalid’s contributions not only to Malaysia and Singapore but also to the security of the wider region,” ISD said in its statement. The award highlights the enduring importance of intelligence and counter-terrorism collaboration among ASEAN partners in facing transnational threats.
Minister Shanmugam, in remarks shared on social media, praised Mr Khalid for his commitment and foresight. “The enduring warm rapport between MSB and ISD is a testament to Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Khalid’s leadership and dedication to mutual security interests,” he said. He added that the collective efforts of successive generations of officers in both services have ensured the safety of Malaysia, Singapore, and the broader region.
The investiture ceremony was attended by officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs as well as representatives of the Malaysian High Commission. The atmosphere reflected not only a celebration of personal achievement but also a reaffirmation of Malaysia and Singapore’s shared commitment to safeguarding their people.
The award to Mr Khalid underscores the strategic importance of security diplomacy in Southeast Asia, where intelligence and operational collaboration remain central to addressing complex and evolving threats. Observers view this recognition as a sign of deepening trust between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in their ongoing pursuit of regional stability.
