Speaker Profile

Dr Kumar Ramakrishna is Professor of National Security Studies, Provost’s Chair in National Security Studies, Dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), as well as Research Adviser to the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, at RSIS. Prior to his current appointments, he was Head, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (2020-2022), Head, Centre of Excellence for National Security (2006-2015) and Head, National Security Studies Programme (2016 to 2020). He was also Associate Dean for Policy Studies (2020 to 2022).

A historian by background, Professor Ramakrishna has been a frequent speaker on counterterrorism before local and international audiences, a regular media commentator on counterterrorism, and an established author in numerous internationally refereed journals. His first book, Emergency Propaganda: The Winning of Malayan Hearts and Minds 1948-1958 (2002) was described by the International History Review as “required reading for historians of Malaya, and for those whose task is to counter insurgents, guerrillas, and terrorists”. His second major book, Radical Pathways: Understanding Muslim Radicalisation in Indonesia (2009) was featured as one of the top 150 books on terrorism and counterterrorism in the respected journal Perspectives on Terrorism, which identified Professor Ramakrishna as “one of Southeast Asia’s leading counterterrorism experts”. His recent research has focused on understanding, preventing and countering violent extremism in Southeast Asia. His latest book is Extremist Islam: Recognition and Response in Southeast Asia (New York: Oxford University Press, 2022).

Speaker Profile

Danny Chan is an award-winning board member with a global perspective. Renowned for his passion, commitment, and decisive leadership. His expertise spans information security, cyber and physical security, data protection, and the orchestration of large-scale, complex international operations. Danny’s background is enriched by a diverse array of experiences in both civilian and military contexts, particularly under challenging conditions.

Following a distinguished tenure as a Captain in the Singapore Special Forces, Danny transitioned to the private sector, where he honed his skills in developing, advising, and training law enforcement and military tactical units worldwide with Britam Defense. His career trajectory then led him to Olive Group, where he provided security solutions to Fortune 500 companies, governments, and NGOs across four continents in some of the most demanding environments.

As Director of Global Risk Assessments at Worldaware International Inc., Danny delivered operational intelligence and enterprise risk management solutions to an impressive roster of Fortune 2000 companies. His insights and expertise have made him a sought-after spokesperson, regularly featured on major news networks such as Channel News Asia and The Straits Times.

In his role as Regional Director of Global Safety and Security, Risk Management at Marriott International Inc., where he handled numerous crises spanning from man-made ones like terrorist attacks to natural disasters like earthquakes, as well as major events like the Olympic Games and data breaches. During his decade-long service, Danny helped developed a world-renowned crisis management program and became a leading voice for security in the hospitality industry.

In 2019, Danny moved to become a Senior Consultant for Security Monitoring and Response in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa for Mastercard International Inc., where he helped lead the company’s efforts through the pandemic and beyond before transitioning into his current role as Regional Security Officer for Asia Pacific. In his current role, he is responsible for information, cyber, and physical security, as well as data protection for Mastercard in Asia Pacific. Danny has been very active in coordinating security between the private sector and the government and volunteers as a mentor for YoPros (Young Professionals), where he mentors young professionals.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Danny dedicates time to the community as an Associate Mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre & Small Claims Tribunals and spearheads the micro-social initiative “Making a Difference.” This refined profile underscores Danny’s exceptional capabilities and his influential role in shaping the security landscape globally.

Speaker Profile

Pierre Trapanese is a seasoned leader known for his pragmatic approach to progress and his dedication to nurturing human potential. Pierre purchased Northland Controls in 2005 with a small team of 10. As CEO, he has since shaped Northland into a respected integrator and advisor in the industry, leading a global team of more than 300 security professionals across 10 offices.

Pierre’s leadership is grounded in core values that have steered Northland’s growth and reputation. His strategic guidance has turned challenges into opportunities, establishing Northland as a reliable partner for even the most complex industry issues.

Committed to industry advancement, Pierre served as the past chairman of the board of directors of the Security Industry Association (SIA). He also champions community-focused projects, such as Northlanders collaborating on solar installations to improve local quality of life.

Speaker Profile

Alvin Chan is the Founder and Chief Executive of Calsius Group. After more than two decades of distinguished service in the Singapore Armed Forces, Alvin established Calsius Group, a professional services firm.

Based in Singapore, Calsius Group specialises in custom security technology, command centre solutions, and business risk intelligence. It comprises two units: Calsius Solutions, which designs, constructs, integrates, and manages advanced security and control centres projects, and Calsius Risk Consultancy, which provides government-grade intelligence products for strategic insights. The group collaborates with Singapore government agencies, statutory boards, and international clients, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner.

Leveraging his extensive military experience, including operational deployments to Afghanistan, Alvin is a recognised thought leader in co-designing bespoke security technology and intelligence solutions.

Speaker Profile

Michael Pazarcevic is a Regional Manager at Genetec where he first joined in 2021 as a Regional Sales Manager, Australia.

He collaborates closely with consultants, end-users, architects, and engineers to deliver innovative and scalable physical security solutions to address their business challenges.

Prior to joining Genetec, Michael gained experience in delivering critical infrastructure projects with best of breed video surveillance and analytics systems.

He holds an Advanced Diploma in Electronics Engineering from RMIT, and a Masters in Business Administration from Macquarie University.

Speaker Profile

Varsha Avadhany

With two decades of experience, Varsha excels in Crime Prevention across non-profit, corporate, and startup sectors. Renowned for her expertise in behavior analysis, risk culture, and change management, she’s a sought-after speaker at APAC on human threat management.

Varsha’s impactful talks include Behaviour Analysis 2024 London, Workplace Violence at ASX 2023 Bangkok, and Employee Behavior Change at APATAP 2019 Hong Kong. Collaborating with OSAC Bangalore, she led a series on ‘Political Stock Enhancement of Security Professionals.’ Notable assignments include the Sri Lankan Easter Sunday blasts, the Ukraine conflict, and the Turkey earthquake.

Honored among India’s Top 20 Women Influencers in Security 2020, Varsha is an Executive Committee member of OSAC Bangalore. She also is a member of the ASIS Steering Committee on Human Threat Management, cementing her influence in shaping future security practices.