Member Profile

Our company has been in the private security, risk management and corporate investigations industry for over 45 years. Investigations is not just a job, but a passion for my team at Mainguard. We are committed to service excellence and delivering evidence that is needed to bring justice. An advocate for security and investigations professionalism in the Asia Pacific region, I am a pioneer in the industry and advocate continual learning for my team. We have built a network of resources and assets in almost all the countries in the Asia-Pacific region to be able to deliver our client’s requirements cost effectively. Being actively involved in international investigations, we are also able to get local support from our colleagues in the industry in 80 countries.

Our range of services include Asset tracing, due diligence, screening, fraud investigations, intellectual property investigations, insurance verification throughout the Asia Pacific region including, but not limited to, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and others. Our clientele are mainly from the the USA and Europe across a range of industry sectors. Do feel free to visit our website at www.mainguard-intl.com.sg

We specialise in corporate investigations. This encompasses obtaining evidence in breach of trust cases, asset tracing, shipping fraud, employee theft, intellectual property and trade mark infringements, counterfeit and financial fraud investigations, witness location. Today, digital evidence gathering has also become common.

Through our network, we are able to source the right specialist for your investigations and evidence gathering needs in 80 countries worldwide. We are also affiliated with Alliance of Business Lawyers so we can refer you to the best professions.

Our clients include law firms specialising in aviations, intellectual property corporate and shipping law. Our corporate clients include large corporations and multinational companies.

Mainguard was the brainchild of Ponno Kalastree. After a 10 year successful full-time career with the Singapore Armed Forces, he fulfilled his aspirations to develop his career in the commercial sector. From the India to London, his early experiences to the international business world gave him the motivation, sharpened his business acumen and fuelled his ambition to set up a private security firm.

I have also been interviewed by the press a number of times for comments, and also written article published in industry trade magazines on the following topics: •Building International Strategic Alliances for Security and Investigations •International Investigations in China •The East West Connection - Private Investigations in Today’s Cyber Age •The Global Convergence of Security and Investigations •The New Age International Crime Busters –Private Investigators on the Move

In my 45 years as an entrepreneur and investigator, I have been invited to speak at a number of industry conferences, chamber of commerce events covering namely the theme of investigations in Asia. Some of these topics include: •Crossing International Investigations: Creating Strategic Alliances •Global Aspirations for the New Generation Private Investigators •Building International Investigations between East and West •Regional Outlook for Regional Opportunities

We have been long term members of the following international organisations: 1)Council of International Investigators – I was former President in 2001, and still serve as Regional Director for South East Asia 2)World Association of Detectives – I am Area Governor for South East Asia 3)ASIS International where I serve on the Investigations Council 4)Intellenet

•Business of the Year (Security Services Asia Pacific) 2019 by the International Trade Council •Distinguished Award for Small Medium Enterprise 2013 •Commendation for Security Education 2003 awarded by Security Association (Singapore) for promotion of security education and training •The Merlion Investigator Award 2001 awarded by the Security ssociation (Singapore) •The Distinguished Service Award 2001 by The American Society for Industrial Security Region XXXII •The Security Professional of the Year 2001, by World Association of Detectives •International Investigator of the Year 1998, by the Council of International Investigators, Boston, USA •SAS Meritorious Award 1997 by the Security Association of Singapore •The Malcolm Thomson Award 1997 by the Council of International Investigators

I love history and great believer in maintaining heritage as I believe one needs to know your roots to form your own sense of identity. I founded the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association in Singapore. My family is a Straits born Indian. I am a Masonic Member and also a member of the Lions Club.