Behind the scenes of security: Tyn’s story

When people think about security, they often imagine responding to incidents or managing crises as they happen. In reality, much of the work happens long before an issue ever arises.

For Tyn, Regional Security Director for Asia Pacific at AtkinsRéalis, security is about creating the conditions that allow employees and projects to succeed safely and confidently. Whether supporting teams across Asia Pacific, Australia, or major projects throughout the region, his focus is on helping the business stay prepared, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

A career shaped by risk and resilience

Tyn's route into security was not a traditional one. After studying Logistics Management in the Netherlands, he began his career at Acer, where he became responsible for cargo claims, supply chain security, and loss prevention. From there, he built experience across insurance, courier, and logistics service providers, developing expertise in risk management and supply chain security.

Joining AtkinsRéalis offered an opportunity to apply those skills in a completely different environment.

"The wide variety of projects and business operations attracted me," he explains. "I felt it was also the right time to test my skills in another industry than supply chain."

Today, his role spans a diverse and growing region, supporting teams across North and Southeast Asia, Australia, the Global Technology Centre network, and projects across multiple countries.

Security beyond the obvious

One of the biggest shifts Tyn has seen throughout his career is how security has evolved. "The only constant factor in life is change," he says.

As global events, geopolitical developments, technology, and business operations become increasingly interconnected, organizations face a broader and more complex range of risks than ever before.

For Tyn, that evolution is what continues to make the profession exciting. Being prepared for potential challenges, while helping colleagues stay focused on their work, is a responsibility he takes seriously.

Creating a culture of awareness

At AtkinsRéalis, security is not limited to specific offices, teams, or projects. With different portfolio's that includes sectors such as Defense and Nuclear, maintaining a strong security culture across the entire business is essential.

Tyn believes awareness plays a critical role in that effort. "We need to create awareness for all colleagues," he explains.

By encouraging everyone to understand the importance of security, the business can ensure that strong standards are maintained consistently across teams, locations, and projects.

Helping people focus on what matters

While security teams often work behind the scenes, their impact is felt every day.

For Tyn, security and safety are fundamental to employee wellbeing and project success. "It is our duty of care to ensure that we provide a workplace that allows our colleagues to perform at their best capabilities," he says.

By reducing potential security and safety concerns, teams can focus their attention where it matters most: delivering projects, supporting clients, and collaborating effectively.

That support extends across multiple programmes, from business resilience planning and travel risk management to remote working considerations and project approval processes.

Supporting employees wherever they are

One area where security often becomes most visible is travel. With employees working across different countries, project sites, and client locations, preparation is key to ensuring every journey is supported appropriately.

Tyn and the Global Security team oversee a comprehensive travel risk management programme, continuously monitoring risks and providing guidance to travelers before and during their trips.

Depending on the destination and circumstances, this can range from automated travel advisories to tailored briefings and additional security support.

The goal is simple: help people travel confidently and safely so they can focus on the work ahead.

Preparing for the expected and the unexpected

No two days are exactly alike in Tyn's role. Some are spent reviewing business resilience plans, delivering awareness training, analysing trends, or visiting offices and project locations. Others can quickly shift in response to emerging events, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or situations that may affect employees, projects, or business operations.

It's this combination of preparation and adaptability that sits at the heart of effective security management.

"The Business Resilience programme in the company is very mature," he says. "But it requires constant monitoring, updating and interaction with the various teams involved."

A team effort across the business

One of the aspects Tyn values most is the collaborative nature of the role. Security does not operate in isolation. Instead, it works across functions, departments, and geographies, partnering with teams at every level of the organization.

This collective approach ensures that security considerations are integrated into decision-making and project delivery, while keeping the wellbeing of employees at the centre.

According to Tyn, there is strong support across the business for prioritizing the safety and security of both people and projects.

Breaking the security stereotype

If there's one misconception Tyn would like to challenge, it's the idea that everyone in security comes from a military or law enforcement background.

"That we are not all former special forces or law enforcement," he says.

In reality, the security team brings together people from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, each contributing different experiences, perspectives, and expertise.

The differences help strengthen the team's ability to understand risks, solve problems, and support a business that operates across many sectors and regions.

Looking ahead

As the world continues to evolve, so too will the challenges and opportunities facing organizations and their people.

For Tyn, the goal remains consistent: helping employees feel supported, prepared, and empowered to do their best work.

His message to colleagues is simple. Global Security is there to help, with the tools, resources, and support needed to respond to emerging situations and keep people informed. Because when people feel safe and supported, they can focus on what they do best.

Explore our current opportunities and discover where AtkinsRéalis could take you!