On 22 May 2023, Bedok Police Division presented the Public Spiritedness Award to three members of the public for assisting the Police in three separate cases. Six recipients were also presented the Community Partnership Awards for their strong partnership with the Police in preventing the commission of scams.
Cases commended for Public Spiritedness Award
On 21 March 2023, Mr Ng Hoong Seong (“Mr Ng”) spotted an emotionally distressed woman sitting on the parapet of an HDB block. Sensing that she needed help, Mr Ng approached the woman and managed to persuade her back to safety.
On 15 August 2022, Mr Tong Chee Fei (“Mr Tong”), a Bus Captain, was on duty when a female passenger informed him that she had been molested by another male passenger. Mr Tong immediately stopped the bus and assisted the victim to identify the male passenger, who tried to leave the bus. Despite struggling with the male passenger, Mr Tong managed to prevent him from leaving the bus until the Police arrived.
On 20 April 2023, Mr Koh Ming Bin (“Mr Koh”) was travelling on a bus when he witnessed a man molesting another female passenger. When Mr Koh confronted the man, he denied the act. Mr Koh managed to speak to the victim who confirmed that she was molested. Mr Koh prevented the man from leaving the bus until the Police arrived.
In all three cases above, the timely intervention by members of the public made all the difference. Mr Ng’s brave act saved a life. Mr Tong and Mr Koh’s public spiritedness actions in their respective cases led to the apprehension of the perpetrators and prevented them from causing further harm to others.
Individuals Commended through Community Partnership Award
A total of five staff from United Overseas Bank (UOB) and a staff from Carousell were presented the Community Partnership Award (Individual) in recognition of their commitment and contribution towards preventing scams.
On 10 October 2022, Mr Koh Jun Yi (“Mr Koh”) from UOB Bedok Branch was approached by a customer who wished to transfer $1,000 from her account to her overseas ‘boyfriend’ as payment for the ‘Singapore Customs’. Mr Koh found the transaction request suspicious and with the help of his colleagues, Ms Lee Wei Yin and Ms Heng Siew Pheng, they managed to convince the customer that it was a scam. Through their vigilance, they prevented the victim from being scammed.
On 30 January 2023, Ms Tan Wee Qian (“Ms Tan”) from UOB Bedok Branch was approached by a customer who wished to transfer close to $20,000 to a subject who claimed to have kidnapped her husband in a foreign country. Through their conversation, Ms Tan confirmed that it was a scam and together with Ms Valerie Zhou Meiyan, the duo managed to convince the customer that it was a scam and prevented any transfer of money.
On 11 March 2023, the Police received reports of counterfeit Apple AirPods being sold on Carousell. Ms Chen Yixuan Jessica, a staff of Carousell, was prompt to provide valuable information on the sellers. Through Police follow-up actions and close collaboration with Carousell’s fraud team, two men were subsequently arrested for cheating.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Justin Wong, Commander of Bedok Police Division, commended the award recipients for their public spiritedness. He said, “Where others might have looked away, today’s award recipients stepped forward to act. That made all the difference. The Police hope their acts inspire others to do the same, so that we can all work together to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
Group photo of Public Spiritedness Award recipients with AC Justin Wong and DAC Teo Wee Meng ▼
Group photo of Community Partnership Award recipients with AC Justin Wong and DAC Teo Wee Meng ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 May 2023 @ 11:10 PM