Meet SC Luke Ying Zhe Parkin and SC Tan De Xun, two officers who tackle cybercrimes and scams as part of their National Service!
By: Christabelle Lim
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybercrime is a growing threat that demands innovative solutions and specialised expertise. To address these challenges, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) introduced the National Service Cybercrime Operator (NSCO) vocation in 2024, leveraging full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officers’ technical skills in the fight against cybercrime.
Deployed to the SPF’s frontline units in the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom) and the Cybercrime Command (CCC), including the Threat Intelligence Centre, these PNSF officers play a critical role in detecting and disrupting digital threats. Among the pioneering batch are Special Constable (SC) Luke Ying Zhe Parkin and SC Tan De Xun, two officers who are at the forefront of safeguarding Singapore’s digital space.
SC Luke Parkin: Turning a Passion into Purpose
SC Parkin’s passion for cybersecurity started in secondary school when he took Computing as an ‘O’ Level subject. “I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how it can be used to solve problems,” he shares.
But the road he chose was not without its challenges. After completing his secondary school, SC Parkin aspired to pursue a diploma in cybersecurity, but faced academic setbacks and personal challenges. Instead, he pursued a Diploma in Business at Temasek Polytechnic. But his passion for cybersecurity never wavered.
After two months at the Training Command where SC Parkin learnt the fundamentals of policing, he was posted to the ASCom where he learnt about scams and contributed in the fight against scams.
At the ASCom, SC Parkin’s main responsibility is operating the ScamShield dashboard to review user-reported scams and block numbers assessed to be scam-related. A script deployed specifically for the reviewing of such reports on Scamshield supports SC Parkin in his duties. “After the script processes user reports there’ll be some that I have to manually assess. I’ll review these to decide if blocking is warranted,” he explains.
This work helps protect members of the public from falling victim to scams by disrupting scam enablers and preventing scam-related numbers from being used to reach out to potential victims. “What makes this job meaningful is knowing that my work impacts many Singaporeans,” he shares. “On a personal note, my dad was scammed a year ago, so I know what it feels like to fall victim to a scam. Scammers are always evolving their methods so we have to keep learning and adapting to stay ahead.”
For new NSCOs, his advice is simple: “Be prepared to work with others and embrace challenges with an open mind. If you’re willing to learn, you’ll grow and find this experience deeply rewarding.”
SC Tan De Xun: Hunting and Disrupting Online Scams
Like SC Parkin, SC Tan shares a deep-rooted interest in cybersecurity. After graduating with a Diploma in Information Technology from Singapore Polytechnic, he underwent two months of basic policing training at the Training Command before he was posted to the Threat Intelligence Centre.
“I received on-the-job training to assess scam websites, identify different types of scam websites and their scam elements,” he shares. “This equipped me with the technical skills necessary to assess scam websites effectively.”
It’s a fast-paced work environment, but SC Tan relishes the challenge: “We analyse suspicious websites and perform detailed assessments of suspicious websites to identify and disrupt scam-related domains. This work requires us to stay updated on scam tactics and collaborate with different agencies to secure Singapore’s digital space.”
For SC Tan, the most fulfilling part of his work is its direct impact on safeguarding the public. “It’s rewarding to know that I can use the specialised skills I’ve learnt to contribute to the SPF’s mission,” he shares. “Taking down scam websites makes a real difference, and I take pride in that.”
His advice to new NSCOs? Stay curious and proactive: “Scammers constantly evolve, and so should we. Keep an open mind – there’s a lot to learn, and the officers here are passionate about teaching. If you put in the effort, you’ll gain valuable experience.”
A New Generation of Cyber Defenders
SC Parkin and SC Tan are part of the next generation of cyber defenders – adapting quickly to an ever-changing landscape and playing a vital role in combating scams and cybercrime.
For SC Parkin, the experience has reinforced his passion for the field, and he plans to further his studies in cybersecurity after NS: “It’s been challenging, but also incredibly fulfilling to know that my work makes a difference.”
With each scam disrupted and fraudulent website taken down, the NSCOs prove that fighting cybercrime isn’t just for seasoned professionals – passionate young minds are making a making a real impact too.
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