Thank you, officers – four officers who were recognised at the Home Team and SPF Promotion Ceremonies in April 2025 share their heartfelt personal stories.
By: Al Cheng
ANCHORED BY VALUES
Having served as a Police officer for 30 years in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Lilian Tan, the Director of Training and Capability Development Department (TCDD), has worn many hats. What began as a calling rooted in shared values has grown into a lifelong mission of service, learning and leadership.
Tell us about your policing journey.
I joined the Force in 1995 as I feel that the SPF’s core values – Courage, Loyalty, Integrity and Fairness – align with my personal beliefs. I’ve held diverse postings including investigations, operations, international relations, strategic planning, training and maritime policing. I also served in the SPF United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNPKF) Contingent for a year and was seconded to INTERPOL Headquarters in France for three years.
Now, as Director of TCDD, I drive matters relating to training capability development, training transformation efforts, training policy and resourcing in the SPF, in our aspirations to be a “Learning Force with World Class Training.”
Tell us about a memorable posting that you’ve had!
My most cherished posting was the one-year UNPKF mission in Timor-Leste from 2007 to 2008. Through my interactions with children and internally-displaced Timorese people, I saw how my work contributed to their safety and well-being directly.
I also had my scariest policing experience during that period when burnt tyres would be placed on the road to block our UNPKF vehicles from attending to cases!
Overall, I enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow SPF and international peacekeepers and was proud to have represented Singapore in contributing to Timor-Leste’s nation-building efforts.
What has kept you going all these years in the SPF?
Through my varied postings, I’ve had the opportunity to gain different experiences locally and overseas. I’m also blessed to have good bosses who recognise my efforts and like-minded colleagues who believe strongly in teamwork and excellence for mission success. Above all, the SPF continues to provide opportunities for personal and professional development throughout officers’ careers.
What advice would you share with younger officers?
Be accountable for your own learning, growth and development. Your strong intrinsic motivation to want to grow as a person and an officer means your learning is limitless.
I also rely on the SPF’s core values and my personal values as my moral compass in decision-making. This continues to foster a sense of purpose in the work that I do.
NEVER SAY DIE IN PURSUING JUSTICE
With close to two decades of experience with the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), Commercial Affairs Officer (CAO) Lionel Damian Low has made it his mission to protect public funds and uphold integrity within the system. As Assistant Director of the Public Institutional Fraud Division, he has been at the forefront of high-profile investigations into complex fraud schemes targeting government grants and public institutions.
What inspired you to join the SPF?
I stumbled upon a CAO recruitment advertisement 20 years ago when I was searching for an interesting and fulfilling career! The role resonated with me and I decided to give it a go. Two decades have passed in a blink of the eye, and investigating major cases still excites me as much as it did when I investigated my first case in 2005!
Tell us about your investigative work.
I lead the Public Institutional Fraud Division, which investigates government grant and procurement fraud, as well as public sector insider fraud involving government bodies, charities and religious organisations.
What’s the most memorable case you’ve encountered?
It was my very first case, which centred on property cashback transactions across more than 23 properties, with more than 100 buyers, sellers, property agents, bankers and lawyers involved.
A rogue property agent orchestrated a scheme where residences were sold at inflated prices, with sellers paying the marked-up amount to a shell renovation company for purported renovations. The sellers’ agents were complicit in facilitating the illegal arrangement. To complicate matters, the agent engaged a scapegoat to take the blame and approached witnesses to provide false statements. Despite obstacles along the way, the case was successfully concluded with close to 30 persons convicted.
Share a challenge you’ve faced in your career.
There’s the danger of burnout as investigating commercial crime cases is often long-drawn, involving voluminous documents and numerous witnesses and suspects. It’s important to learn to detach ourselves from work at the end of the day and pace ourselves for the long run.
What advice would you share with those who aspire to join the CAD?
Investigation is a tough job – speaking to suspects is challenging and getting the guilty ones to acknowledge their wrongdoing is even harder. The satisfaction comes from ascertaining the facts of the case and bringing fraudsters to task based on evidence. To thrive in this job, you must possess a “never say die” attitude, grit and determination!
POISED TO PROTECT
What began as a desire to serve has evolved into a fulfilling career. As a Personal Security Officer (PSO) in the Security Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Benedict Neo plays a vital role in safeguarding visiting dignitaries and upholding the professionalism of the Force.
What made you join the SPF?
Apart from my interest in public service and serving the community, I joined the SPF in 2021 because it offers a range of exciting roles, from an Investigation Officer (IO) to specialised vocations like PSO. This has given me the chance to pursue postings that align with my interests and skills.
Tell us about your work.
As a PSO in the Coverage and Dignitaries Unit, I provide advance security coverage for major events, and also personal protection for visiting dignitaries. Given this critical role, it’s essential to embody traits such as professionalism and confidence, as we’re often viewed as ambassadors of the SPF.
Share an important lesson that you’ve learnt as an officer.
Our work is highly dynamic and I’ve learnt to think critically and adapt quickly. From conducting criminal investigations to providing security coverage, situations can change rapidly. As Police officers, we need to assess and adapt swiftly, so that we can resolve issues effectively and maintain the high level of public trust in the SPF.
A DRIVE TO INVESTIGATE TRAFFIC CASES
A childhood admiration for the Traffic Police (TP) uniform grew into a deeply personal mission for Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Muhammad Zickie. His goal? To uncover the truth behind traffic incidents involving drink-driving.
Tell us about yourself.
As a kid, I always admired the TP uniform, and this motivated me to join the SPF in 2010. I requested to be posted to TP in 2016 and am currently a Senior IO with the Drink Driving Investigation Team.
What’s your most memorable experience as a TP officer?
I handled a hit-and-run case where a car collided into three road users. The car was later discovered but the intoxicated driver claimed he couldn’t remember what had happened. As there was no footage of the incident, I relied on thorough ground investigations, forensic evidence and interviews with witnesses and victims. The breakthrough came when we matched forensic evidence found on the car to one of the victims. The driver was charged and convicted for his offences.
This case taught me the value of perseverance and reminded me that our job goes beyond solving the case at hand – it’s also about seeking justice for victims and uncovering the truth, no matter how difficult it can be.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced as an IO?
There’s a certain mental load we carry as IOs – besides conducting investigations and seeking the truth, for some cases, we also need to manage the emotions of the families of victims. This is part of our job.
During my days off, I jog to clear my mind. I also bring my family for cycling and other activities. It’s my way of unwinding and resetting – just being in the moment.
How has your policing journey been so far?
It has taught me humility and empathy. Each experience brings growth, especially the tough cases, which have shaped my values and grounded me. Investigating drink-driving accident cases has also shown me the importance of uncovering the truth with integrity. It’s an honour to serve those who can’t speak for themselves and bring clarity and closure to their families.
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