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By the time most people clock off, officials of the Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships are just settling into position.
For Station Inspector (SI) Neo Qiao Yi, precision doesn’t end when she leaves her office at Ang Mo Kio Police Division. It simply takes on a different form.
On weekdays, SI Neo is an Investigation Officer (IO) with the Scam Strike Team, piecing together evidence as well as interviewing victims and suspects. On weekends and selected evenings, she stands poolside in crisp officiating whites, ensuring races are fair, the rules are upheld and every decision is made without fear or favour.
Different arenas. Same commitment to integrity.
A Calling to Serve
SI Neo joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2010. “It seemed challenging and meaningful,” she recalls. 16 years on, the meaning has only deepened.
As an IO in the Scam Strike Team, she’s ready to respond whenever the need arises. “Even though we’re working office hours,” SI Neo says, “It’s never as straightforward as that when it comes to working on cases.”
Having served across three different teams within the Investigation Branch, she has handled a wide spectrum of cases – each with its own complexities and emotional weight.
“It can be challenging when I keep seeing accused persons, especially youths, reoffending while their parents are unable to help them,” SI Neo shares. “In those situations, I must still inform them that their child will be charged in Court, in accordance with the law, doing so with care and consideration for what they’re going through.”
She recalls a scam victim who was so overwhelmed with anger at herself that she vented at SI Neo over the phone. Moments like this demand more than investigative skill. They require composure, empathy and resilience.
A Journey that Started with Curiosity
Long before she was handling scam cases, SI Neo was already serving – in a different capacity.
In 2008, while still a student, she volunteered at a swimming meet held at the Singapore Sports School as part of her community engagement duties. What began as a school assignment soon became a calling.
She was offered the opportunity to attend the Technical Official course. “I got curious about how swimming competitions were run and what caused athletes to be disqualified,” SI Neo says.
That curiosity evolved into dedication. Over the years, she and her group of friends – who started the journey together – would gather after each swimming meet to discuss what they’d encountered, refining their understanding of the rules and sharpening their judgment. “We always share so that we can become better in officiating and contribute back to the sport,” SI Neo explains.
Tested on the Regional Stage
In 2025, SI Neo’s years of quiet commitment culminated in a proud moment – she was nominated as a Technical Official for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
“When I was notified, I was excited and happy,” SI Neo says. “But I was also worried if I was up to the standard of my seniors who’d built the reputation of Singapore officials.”
True to form, she prepared the same way that she investigates cases – thoroughly. SI Neo officiated more local swimming meets. She read the rulebook repeatedly. She consulted seniors about their past experiences.
During the 2025 SEA Games, she found herself working alongside officials from across Southeast Asia – many meeting for the first time.
“Language was sometimes an issue,” SI Neo explains. “English is not everyone’s first language and this could sometimes be a challenge during briefings and when we received enquiries from team managers.”
Yet, despite differences in background and communication styles, the officials worked as one. After the 2025 SEA Games, relief gave way to purpose. “I can now share my experience with our local Technical Officials to bring up the level of our officiating,” SI Neo says.
Among her most memorable moments was witnessing a swimmer disqualified from an event, leaving the pool in tears. Questions and enquiries poured in. But later that same day, the athlete returned to compete in another event.
“She came in first and even broke her personal best,” SI Neo recalls. “The determination and never-give-up spirit that she showed has stayed with me.”
Balance, Backed by Support
Balancing investigation work with officiating requires meticulous planning. “I always plan my schedule ahead,” SI Neo says.
At swimming meets, she’s fully present, attention fixed on the pool: “It allows me to keep my mind off other matters and focus purely on the sport.”
Her supervisors and teammates at Ang Mo Kio Police Division have been supportive whenever she needs time to attend competitions, which SI Neo deeply appreciates.
Next up is the Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championship, taking place in March 2026. SI Neo looks forward to applying what she learnt from the 2025 SEA Games on home ground. Beyond that, her aspirations remain clear: “I hope to represent Singapore again at major swimming meets and encourage more volunteers to step forward as Technical Officials.”
Much like her work in the Scam Strike Team, it’s about building capability, strengthening standards and contributing to something larger than oneself. Whether engaging with victims and witnesses or making a split-second call poolside, SI Neo stands firm in her sense of duty!
