B&P CoE engineers Simran Kaur (left) and Shaun Wee (2nd from left) showcasing a new credibility assessment solution to the visiting IOs. (Photo: HTX/Alvin Lim)
HTX’s inaugural Investigators’ Connect event on 21 April 2025 aimed to deepen existing relationships and foster new collaborations between the agency and Singapore’s law enforcement community. About 150 Investigation Officers (IOs) from across the Home Team and whole-of-government (WOG) agencies came together to network and hear from thought leaders in the field.
Organised by the Biometrics & Profiling Centre of Expertise (B&P CoE), the event featured thought-provoking sessions by distinguished speakers from HTX, B&P’s WOG partner the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), and Professor Aldert Vrij, a renowned academic in deception detection from the University of Portsmouth.
Following the opening address from B&P CoE Director Willy Lee, Deputy Director (Profiling) Kee Ein Cern spoke about reimagining investigations with contactless technology. He first explained the science behind the technology before illustrating how lie detectors are applied in real-world scenarios.
A panel discussion themed “The future of investigative technologies — Bridging science, innovation and practice” brought together perspectives from thought leaders in technology development, operations, and academic research, painting a comprehensive picture of the investigative technology landscape and where it is headed.
“Investigators’ Connect 2025 is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance the Home Team’s investigative capabilities through technology and innovation,” said Ein Cern.
“Technology isn't just an enabler in investigations, it's a force multiplier. Integrating cutting-edge sensors and state-of-the-art AI models creates a powerful synergy to help us stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape,” he added.
B&P CoE Director Willy Lee kicks off the inaugural Investigators’ Connect. (Photo: HTX/Law Yong Wei)
B&P CoE Director Willy Lee (second from left), Professor Aldert Vrij (third from left) and Singapore Prisons Service (SPS) Director (Investigation Division) DAC Lam Mong Teng (fourth from left) look on during the panel discussion on the future of investigative technology while B&P CoE Deputy Director Kee Ein Cern (left) speaks. (Photo: HTX/Wong Sze Yue)
Another highlight of the day was an interactive technology exhibition where participants engaged with B&P engineers and experienced various contactless credibility assessment tools HTX is developing.
In his masterclass that afternoon, Professor Aldert Vrij shared key practical insights with the IOs on advanced interviewing techniques and credibility assessment methods.
What did the IOs feel about the inaugural Investigators’ Connect?
DAC Lam Mong Teng, Director for Investigation at the Singapore Prison Service (SPS), expressed excitement about the transformative potential of the new technologies showcased: “The future of investigation lies in the fusion of expertise and innovation. Technology is not just a tool — it enables deeper insights and accelerates resolutions to ensure justice is served.”
Professor Aldert Vrij spoke about verbal deception detection techniques and the common concerns typically raised by operational users regarding this approach. (Photo: HTX/Law Yong Wei)
Dannies Ang, Commander of the Fire Investigation Unit at SCDF, shared: “It was a privilege to connect with fellow investigators from various HT agencies and to learn from their shared experiences. The presentations by Professor Aldert, B&P CoE, and the various agencies were insightful—they have sparked new ideas on how our investigators might further enhance our interviewing processes. I also had a positive and eye-opening experience trying out the contactless credibility assessment tools on display, and I am excited to explore how such technologies could be integrated into our workflows.”
B&P CoE Lead Engineer (Profiling) Dr Wong Sze Yue was the coordinator and host of the inaugural Investigators’ Connect. (Photo: HTX/Natalie Ong)
Dr Wong Sze Yue, Lead Engineer (Profiling) at B&P CoE, said she was thrilled by the large turnout.
“We are very heartened by the strong participation from both the Home Team and our WOG partners. Beyond being a platform for cross-agency networking and knowledge sharing, we hope to foster a community where technology developers, researchers, and operational users come together to co-create novel investigative solutions,” said Sze Yue.
“What made Investigators’ Connect truly special was witnessing that lightbulb moment when IOs experienced our technologies firsthand and realised how these tools could transform their work.”
