Dr Reuben Ng, an assistant professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), has been named Runner-Up for the
2025 Scam Fighter of the Year Award, joining fellow recipients such as Mastercard, Google, and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. This award, presented by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), recognises global leaders and institutions that have made significant contributions to protecting consumers and businesses from scams.
Selected by a distinguished panel that includes the US Secret Service’s Director of Cyber Policy and Strategy, and the United Nations’ Chief of Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering, Dr Ng was commended for his work in addressing the multifaceted nature of scams at national and global levels. His contributions have influenced policy, digital resilience, and consumer protection worldwide.
A leading advocate for anti-scam initiatives, Dr Ng co-led the development of the
Anti-Scam Handbook, a landmark publication providing governments and financial institutions with tools to counter emerging scam threats. In addition, his research on scam susceptibility and behavioural loopholes has shaped national policies, equipping decision-makers with data-driven strategies to mitigate scam risks effectively.
Beyond policy development, Dr Ng has been at the forefront of public education efforts to raise awareness about digital fraud. His insights have been widely shared through media engagements, including being featured on
The Straits Times podcast and
article highlighting the vulnerability of concert-goers to ticket scams, as well as expert discussions on Channel News Asia’s
News Radio 93.8. These platforms have amplified the message of scam resilience, reaching thousands across various demographics.
Dr Ng developed and champions the
WAS model as a simple yet effective strategy for protecting against scams. The model emphasises three key steps:
Waiting and not rushing into decisions, especially if an offer seems too good to be true;
Authenticating the legitimacy of the offer through official sources; and consulting a trusted person as a
Sounding board to get a second opinion on whether the deal is genuine or a potential scam.
The Scam Fighter of the Year Award underscores the critical importance of proactive anti-scam measures, and Dr Ng’s work continues to shape global strategies in the fight against digital fraud. His recognition as a runner-up reaffirms Singapore’s role as a leader in digital resilience and policy innovation, and the role that LKYSPP can contribute to driving these discussions and research.