EDUN N11-11-020 Vol 1
Embargoed for Publication
till after 7 May 2009

23 April 2009

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION NOTIFICATION GS/02/09

(General Information)

NPCC DAY 2009 MESSAGE

The National Police Cadet Corps in Singapore will celebrate NPCC Day 2009 on Thursday, 7 May 2009. All NPCC cadets in schools will wear their NPCC uniform to school on that day.

The message from Mr Charles Chong, Chairman of the NPCC Council, is attached. For schools with NPCC units, the message is to be read out at school assemblies on Thursday, 7 May 2009. This message is embargoed until after delivery on that day.

For clarification, please contact:
Tan Boon Hock
CCA Officer, Uniformed Groups
CCA Branch
Tel: 64609892

Originator:Education Programmes Division

Distribution:All Secondary Schools

NATIONAL POLICE CADET CORPS DAY 2009

7 MAY 2009

MESSAGE BY MR CHARLES CHONG

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR PASIR RIS-PUNGGOL GRC

CHAIRMAN, NPCC COUNCIL

Dear Officers and Cadets of NPCC

1.Today, we come together to celebrate NPCC Day for the 50th year. It gives me great pleasure to address you today as we celebrate the Corps’ golden 50th Anniversary. NPCC has come a long way and has accomplished much since its inception in 1959.

2.Uniformed groups were introduced in schools as an integral part of our nation-building effort in the early days of self-government. From a humble beginning of only 30 cadets, NPCC is today the largest youth uniformed group in Singapore,with NPCC Units in 155 secondary schools and 4 tertiary institutions. The total strength stands at20 000 members. This achievement is the fruit of labour of all who have given themselves freely and willingly to build the National Police Cadet Corps to be what it is today, an established and thriving youth movement in Singapore.

3.Leadership training and character developmentare key thrusts in the training framework of the National Police Cadet Corps. The activities crafted aim to develop the faculties of mind, heart and soul of our cadets as well as to imbibe in them important traits such as loyalty to nation, esprit de-corps, team work and respect for law and order.

4.NPCC has evolved and is constantly keeping pace with the ever-changing world. It has strived to develop in cadets and officers a sense of concern and responsibility for the security and safety of Singapore - the place we call home.

5.Just as we are encountering difficult times now, officers, cadets and volunteers of NPCC must constantly better ourselves. Our community must remain vigilant and resilient as webrave this period of intricacy together.

6.NPCC movement must remain relevant during these difficult times by equipping our cadets with life skills, inculcating in them desirable values and attitudes. As a cadet, the training you undergo would complement the education you receive in school, in moulding you into an all-round, civic conscious, caring and responsible citizen of tomorrow.

  1. With the tough times ahead in view of the current economic situation, we may expect some social problems. Together with the unabated threat of terrorism, we must continue to be on our guard and work with the community to keep Singapore safe and secure. I therefore urge all of you to participate actively in our Community Safety and Security Programme (CSSP) and Police Youth Ambassador (PYA) programme to spread the knowledge of crime prevention and anti-terrorism to families, schoolmates, friends and the community at large.
  1. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary this year, Iwould also like to take this opportunity to reflect on our illustrious history and to acknowledge the contributions made by the cadets, officers and volunteers who had served before us. Many have contributed significantly to the growth and development of NPCC. To mark this significant milestone, I am glad to announce that NPCC will be publishing a Coffee Table Book to capture and share the stories of the past 50 years. We hope that the publication will inspire members of the corps to continue to be committed and to serve in NPCC. You can also look forward to reading the trilogies in our NPCC Magazine, touching on the Past, the Present and the Future of NPCC. There will be special features of cadets, ex-cadets and officers who will share their experiences and views.
  1. Today you will renew your pledge of loyalty to serve NPCC with pride and dedication. Continue to involve yourself in the multi-faceted NPCC training programme, acquire the life skills that will see you through life, enrich your experience so that one day you will look back to your days in NPCC with fond memories of fun and camaraderie.
  1. At this juncture, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the school leaders, Assistant Commandants, teacher-officers, police officers, honorary officers, cadet inspectors and volunteers for their invaluable contributions, unwavering commitment and dedication to the Corps as well as the unflagging support given by the families of NPCC members. Your commitment and sharing of the Corps’ values and beliefs have contributed to the success of NPCC today. We look forward to your continued support in developing our cadets into caring and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
  1. I wish to extend my best wishes to all officers and cadets. May the year ahead be an even more exciting and fruitful year for you and NPCC.
  1. Thank you.

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