NCDCC INAUGURAL PARADE 2009

“A Journey Towards Excellence”

The National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCCDC) is the third National Uniformed Group in schools. Since its inception in 2005, with a modest strength of 369 members, it has now grown to a sizeable formation of more than 2500 members within 4 years. NCDCC had their Inaugural Parade last night at Basic Rescue Training Centre, Civil Defence Academy Complex. The Guest of Honour for the parade was Mr Charles Chong, Member of Parliament, Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC. In his speech, Mr Charles Chong noted that the NCDCC cadets have been actively taking part in emergency preparedness activities and events organized by grassroots organizations and SCDF. He stressed that likewise public involvement in emergency preparedness is crucial. “The recent acts of terrorism in India and outbreak of flu pandemic around the world serve as strong reminders to us on the importance of being prepared and to never let complacency set in,” he said. The event was witnessed by 800 NCDCC Cadets and guests from both Ministry of Education and Singapore Civil Defence Force.

With a mission, “To nurture and develop our youths into resilient and responsible citizens through innovative and challenging CD activities”, NCDCC recognizes the need to nurture youth who are resilient, rugged and responsible citizens. The event witnessed 15 secondary schools receiving the Best Unit Award. It is a first for NCDCC. “Behind these success stories lay the unyielding dedication of our Teacher Officers, Cadet Lieutenants, Honorary Officers, HQ Staff, members and individuals who volunteered their time and efforts in this journey,” said LTC Philip Tham, Commandant NCDCC.

The NCDCC cadets have been learning lifesaving and emergency skills such as CPR, fire safety, first aid, emergency procedures and homeland security. The relevance of NCDCC training also reflects the growing importance of public emergency preparedness. Warrant Officer Loo Zhi En, an NCDCC cadet from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) reflected that through NCDCC, he has grown to be confident of his leadership abilities. The training and guidance provided by NCDCC helped to develop his communication skills and assertiveness in dealing with people.

Parents too are full of praises for NCDCC training. “Ever since my son joined NCDCC, he has been enjoying school a lot more and NCDCC has also helped him to focus better. I can clearly see that NCDCC has helped him picked up life skills, people skills and leadership skills. This certainly builds the foundation for him to thrive in the future. I am very pleased that he had decided to join NCDCC,” said Mrs Ang, parent of Warrant Officer Timothy Ang a cadet from Montfort Secondary School.

The Regimental Sergeant Major for the parade was Warrant Officer Tariq Mansor. WO Tariq Mansor is a senior non-commissioned officer and unit drill instructor from Saint Patricks School and has been a dedicated member of the corps since 2006. The supporting contingents for the day’s parade are made up of cadets from the 34 NCDCC units in Singapore.

The parade commander was Honourary Officer, Lieutenant Sameer Bin Abdul Kadir. LTA Sameer has been a dedicated member of NCDCC since 2006. With his ever burning passion for civil defence training, he has served NCDCC with much dedication.

The Guard-of-Honour Contingents are formed by 78 cadets from the Gold & Silver Award winning units of NCDCC’s Unit Overall Performance Award 2009. Many of the cadets have been with NCDCC since it’s inception in 2005.

The first performance for the night was Sentinel March. It is an NCDCC inhouse precision drill production consisting of cadets from Hong Kah Secondary School and Yuhua Secondary School. The techno music together with the precision movement received resounding applause from the spectators.

The last item titled Tapestry Of Lights was performed mainly by cadets from Boon Lay Secondary School, Juying Secondary School, Montfort Secondary School and Pioneer Secondary School. The cadets performed in darkness with their luminous batons evoking a sense of mystery.

The light signifies the passion that burns inside each and every member of the Corps. It is this flame that will elevate NCDCC to greater heights. The performance ended with a bang bringing the parade to its highest level.