opss npcc newsletter (0607)

Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

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Contents

Message from OC ------------------- 1by A/ASP Toh Wee Teck

“Pride & Passion” ------------------- 2by A/ASP Toh Wee Teck

Words from a New Officer -------- 2by INSP Tan Geok Bee

My Recollection of 71st

CIBTC -- 3by P/CI Er Shi Tao Ronald

An Unforgettable Experience ---- 4by SGT Kee Boon Kiang

Overcoming My Fear --------------- 6by SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte Azmi

NCO Camp --------------------------- 7by SGT Chia Pei Ting

Visit to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” ------------------------------- 8by SGT Ong Sze Li

Lessons from the Battle at Pasir Panjang --------------------------------- 9

Message from OCDear all,

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to INSP

Tan Geok Bee and the new cadets who just joined our big

family. Also, I would like to welcome back to our unit, P/CI Er

Shi Tao Ronald (of D06 CIBTC) and P/CI Muhammad

Lokman Bin Kamsir (of J07 CIBTC).

I would also like to congratulate all the cadets who

were promoted in the recent promotion exercise; especially the

two Station Inspectors, SI Toh Zheng Yan and SI Veronica

Chong Meng Qi. Well done, guys & gals!!

I would also like to announce that SI Toh Zheng Yan

and SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte Azmi have been awarded the

Best Unit Cadets (male & female respectively) for 2007.

On behalf of OPSS NPCC Unit, I would also like to

extend my congratulations to SSG Quek Yong Jun for attaining

the prestigious SPF-NPCC badge, a first for our unit. Hope

there will be more to come in the following years.

I am also pleased and honoured to announce that our

unit had attained a BRONZE award for UOPA 2006. This

would not be possible if not for the dedication and contribution

from everyone in our unit. A job well done to all teacher

officers, cadet inspectors, non-commissioned officers and

cadets!!

This year, our target is to obtain a SILVER award for

UOPA 2007, which will be a first for our unit. Let us work

together to achieve that goal!!

A/ASP Toh Wee Teck

Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter

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This year is a very special year for our unit as it marks a few “first-times”

for our unit. For example, it is the first time that we are starting a bi-annual

newsletter (the one that you are reading right now) and the first time that we

have a recipient for the SPF-NPCC badge, the most prestigious award for a

cadet. This award is only awarded to the top 2% cadets from the entire Sec 4 &

5 NPCC cohort. For a unit as young as ours (started in 1999), I think it is a

great achievement. It is a feat that we can all be proud of.

This year, it is also the first time that we have a motto for our unit; “Pride & Passion”. It signifies the

dedication and enthusiasm that we have in carrying out our duties and responsibilities, which complements

with our unit’s mission of nurturing leaders of the future. We hope that after going through the 4 to 5 years

programmes planned and organized by our unit, all our cadets will be able to acquire the qualities of a leader.

Some of these qualities include self-discipline, care and concern, respect, teamwork, punctuality, confidence,

responsibility, independence and integrity. Other than acquiring the qualities of a leader, we also hope that our

cadets will be able to exhibit these qualities in their daily lives as well. The motto can also be seen on the back

of our new unit polo t-shirts. This serves as a constant reminder for all our cadets.

Finally, I hope that all our cadets will be able to truly lead with PRIDE and serve with PASSION !!

A/ASP Toh Wee Teck

Words from a New OfficerHi, one and all from OPSS NPCC unit!

I am INSP Tan Geok Bee. I teach Chemistry, Science and Mathematics. Most of you may not know me

as I am new in Orchid Park Secondary School. I joined OPSS in the beginning of this year. Previously, I was

from Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School. Though I am new to OPSS, I am not new to the National Police Cadet

Corps. I had been with AISS NPCC unit since 2002.

The one thing that strikes me most about this unit is the strong team spirit and cohesiveness among the

cadets. I can see that the unit is very motivated and I hope that we can all work together to achieve the Silver

award for the Unit Overall Proficiency Award this year.

Last but not least, I am very happy and excited to be a part of

OPSS NPCC unit and I look forward to working with all of you. I

believe that together we can help the unit to scale to a greater height!!

INSP Tan Geok BeeMe and My Little Girl


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My Recollection of 71 st CIBTC I have learnt and gained a lot during my 4 years in NPCC. I have learnt the importance of self-

discipline, teamwork, responsibility and understand the qualities of a leader. I have always wanted to

contribute to the Corps (even after I graduated from OPSS). Furthermore, the CIs in my unit were an

inspiration to me. They were dedicated and responsible leaders and mentors to us. We were like a big family

and the CIs were our elder brothers and sisters. The passion that I have for the Corps led me to make one of the

most important decisions of my life – to become a Cadet Inspector.

When I was still a Senior NCO in my unit, I was asked if I wanted to come back to serve in my unit as

a CI. I agreed without any hesitation. Thus, I was enrolled into the 71 st Cadet Inspector Basic Training Course

under the recommendation of my OC unit.

Days before the commencement of the course, we were asked to go down to Home Team Academy to

collect our No. 1 and No. 3 uniforms. The CI Instructors at the uniform collection set the tone for the course.

They made me realise that this course is unlike any that I had attended. As I was gearing up for the course, I

felt nervous and scared as images of the worst-case scenarios flashed into my mind. My mind was filled with

uncertainties. Even so, I was still looking forward to the course as I will get to know fellow ex-NPCC cadets

who, like me, have a passion for NPCC.

Finally, 8th December 2006 arrived. I was placed into Alpha squad which happens to be the first duty

squad. We were always late for our activities. At the end of the day, during our squad debrief, our instructors

stressed to us the importance of punctuality. This made me realise that no matter what additional duties we

had, we should still be punctual for all our activities. Being punctual for an event requires self-discipline and it

is a gesture of respect to others.

Passing-Out Parade of 71st CIBTC at HTA


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One of the most invaluable lessons that I

learnt from the course was to make the best of an

adverse situation. Given a situation, different

people will react differently. To illustrate this,

imagine placing a carrot, an egg and coffee powder

into three containers of hot water. The three items

will behave differently under the same situation.

These three items can be used to describe three

types of people. The carrot will be softened in the

hot water. This represents a person who cannot

adapt to the situation and will be softened or

weakened under a difficult situation. The egg, on

the other hand, will be cooked and become a hard-

boiled egg. This represents someone who grows in

a trying situation and become hardened in the

process. This reminds me of a saying; “When the

going gets tough, the tough gets going.” As for the

coffee powder, it will dissolve in the hot water and

produce an aroma. This represents a person who

can adapt well to the situation and shine in the

process. I hope I can learn to be like the coffee

powder. What about you? Which category will you

fall into?

I had a tough and tiring, but yet enjoyable

and inspiring time at the 71st CIBTC. I have learnt

a lot of valuable lessons and acquired some

priceless skills. I will miss the good (and the bad)

times that I had spent at the course with my fellow

course-mates. However, deep down in my heart, I

know our paths will cross again and each of us will

continue to serve and contribute to NPCC in

whatever ways we can.

P/CI Er Shi Tao Ronald

An Unforgettable Experience

On 20th of January 2007, I woke up very early

that morning, at 5:45am. I was both nervous and

excited as that day was the day of the High Rope

Challenge (HRC) at Pulau Ubin.

All Sec 4 & 5 NPCC cadets from my unit

have been instructed to gather at the school foyer by

7am. We boarded the bus and headed to Changi Jetty

where we were to take a bum boat to Pulau Ubin. The

trip from our school to Pulau Ubin was about an hour

and a half.

When we reached Pulau Ubin, two vans were

hired to ferry us to the NPCC Campsite where the

HRC was to be held. Along the way, we could see

other NPCC cadets from other units walking or

cycling to the NPCC Campsite. We felt very fortunate

that transport was provided.

At last, we arrived at our destination. We

were one of the first few units to reach; hence, we had

to wait for the other units from Area 2. As I waited,

frightful thoughts began to creep into my mind. To

calm myself down, I started chatting with my fellow

squad-mates.

When everyone had arrived, the Camp

Warden delivered a speech, telling us about the

campsite and its facilities. After that, we were each

given a safety helmet and a harness. We were also

briefed on the safety aspects for the HRC and taught

how to put on the helmet and harness correctly.

Finally, we were all geared up and ready to

embark on our HRC experience. There were a lot of

high element obstacles for us to try out but due to the

bad weather, most of us only managed to try one


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The other High Element Obstacles at HRC

Flying Fox – the Descent Flying Fox – the Landing

Aaahh…!!

Flying Fox – the Take-Off

Before the HRC, I had heard how fun Flying Fox is from my seniors and friends who have tried it. I was

excited and was looking forward to it. From afar, the Flying Fox looked fun and easy but as we got nearer to the

station, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. We had to climb up the tower, which was seven storeys high,

before we could experience the Flying Fox. The ascent up the tower was terrifying, especially when I looked

down at my fellow squad-mates. When I reached the top, two cadet inspectors helped to secure the rope to my

harness. I was then instructed to sit on the wooden ledge. The view there was breathtaking. Finally, I was ready

to try the Flying Fox.

As I glided down the rope, I could not help but scream. It was a scary experience to descend from such

a height. I could feel the wind blowing strongly at me. In less than a minute, my feet touched ground. Though

frightening, the experience was incredible. At last, I had tried the Flying Fox.

I felt fortunate that I am a NPCC cadet as I got a chance to go for the HRC and experience the Flying

Fox – an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

SGT Kee Boon Kiang


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On 20th January 2007, my squad was

scheduled to go for High Rope Challenge (HRC) at

the NPCC Campsite. HRC is a 1-day activity in

which Sec 4 & 5 NPCC cadets get to try the high

element obstacles. Though I have attended various

adventure training camps, like NPCC ATC, OBS

and National Camp, I was hesitant to attend this

event. This was because I have a problem – a phobia

of heights!!

To make matters worse, most of my fellow

squad-mates were all hyped up about this event as

they were excited and looking forward to it. There

was much talk about this activity, especially the all-

famous Flying Fox, which happens to be what I

dreaded the most. At one point, I was even tempted

to skip the HRC. My OC and some of my close

friends-cum-squad-mates reassured and persuaded

me to go for the event and overcome my fear.

Eventually, I decided to give it a shot.

The day finally arrived and we waited for

the commencement of the HRC. I started to feel the

jitters again. I began to regret allowing myself to be

persuaded to turn up for the activity. Finally, it was

my turn to try the Flying Fox. As I looked up at the

21-metre tall tower, I felt nervous and tensed.

Slowly and steadily I ascended the tower. At last, I

was at the top of the seven storey high tower. It was

a terrifying experience for me. Fortunately, I saw CI

Teresa. She is a cadet inspector that I knew from

“Toy Soldier”. It was reassuring and comforting for

me to see a familiar face at that moment. I felt the

sudden urge to run over and hug her but given the

circumstance that I was in, it was safer and saner for

me to remain where I was.

Overcoming My Fear

Soon, I found myself seated at the wooden

ledge and all geared up to take the plunge. I could

not help but question myself if I will be able and

ready to take the leap. I was filled with doubts and

uncertainties. Under the constant encouragement of

CI Teresa and the other HRC instructors, I mustered

up all my courage and took my most important leap.

As I glided down, I screamed my lungs out.

Though the whole descend lasted less than a minute,

it was the longest minute of my life, one that will

forever be etched in my mind. I was relieved and

thankful when I finally felt the familiar ground

underneath my feet again. For once, I really

appreciate the feeling of being grounded.

Unfortunately, due to the bad weather, we

were unable to experience all the high element

obstacles. Though I have not fully overcome my

phobia of heights, I am still proud of myself. I was

glad that I attended the HRC. Overall, it was a

thrilling and exhilarating experience for me.

Finally, I strongly recommend that everyone

experience the Flying Fox, even for fellow

Acrophobia sufferers like me. It will be an

experience that you would neither regret nor forget.

SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte Azmi


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Conquering My Fear of Heights

I did it!!

NCO CampAfter much anticipation, the annual NCO

Camp is finally here. These 3 days (10~12/03) are

one of my most enriching moments in NPCC with

my unit. It has always been a tradition in my unit

that Sec 3 NCOs-to-be have to undergo a 3-day-2-

night course organised by my unit. This year was no

exception too.

On 10th March, I woke up early that

morning to make my final preparations for the NCO

Camp. On my way to school, my mind was

preoccupied with thoughts about the upcoming

camp. I did not know what to expect for this camp

as we were told that this camp was going to be very

different from the Annual Camp (organised by my

unit for the Sec 1 and 2 cadets) and the ATC that

we had attended previously. My mind was filled

with questions and uncertainties. However, the

thought of passing-out from this course as a NCO

spurred me on. I was determined to complete the

camp and leave as a NCO.

The first day of the camp was a mental

endurance as it was filled with lectures. However,

the CIs conducting the lectures make it enjoyable

and fun. Sensing that we were tensed and uneasy,

they constantly cracked jokes and made the

atmosphere conducive for learning. We had lectures

on uniform etiquette, first aid, method of instruction

(MOI), our unit structure and roles and

responsibilities of a NCO, just to name a few. We

also learnt some life skills to help us carry out our

duties more efficiently and how to plan and conduct

a well-organized lesson and debrief session.

There was something new to learn every

minute, even during our meal times, as we were asked

to do field-cooking. This was not new to us as we had

done it before during Annual Camp and ATC.

However, what was unusual to us was the fact that we

were not given any solid fuel. Instead, we were

provided with coconut fibre, dry twigs and dry leaves.

We were supposed to cook our food using natural

resources. Initially, we had some difficulties but

eventually, we all succeeded. This was an unique

experience for me and my squad-mates, one that we

will never forget.

The second day was a hands-on session. We

were supposed to apply what we had learnt the

previous day; like MOI, which proved to be quite a

feat for some of us. We now understood what our

seniors had to go through to prepare our lessons and

training sessions. A round of applause to them for

doing such a terrific job.

At night, we also had to sentry duties and to

sleep outside our bunks in pairs around the school. It

was meant to build up our courage and confidence.

This, too, was a refreshing experience for us.


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Finally, on the last day, we had to undergo

numerous tests to assess what we had learnt and our

abilities to carry out our duties effectively. This was

nerve-racking for us as our promotion and future

postings depended on our performance.

To mark the closure of the camp, we had a

passing-out parade. We began the course as

Corporals, but graduated as Sergeants. Hooray! After

the camp, my squad became more closely-knitted and

united. We were ready to meet with any challenge

that comes our way and determined to make everyone

in our unit proud of us. Our passion for NPCC and

our unit was at an all-time high. We will miss this

NCO Camp but it will always have a special place in

our hearts.

SGT Chia Pei Ting

Visit to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu”

On 21 March, we were scheduled to visit

“Reflections at Bukit Chandu”. It is a World War II

interpretative centre to commemorate the Malay

Regiment’s effort in defending Singapore against the

invasion of the Japanese Imperial Army. From 13~14

February 1942, 1,400 Malay soldiers bravely fought

against 13,000 Japanese soldiers at the battle of Pasir

Panjang. It was one of the most gruelling battles in

Singapore during World War II.

Initially, I thought that this visit will be

boring, just like any other trip to a museum, but how

terribly wrong I was. It turned out to be one of the

most interesting and fruitful tour I ever had. The

numerous exhibits, artefacts and presentations

transported us back to World War II. It was as if we

were back in time, fighting along side with the Malay

Regiment.

One of the most intriguing exhibits that I saw

was the “Well of Reflections”. This exhibit is

uniquely and creatively presented. The exhibit is

actually mounted upside-down on the ceiling with a

mirror in a well on the ground directly below it. In

order to view the exhibit, we had to look down the

well at the mirror. As the name implies, it was truly a

“reflection” of the battle at Bukit Chandu. It shows

various scenes of what actually happened at Bukit

Chandu.


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For instance, it shows how the Malay Regiment soldiers

were tortured after they were captured by the Japanese

soldiers. It really makes us reflect on the battle at Pasir

Panjang.

Another fascinating presentation that we

experienced was the “Sounds of Battle” in the Bukit

Chandu Theatre. When I first stepped in, I noticed that

there were neither exhibits nor screens inside, just

headphone placed at each seat. I thought this would be

uninteresting as there was clearly nothing to see but I was

wrong yet again. When the “show” finally started, we were

able to experience “first-hand” the terrors and horrors of

the battle at Pasir Panjang through Binaural Sound

Presentation. The sound effects and voices were so realistic

that it was as if we were in the middle of the war. It made

me appreciate and treasure the peace that we have now. My

heart really goes out to the victims of war.

The guided tour that we had of “Reflections at

Bukit Chandu” was truly enriching and memorable. It was

an unique experience of a lifetime and it also changed my

view towards visiting such museums again. It was an

invaluable lesson outside the classroom for me. I strongly

recommend every Singaporean to make a trip down to

“Reflections at Bukit Chandu” to experience for

themselves the valour and heroism of our Malay Regiment,

the heroes of Singapore.

SGT Ong Sze Li

Lessons from the Battle at Pasir Panjang

On 21st March, my Sec 3 squad went on a

guided tour to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” at

Pasir Panjang, as part of our National Heritage

programme organised by my unit.

“Reflections at Bukit Chandu” is an

interpretive centre dedicated to the Malay Regiment

and its contribution to the battle for Singapore. It

depicts vivid accounts of the fearless defence of

Bukit Chandu (also known as Opium Hill) by the

Malay Regiment against the Japanese Army. The

battle of Opium Hill was one of the fiercest battles

that took place in Singapore during World War II.

What struck me the most is the patriotism,

gallantry and excellent leadership qualities of a

Malay Regiment officer, 2nd Lieutenant Adnan Bin

Saidi.

Though heavily outnumbered by the Japanese

soldiers, Lt Adnan led his platoon to provide one of

the most stubborn resistances against the Japanese

intruders. Despite running out of ammunition, Lt

Adnan and his men continued to fight bravely

against the Japanese soldiers. In the end, they chose

death over the dishonour of surrender. This, to me, is

a great demonstration of camaraderie, valour and

“Well of Reflections”

View from inside the “Well of Reflections”

Sculpture of Lt Adnan Uniform of the Malay Regiment


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One story that greatly inspired me is that of

how a Malay Regiment officer cleverly spotted the

Japanese soldiers in disguise. In an attempt to capture

Bukit Chandu, the Japanese soldiers don the Indian

Regiment’s uniform, hoping to catch the Malay

Regiment off-guard. But, the observant Malay

Regiment officer noticed that the “Indian Regiment”

soldiers were marching in 4 ranks (typical that of

Japanese soldiers), instead of their usual 3 ranks.

Also, the way they marched looked very robotic

(which was how Japanese soldiers would march).

Instead of catching the Malay Regiment by surprise,

the Japanese soldiers in disguise suffered heavy

losses.

Another lesson that I learnt from this trip was

how the Japanese soldiers outwitted the British

officers by invading Singapore using bicycles. The

British assumed that the Japanese will attack

Singapore by sea, as the swamps and jungles of

Malaya would deter, if not obstruct, any overland

invasion. This assumption was a grave mistake as it

ignored the highly developed communications

network system that the British themselves had

constructed throughout the peninsula. Also, by using

light bicycles as a mode of transport, the Japanese

Army was able to move swiftly and easily through the

peninsula of Malaya, which prevented the British

from countering their attack. This was the main cause

of the fall of Singapore.

Overall, I find the visit to “Reflections at Bukit

Chandu” very informative and beneficial. I have learnt

valuable lessons on the importance of defending our

homeland, the terrors of war and the makings of a true

leader. Lastly, I would like to salute the Malay Regiment. I

believe in the hearts of all Singaporeans, the soldiers of the

Malay Regiment are the true heroes. They truly lived up to

the Malay Regiment’s motto “Ta'at Setia” (meaning “Loyal

and True”).

SGT Ho Chin Shin Ronald


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Bicycles used by the Japanese Imperial

Army during WWII

Paintings of Scenes from the Battle at Pasir Panjang

Sculpture outside “Reflections at Bukit Chandu”

Past Events of 2007 (January ~ May)Event / Activity Date Participant

CCA Orientation 2007 10/01/07 OPSS NPCC Unit

Area 2 High Rope Challenge 20/01/07 Sec 4 Squad

.22” Revolver Classification Shoot 13/02/07 Sec 3 Squad

NCO Camp 2007 10 ~ 12/03/07 Sec 3 Squad

Guided Tour to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” 21/03/07 Sec 3 Squad

Speech Day 2007 20/04/07 Sec 2 & 3 Squads

NPCC Annual Parade 2007 21/04/07 Sec 2 & 3 Squads

NPCC Day Parade 2007 17/05/07 OPSS NPCC Unit

Daffodil Day 2007 by Singapore Cancer Society (CIP) 20/05/07 Sec 3 & 4 Squads

Swearing-In Ceremony, Passing-Out Parade & Area 2 Games Day 2007 23/05/07 Sec 1 & 4 Squads

Service Learning at Toa Payoh Senior Citizens’ Health Care Centre 24/05/07 Sec 1 & 2 Squads

Shooting Course by Airsoft Asia Practical Shooting Academy 30/05/07 Sec 2, 3 & 4 Squads


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Our Achievements for 2007 (January ~ May)Activity / Competition Date / Period Participant Achievement / Award Organizer

Unit Overall Proficiency Award 2006 OPSS NPCC Unit Bronze NPCC HQ

Heritage ‘C’ Race 2007 10/02/07

CPL Trina LimCPL Ridzwan

CPL Yap Si LingLCP Lim Xing Xia

LCP Jolyn Tey

1st Position

National Archives of SingaporeSSG Afifah

SSG PavithraSSG Veronica ChongSSG Toh Zheng Yan

SSG Heng Wang Cong

2nd Position

Triple “R” Competition 2007 10/03/07

LCP Lim Xing XiaLCP Jolyn Tey

LCP Josephine YeoLCP Gavin Ng

Certificate of Participation

East Spring Secondary School

NPCC Unit

E-Poster Competition 2007(Crime Prevention in Schools) 23/03/07

LCP Lim Xing XiaLCP Jolyn TeyLCP Gavin Ng

LCP Wilson Lee

3rd Position(See page 12)

Yishun Secondary School NPCC Unit

SPF-NPCC Award 2007 SSG Quek Yong Jun Recipient NPCC HQ

Area 2 Games Day 23/05/07 Sec 1 Squad 3rd Position Canberra Secondary School NPCC Unit

National Drill Challenge 2007 26/05/07 SI Toh Zheng YanSGT Chia Pei Ting

Certificate of Participation

St Hilda Secondary School NPCC Unit

The award-winning Poster designed and done by LCP Lim Xing Xia, LCP Jolyn Tey, LCP Gavin Ng, LCP Wilson Lee


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opss npcc newsletter (0607)

Documents

high element

world war

japanese imperial

high rope

opss npcc

japanese army

lt adnan

malay regiment