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At the inaugural National SaferSG Awards Ceremony on 5 December 2025, two volunteers stood out among 222 recipients – representing different generations united by the same mission to keep Singapore safe.
A Historic Milestone
The Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre buzzed with excitement on 5 December 2025 as more than 600 people, including SPF volunteers, partners and their families, gathered for a historic milestone – the inaugural National SaferSG Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony recognised outstanding SPF volunteers and partners for their contributions to keeping Singapore safe and secure, reinforcing the strong bond and sense of trust between the public and Police.
The event also introduced the new Workplace on Watch programme, which empowers organisations to actively contribute to crime prevention and safety awareness among their employees.
During the ceremony, a total of 177 Outstanding SaferSG Volunteer Awards (OSVA), 40 Outstanding SaferSG Partner Awards and five Workplace on Watch tokens of appreciation were presented, recognising the vital role volunteers and partners play as force multipliers.
The Gen-Z Go-Getter
On a recent afternoon near a quiet park in Sengkang, 25-year-old VSC officer Sergeant (Sgt) (V) Ricmond Kong settled into conversation with the confidence of someone who genuinely loves what he does. His cheerful demeanour and passion for volunteer work immediately revealed why he’s one of the youngest OSVA recipients.
For Sgt (V) Kong, volunteering isn’t just an activity – it’s woven into his sense of identity. After completing his National Service as a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer at Serangoon Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), he continued serving through the VSC scheme, volunteering 35 to 40 hours monthly as a GRF officer.
Meticulous Dedication
Juggling his daily work as a consultant for an education firm with his VSC duties, Sgt (V) Kong meticulously tracks his volunteer hours on an Excel spreadsheet. “I thought it’d be good to know how many hours I’m putting in so I can gauge my consistency through the years,” he explains.
His commitment shines through, especially when it comes to supporting regular officers. “I told them to text me if they need me to cover any shifts or require manpower support,” he shares with enthusiasm.
Breaking New Ground
As a firm believer in youth mentorship, Sgt (V) Kong was also the first VSC officer to join Project Green Leaf, a Singapore Police Force (SPF) programme organised by Ang Mo Kio Police Division, supporting at-risk youths through mentorship and guidance for teenagers. His grassroots experience inspired him to mentor youths by creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to community events and service activities.
The VSC experience has transformed him personally. “Previously, I was very introverted,” he recalls. “I didn’t really like to talk to members of the public or to large groups. But my experience with the SPF has helped me developed my communication skills, which I apply to my work and community work.”
Receiving the Outstanding SaferSG Volunteer Award at just 25 is a humbling experience for him. “My focus is to support regular officers and contribute to community safety,” he shares.
The Veteran Volunteer: Four Decades of Unwavering Service
At the bustling Our Tampines Hub during the National Crime Prevention Council Roadshow on 22 September 2025, 75-year-old Mdm Choo was in her element. She moved with purpose and excitement, reaching out to residents with crime prevention advisories, her passion for helping others evident in every interaction.
With 44 years of volunteering experience (beginning in 1981 with her local Residents’ Committee at Macpherson), Mdm Choo has supported public agencies such as the Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Yellow Ribbon Singapore and the National Environment Agency. Her well-spoken manner and empathy make her a natural at connecting with people from all walks of life.
As a CPA for more than 20 years, Mdm Choo regularly participates in events about 2-3 times monthly. She even earned the CPA Merit Award for Outstanding Performance in 2021. Her dedication shows through her meticulous preparation – she makes sure to arrive early for events, helping with setting-up and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Despite having ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Mdm Choo maintains an incredibly active volunteer schedule. She organises brisk walks for fellow elderly residents, helping them stay physically and mentally engaged. “I enjoy sports and organise community activities for them, ensuring they stay active,” she explains.
After 44 years of volunteering, her collection of certificates, trophies and medals has quite literally outgrown her shelf space – a happy problem that speaks volumes about her extraordinary dedication. “Volunteering is my way of giving back to society,” she shares. “When I see the community benefiting from what we do, that’s the real reward!”
Partner with Us Today!
Keen to contribute to community safety? You can join the SPF as a volunteer through various schemes, such as the VSC, VSC (Community), Citizens on Patrol, CPA or the Episodic Volunteering Programme. For more information, visit the SaferSG, Together web portal.
