When I entered the hall, the first thing that greeted me was the sight of goodie bags laid out neatly on the floor, with rows of tables set up nicely. The venue was beautifully adorned with blue and white balloons to welcome our guests of the day – the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) volunteers.
They may not always be in the spotlight, but our NPCC volunteers are constantly working behind the scenes, dedicating their time and effort to train, guide and nurture the next generation of cadets.
On 24 January 2026, the NPCC held its Volunteer Appreciation Day at Nee Soon Central Community Centre (CC), bringing together volunteers and alumni.
The event was graced by Guest of Honour Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Alvin Chong, Commander of the Training Command (TRACOM). In his opening address, AC Chong acknowledged the dedication of NPCC volunteers, emphasising their crucial role in their partnership with the NPCC and the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
“Partnership is not about leading in front or walking behind. It’s about moving forward side by side, and that’s exactly what you all have done for the NPCC,” AC Chong said.
The NPCC has played a key role in developing its young cadets to be active citizens and community leaders. Our NPCC volunteers includes Cadet Inspectors (who are students from a post-secondary school institution who’ve previously been an NPCC cadet) and Honorary Officers (who join through open units associated with a tertiary education institute).
A heartfelt tribute video montage was shown to guests, featuring words of appreciation from cadets and teachers who shared how NPCC volunteers had supported them through their trainings and milestones. It was heartwarming to see the chatter and excited pointing as the volunteers spotted their friends and fellow cadets on screen.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of tokens of appreciation to six members of the NPCC Media Team. Led by Honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police (H/DSP) Liew Sing For and Honorary Assistant Superintendent of Police (H/ASP) Wong Hung Shane, the Media Team was formed under the concept of “Project Legacy” – an initiative aimed at modernising the NPCC’s media capabilities while preserving its history.
An NPCC volunteer since 1999, H/DSP Liew finds joy in contributing to youth development. “I’ve gained so much from the NPCC over the decades and it’s my turn to return that value to youth development,” he said. “I’ve never looked back – it remains a deeply meaningful mission for me.”
Despite having only 13 members and limited resources, the Media Team works tirelessly to support the NPCC through event coverage, multimedia production and content creation. The team also manages the NPCC’s social media platforms, sharing key events with the public and documenting important NPCC milestones.
According to H/DSP Liew, the Media Team also serves as a platform for NPCC volunteers to develop skills such as copywriting, content creation and project management, which they can use to build their professional portfolios. He was proud of how the team has honed its media production capabilities.
Senior Cadet Inspector (SCI) Sandi Noe Noe Htet, a member of the NPCC Media Team, shared that the recognition was encouraging for her, as media work often happens behind the scenes. A former student of Jurongville Secondary School, Sandi was inspired by her NPCC seniors who came down during every training session to guide her and her fellow cadets.
“My motivation comes from how the NPCC has shaped me and instilled strong values in me,” she said. “Being part of the Media Team is my way of giving back, by helping to raise the NPCC’s profile, so others can get to know the Corps and be inspired to join.”
Though balancing work, school and NPCC events is a constant challenge, SCI Sandi has found the experience enriching. “It’s the support of my fellow Media Team members that has helped me push through and stay committed as an NPCC volunteer,” she shared. “I’ve built lifelong friendships along the way and that’s what kept me going for so long.”
After the appreciation ceremony, games and activities resumed to keep everyone in high spirits before the event concluded with a rousing sing-along, with NPCC volunteers blending their voices together.
More than just a celebration, this event recognised the unwavering commitment of NPCC volunteers. They continue to keep the NPCC spirit strong and inspire the next generation to serve!
