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Ever wondered what Honorary Aides-de-Camp (HADCs) do? HADCs and Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) comprise selected officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Prison Services, Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Armed Forces.
Both ADCs and HADCs are appointed by the President’s Office. They work together to plan, coordinate and execute state functions and events that the President attends. Whether they’re supporting national ceremonies or interacting with members of the public, they carry the responsibility of representing the nation with professionalism.
For newly appointed HADC Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (NS) Muhammad Azhar S/O Haj Mohamed and serving HADC Superintendent of Police (Supt) Benson Chong, the role is more than a ceremonial appointment. They believe that service is about people – the community they serve and the officers they work alongside.
Stepping Into the Honorary Role
For DSP (NS) Azhar, service has always been something that’s deeply personal.
He currently works at the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), developing operations strategies for early intervention programmes that support children with developmental needs. Before this, he was involved in planning policies to support lower-income and vulnerable communities at the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Outside of work, DSP (NS) Azhar volunteers with the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture to share and sustain the Tamil heritage and build bridges across communities.
“I’d describe myself as someone with a passion for people,” he shared. “I find service to others deeply meaningful – whether in policy, in uniform or in the community.”
His journey towards becoming an HADC was also shaped by the people around him. DSP (NS) Azhar served as a Full-time Police National Service (PNS) officer in 2013 in Central Police Division, later on being an NS Commanding Officer during his reservist. He looked up to his colleagues, who were HADCs themselves. Their professionalism inspired him to apply for the role this year.
His own path as an officer has been a demanding yet fruitful one, teaching him adaptability, empathy and the importance of going the extra mile: “I believe those same qualities – showing up fully, representing the uniform with pride and connecting genuinely with people – are exactly what the HADC role calls for.”
DSP (NS) Azhar continues to serve at Central Police Division as part of his PNS duties.
On being newly appointed as an HADC, DSP (NS) Azhar shared, “I hope to provide a smooth and joyful experience to all who take part in state functions, and to represent Singapore with pride at every opportunity.”
A Continuing Commitment to Service
For Supt Benson, policing has always been more than just a career.
After joining the SPF in 2017, he was an Investigation Officer at Jurong Police Division in 2018 before serving as an Officer-in-Charge Troop at the Protective Security Command in 2021. In 2023, he was posted to the Operations Department, where he handled policy matters related to day-to-day incidents and public order matters.
Today, Supt Benson is an Operations Officer at Choa Chu Kang Neighbourhood Police Centre. “Joining the SPF has always been my aspiration,” he said, “and being a Police officer offers a meaningful way to contribute back to society.”
After being encouraged by his peers and seniors in the SPF who were already serving as HADCs, Supt Benson applied for the role and was appointed an HADC in 2022. It’s a duty he carries out with purpose.
“We represent not only the SPF, but also the President’s Office and Singapore,” he shared. “That responsibility should never be taken lightly.”
More Than Meets the Eye
Behind every state event or ceremony that runs smoothly is careful planning, preparation and teamwork amongst the HADCs and ADCs.
Supt Benson explained that HADCs often conduct recces, rehearsals and coordination meetings before major events. They also work closely with various ministries and stakeholders to ensure every event runs smoothly.
“As HADCs, we must always stay alert, be composed under pressure and attentive to detail,” he said. “At the same time, we need to be ready for contingencies should situations change unexpectedly.”
Certain ceremonial duties can also be physically demanding. “Any small or unsynchronised movement during a drill can be captured during a live broadcast, so precision matters,” he said.
Behind the Uniform
At its heart, the HADC appointment is about representing Singapore well.
For DSP (NS) Azhar, supporting the President carries a profound personal meaning. “The President is deeply respected and loved by Singaporeans,” he said. “I hope to extend his warmth, positivity and unifying presence to guests at every state function.”
Supt Benson shares a similar mindset. One of his most memorable duties was serving during an Istana Open House shortly after becoming an HADC: “I always enjoy interacting with Singaporeans and tourists during these events,” he shared.
Both DSP (NS) Azhar and Supt Benson also thanked their families, colleagues and mentors for all they’d done. “Their support reminds us that during our professional journeys, we never walked alone,” Supt Benson said.
Though DSP (NS) Azhar and Supt Benson are at different stages of their HADC journey, they are guided by the same purpose – to serve Singapore with professionalism, humility and heart. For both officers, being an HADC is both an honour and a duty.
