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Left, right, left. Polished leather shoes strike the ground in unison. Against the backdrop of the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Guard of Honour (GOH) Contingent stands at attention in their immaculate uniforms.
Spearheading the Contingent this year is Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jay Gan. Sword drawn and standing tall, he leads his fellow officers into the heart of the National Day celebrations. Here, he reflects on his journey in the SPF.
What inspired you to join the SPF?
I first got a taste of policing during National Service from 2010 to 2012 when I served in the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom). However, the moment that led me to join the Force came during my reservist deployment at TransCom, when my team and I came across a family who’d been separated from their young child. We searched for about 15 minutes, and when we found the child and reunited the family, the relief on their faces was something I can't easily describe. That was when I knew – helping people in moments that truly matter was what I wanted to do every day.
Driven by a sense of responsibility to pay forward the contributions of the officers who came before me, I left my corporate job to join the SPF in 2016.
Tell us about your journey in the SPF thus far.
Over the years, I’ve served in a range of operational roles, from Investigation Officer and Team Leader to my current posting as an Operations Officer at the Major Security Events Division of the SPF Operations Department. I’m involved in security planning for high-profile events such as the NDP, F1 Singapore Grand Prix and also special occasions like the late Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore in 2024. My responsibilities include managing stakeholders and finding ways to ensure crowd safety by using the latest technologies.
What was your reaction when you found out you’d be the GOH Contingent Commander?
I felt deeply honoured to represent the SPF at such a significant national event. Having spent three years planning the security and operations behind the NDP, I'd always seen the event from a particular vantage point. This role gives me the chance to experience it as a participant and understand firsthand what our officers go through, which I believe would help make me a better planner too.
How do you balance the additional NDP duties on top of your regular work?
My regular work is demanding, and taking on the GOH Contingent Commander role on top of that means there are days when I’m running on determination and not much else. But I’m fortunate to have understanding supervisors and teammates who recognise the demands of this commitment, and their encouragement means a lot to me.
How do you keep the Contingent motivated during the months of training?
I believe motivation comes from being seen and valued as an individual. I make a point of checking on each officer’s wellbeing, their personal lives and aspirations. For many of them, this is early in their careers, and marching at the NDP is something they’ll look back on for the rest of their lives. It’s a highlight, and I want them to feel that significance. To lift everyone’s spirits after challenging sessions, we Contingent Commanders try to bring refreshments and remind everyone we’re in this together.
How has the role of Contingent Commander shaped you as a person and a leader?
It’s been rejuvenating, spending quality time with trainees and hearing about why they joined and what drives them. Being around people who’re at the start of their journey, full of energy and conviction, has reminded me of what drew me to this vocation in the first place.
As a leader, I try to instil in them what it truly means to represent the SPF in the GOH Contingent and to serve when the nation calls. If they can walk away from this experience carrying that weight with pride, then I think I've done my part as their Commander.
How has your family supported you throughout your preparations for NDP?
My family has been everything throughout this journey. The demands of training on top of regular work mean there are stretches where I'm not as present at home as I’d like to be. My wife, in particular, has been very understanding, managing the household and looking after the kids so that I could fully commit to this role. I'm deeply grateful, and I hope they know that everything I do, I do with them in mind.
If you could sum up this entire experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Grateful for the opportunity, and ready to put on a show that Singapore can be proud of.
What advice do you have for future GOH Contingent Commanders?
The training system we have is solid, and if you trust the process and bring your whole self to it, you and your Contingent will do well!
