As a teacher and NPCC Honorary Officer, H/DSP Abdul Wahab took centre stage to lead the NPCC Annual Parade 2025!
By: K Shreeyaa
With 33 years of dedicated service behind him, Honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police (H/DSP) Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Rahman stands tall – not just as the Parade Commander of this year’s National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) Annual Parade 2025, but as an embodiment of dedication, resilience and service.
At 58 years old, the Xingnan Primary School teacher and Area 14 Assistant Commandant has mentored generations of Cadets. He shares how he has stayed true to the NPCC values of Resilience, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
What do you do as an NPCC Teacher Officer?
I plan, coordinate and execute area-level activities for NPCC units in alignment with the NPCC’s training framework and values. This includes leading weekly parades, organising leadership camps and preparing Cadets for key NPCC milestones such as proficiency badges and national events.
I also focus on nurturing Cadets to become responsible, resilient and community-minded individuals. To do this, I work with fellow officers to create a holistic experience for the Cadets that blends discipline, leadership and service.
What drew you to join the NPCC?
I first joined the NPCC in 1980 as a Secondary One student! Back then, students had to undergo a formal selection trial. I recall being both excited and uncertain, as there were many capable and deserving potential applicants. Being selected was truly an honour – it marked the beginning of my lifelong NPCC journey.
Over the decades, how has your leadership style evolved?
It’s now more facilitative, collaborative and developmental. I embrace a more servant-leadership style, to empower potential leaders amongst Cadets and officers.
Can you share a milestone in your NPCC journey that shaped you as a leader?
The most defining moment was my transition to the role of Assistant Commandant in 2000. It marked a shift from leading within a single unit to supporting multiple units. This broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to nurturing future leaders through vision, empathy and shared purpose.
What does it mean to you to be appointed Parade Commander?
It is both an immense honour and a deeply personal milestone that affirms my commitment to the Corps and represents the culmination of years of service. In my early years as a Cadet, drill was at the heart of our training, and we took immense pride in upholding high drill standards. The Parade is more than just a ceremonial event; it is a powerful celebration of unity, pride and the spirit of the Corps.
How have the preparations for this year’s Parade been different compared to past years?
This year, we adopted a decentralised training model before conducting combined rehearsals at the Home Team Academy, prioritising Cadet well-being by reducing fatigue and enabling more targeted coaching.
As a primary school teacher, how has your work influenced the way you mentor NPCC Cadets?
It has taught me the importance of patience, clear communication and differentiated instruction when mentoring NPCC Cadets. I approach their development with the recognition that leadership and character-building happen progressively.
One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the growth of our Cadets. Seeing someone shy blossom into a confident leader, or watching a team overcome challenges to achieve collective success, is incredibly fulfilling.
What advice would you give to Cadets and Cadet Inspectors just starting their NPCC journey?
My advice is simple: lead with heart, stay curious and never underestimate the impact you can make. Embrace the learning curve and take every challenge as an opportunity to grow!
NPCC Annual Parade 2025
The NPCC has approximately 10,000 Cadets across 124 secondary schools. This year’s NPCC Annual Parade took place on 10 May 2025, with over 600 Cadet participants from all 124 NPCC school units taking part, together with over 200 Teacher Officers, Honorary Officers and Cadet Inspectors. Congratulations to the Unit Overall Proficiency Award recipients, and to all the Cadets who gave their best for the NPCC Annual Parade 2025.
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