A day of pride, purpose and renewed dedication to duty, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the SPF Band and 50 years of Police National Service!
By: Al Cheng
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) marked a proud tradition on 3 June 2025 with the Police Day Observance Ceremony, held at the Home Team Academy.
Since 1971, Police Day has been a cornerstone of the SPF’s identity – an occasion to recognise our achievements, honour past and present officers and renew our pledge to serve Singapore with Courage, Loyalty, Integrity and Fairness.
This year, the Ceremony also celebrated two major milestones – the 100th anniversary of the SPF Band and 50 years of Police National Service (PNS).
The Guest-of-Honour of the Ceremony was Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs. Addressing more than 800 officers from various Police divisions and units, Volunteer Special Constabulary and Cadets from the National Police Cadet Corps, Minister Tong paid tribute to the Force’s continued excellence and enduring values. “I urge all SPF officers to continue serving with dedication and professionalism as you face new challenges, and to maintain the trust and respect of our nation that you have sworn to serve and protect,” he said.
A Ceremony of Firsts
This year’s Ceremony introduced a special display of flags from 19 Police units (which have traditionally formed the Parade Marching Contingent at past Police Day Parades). To mark 50 years of PNS, these flags were carried by National Service (NS) Inspectors, in a demonstration of the unwavering dedication of our PNS officers.
In another historic moment, the SPF Band unveiled its 100th Anniversary Centennial Mace – a specially commissioned symbol representing the Band’s century-long tradition of unity, discipline and professionalism. The Mace was presented to Superintendent of Police (Supt) Sulaiman Bin Abdul Wahab, Director of Music of the SPF Band.
Inspired by the SPF Ceremonial Sword, the Mace features a sculpted silver lion head representing Singapore, as well as five crests of historic Police insignias and the State Crest, reflecting the evolution of the Force.
Wrapped in the SPF’s iconic chevrons and engraved with the Force’s core values – Courage, Loyalty, Integrity and Fairness – the Mace is both a functional instrument of the Drum Major’s command and a powerful emblem of the SPF Band’s enduring legacy.
Recognising Excellence
At the Ceremony, Minister Tong also presented awards for the Best Land Division, the Best NS Operationally Ready Unit, Best Full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officers and Best Police National Servicemen (PNSmen) of the Year.
Central Police Division received the Best Land Division Award. “This award recognises the professionalism, operational excellence and dedication demonstrated by officers from Central Police Division, who have consistently given their best through the year to fight crime and keep our community safe,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Wong Keng Hoe, Commander of Central Police Division.
DAC Wong also noted the unstinting support provided by the Division’s community partners, as well by families of officers: “This award would not have been possible without the vital contributions of grassroots organisations, schools and industry partners who have worked closely with us on various Community Safety and Security Projects to safeguard the community, and our officers’ families, who have given them their fullest support to carry out their duties effectively.”
The Best NS Operationally Ready Unit Award went to Tanglin Police Division. “With heartfelt gratitude and deep honour, we accept this award which we see as a meaningful milestone in our shared journey, especially as PNS celebrates its golden 50th anniversary,” said Supt (NS) Vincent Leow, NS Commander of Tanglin Police Division.
Music that Unites
The Ceremony concluded with an impressive performance by the SPF Combined Band, comprising the SPF Band, the SPF Women Police Pipes and Drums and the Gurkha Contingent Pipes and Drums – specially curated by Supt Sulaiman, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the SPF Band and 50 years of PNS. Through a rich blend of musical styles, the rendition took the audience on a journey of pride, purpose and dedication.
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