From CID investigations to pioneering women's roles and kampong patrols, three SPF veterans unite at NDP 2025's Mobile Column, embodying five decades of service to Singapore.
By: Domnic Dass
Three veteran officers – Superintendent of Police (Supt) (Ret) Bahar Bin Bakar, Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) (Ret) Cynthia Ang and SSSgt (Ret) Gurdial Singh – will unite at National Day Parade (NDP) 2025’s Mobile Column.
Here are their stories on continuing to serve Singapore through different paths, embodying a lifelong commitment to public service.
What inspired you to join the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1983?
Supt (Ret) Bahar Bin Bakar: I was drawn to both the meaningful career prospects and passion for public service. The dynamic nature of police work, combined with serving the community and upholding the law, made it a natural choice.
Could you tell us about your key roles and most significant cases?
As Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Special Investigation Section, I led several landmark cases. The SilkAir Flight 185 crash in 1997 required extensive international cooperation. In 2003, we arrested Khor Kok Soon, a gunman who had evaded capture for 20 years after a 1984 shoot-out. The 2002 murder of six-month-old Anjeli Elisaputri also deeply affected me. Each case taught different lessons – from international collaboration to persistence in pursuing justice.
How has policing been transformed since you started as an officer?
When I joined, everything was done manually – from handwritten reports to typewritten statements. Training was heavily based on the guidance of our seniors. Today, technology has revolutionised the SPF’s efficiency and crime-solving capabilities, with officers receiving specialised training before taking on new postings.
Tell us about your transition to becoming a State Prosecuting Officer after retirement.
After retiring as the CID’s Head of Prosecution in 2022, I joined the Attorney-General’s Chambers as a State Prosecuting Officer. It’s the perfect balance – I continue my passion for prosecution while working alongside fellow retired officers in a supportive environment.
What does participating in NDP 2025’s Mobile Column mean to you?
Joining the NDP veteran segment is special – we have pioneers like a 95-year-old World War II veteran sharing their stories. Looking back at my own journey from patrol officer to degree holder, I’m grateful to see how far we’ve all come. My birthday also falls on 8 August, so it does mean a lot to me.
What brought you to policing and what was your experience as a pioneer female officer?
SSSgt (Ret) Cynthia Ang: I joined in 1974 after leaving nursing. After serving at Queenstown Police Station, I was transferred to the Police Security Branch (PSB) (now the Police Security Command) as a Personal Security Officer after passing their assessment in 1976. Initially, there were only about five female officers. Despite our small numbers, we underwent the same rigorous training as male officers.
During my 24 years in the PSB, I protected Singapore’s First Ladies – Mrs Benjamin Sheares, Mrs Devan Nair, Mrs Wee Kim Wee, Mrs Ong Teng Cheong and Mrs S R Nathan – as well as Acting First Ladies Mrs Yeo Ghim Seng and Mrs Wee Chong Jin. Beyond safeguarding Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s family, I received special commendations from the wives of US Secretaries Dr Henry Kissinger and Mr George Shultz.
I maintained First Class Skill standards throughout my career – excelling in shooting, martial arts and fitness. As the PSB’s first female retiree, I had to consistently meet these high standards when many others were transferred out. I was determined to prove women could excel in this role.
How have opportunities for women in the SPF evolved since then?
Initially, female officers mainly served in administrative and support roles. Now, they hold crucial positions across the SPF – as Investigation Officers, in key operational roles and senior management. The transformation has been remarkable.
What makes this NDP special for you?
Being part of NDP 2025’s Mobile Column feels like coming full circle. After years of National Day operations – from escort duties to Command Post – participating as a retired pioneer female officer during Singapore’s 60th birthday is especially meaningful, as it falls just days before my own.
What keeps you busy these days?
After retiring from the Force, I spent 23 years in the Civil Service as a Management Executive. Now, I stay active with Zumba, jogging and yoga, and give back through volunteering with charitable initiatives as well as by supporting low-income families.
What drew you to policing?
SSSgt (Ret) Gurdial Singh: The prestigious Sikh Contingent inspired me to join the SPF in 1971 as more than just a job – it was a calling. My career evolved with Singapore: from braving notorious places under Joo Chiat Police Station such as Kampong Chai Chee, Geylang and Bugis to breaking ground as the first officer managing two Neighbourhood Police Posts (NPPs) – Henderson and Tiong Bahru. Each role reflected our nation’s transformation.
What were your most memorable cases?
One case involved chasing robbery suspects from a goldsmith shop on South Bridge Road. Though they escaped into Chinatown that day, our officers eventually caught them. In another incident on Kallang Road, we responded to a violent person who threw boiling water at us. Thanks to our riot shields, we avoided serious burns and managed to arrest him using minimal force.
What are you doing now and how does it feel to join NDP 2025?
After retirement, I worked at Singapore Boys’ Home for 18 years as a Senior Youth Guidance Officer.
Participating in the NDP mobile column is special – seeing how senior officers who once were so intimidating to us now interact so warmly, sharing experiences regardless of our former ranks. Wearing the uniform again makes me proud, and people say I haven’t changed since my service days.
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