Introduction

1. It gives me great pleasure to join members of The Boys’ Brigade from the family of the Anglo-Chinese Schools at this 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Ceremony cum Annual Enrolment Parade and Service.

2. Today’s ceremony and service will see many new members becoming official members of the Boys’ Brigade. Your older brothers will tell you that the decision to join The Boys’ Brigade is one you will not regret. Your time in The Boys’ Brigade will be filled with many memorable times and significant life lessons that will help mould you to become a person of character and integrity.

3. The Boys’ Brigade, as a uniformed youth organisation, has an important role to play in nation building and in preparing the younger generation of Singaporeans for the exciting challenges ahead. The Boys’ Brigade helps our young to become more rugged and adventurous in spirit as well as to inculcate many positive values, such as strength in character, perseverance and teamwork through adventure activities and    community    service    under    the   mentorship  and   guidance   of    the   volunteer    adult    leaders.

I am therefore pleased to note that the Boys’ Brigade supports and partners our schools in their effort to nurture our youths to become leaders of tomorrow through Co-curricular Activities.

4. I also understand that the Boys’ Brigade is very active in community services. You have organised the annual Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box for each Christmas for the past 16 years. Such an activity of lending support and assistance to the underprivileged and needy helps to instill the values of generosity and compassion in our students, and allows them to understand what it means to care for and look after those who need the strength and encouragement of the healthy and able-bodied. Through this, our students will also learn to be socially responsible citizens and understand that every Singaporean has a role to play in enhancing the well-being of our community and our country.

5. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Boys’ Brigade to continue its good work among youths by being committed to providing innovative and enriching training programmes to prepare our young people for the challenges ahead as well as grooming potential leaders for the country.

6. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate all new members of the 12th Singapore Company Group. I urge all of you to make the time you spend with the Boys’ Brigade a great learning experience. Do participate actively in the many activities, taking the opportunity to learn and grow, and contribute willingly to the company and the Brigade when you see the need. You will surely remember these days of your youth with satisfaction and gratitude in later years.

7. I would also like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the Boys who are receiving the 5 years service badge and to the Officers who are receiving the tokens of appreciation for their services rendered. Thank you for your time and service in the Boys’ Brigade. Your dedication and commitment in training up the young entrusted to your care is commendable, and I am sure that your exemplary role will encourage new members to serve just as faithfully so as to keep the flag of the Boys’ Brigade 12th Singapore Company flying high. 

8. I wish all of you success as you continue in your endeavours in the next 50 years and beyond.