Speeches
Speech by RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, at the 13th NPCC Council Inauguration Ceremony held on Thursday, 20 March 2008 at 7.00 pm at the Home Team Academy Auditorium
Mr Charles Chong, Member of Parliament, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Chairman, NPCC Council
Mr James Tan, Commissioner of Civil Defence
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed my privilege to be here this evening to inaugurate the 13th National Police Cadet Corps Council and also to present certificates of appointment to the incoming council members, as well as certificates of appreciation to the outgoing members.
The Council has played an important role in setting the directions for the two Uniformed Groups in schools: The National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) since 1975 and the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) since 2002.
The NPCC Council has also opened up various avenues for our youths to acquire relevant skills and knowledge and to display their sense of ruggedness and adventure through the indoor and outdoor activities organised by both NPCC and NCDCC.
The first NPCC Council represented by the Ministry of Education personnel and officers from the Singapore Police Force was inaugurated in 1975. The main objective for its formation was to be the policy-making body that would advance the development of the Corps. Through the Council’s efforts, NPCC has become the largest Uniformed Group in schools with 155 land and sea units in secondary schools and four open units in tertiary institutions.
The Council deserves commendation for increasing the number of NCDCC units from the initial 12 in 2002 to the present 32 units in the various secondary schools.
The 12th NPCC Council has been instrumental in charting the direction and development of NCDCC, and has succeeded in combining the strengths of the Ministry of Education, the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force to help shape the next generation of capable leaders with an unerring sense of civic duty and social responsibility.
It is my honour to welcome the newly appointed members of the 13th NPCC Council who have taken up the challenge of shouldering this considerable responsibility. This honour is surpassed only by the opportunity given to pay homage to the outgoing Council members, whose dedication and invaluable contributions are deeply appreciated.
It is therefore my pleasure to thank all outgoing members of the 12th NPCC Council. You have all contributed significantly to the development of the NPCC and NCDCC.
I would also like to commend the tenacity and commitment of members from the 12th NPCC Council who are continuing their tenure.
Allow me now to congratulate all the members of the 13th NPCC Council at this juncture. Your commitment in leading NPCC and NCDCC will be instrumental in shaping the lives of many of our youths.
I wish NPCC and NCDCC many successes as you move from strength to strength in the nurturing of our future leaders. I am sure that under your capable leadership, our youths will become responsible and contributing members of our nation.
Once more, let me welcome you to the 13th NPCC Council and I wish you all the best in all your endeavours with the 13th NPCC Council.
Thank you