Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

Contents Message from OC

Message from
------------------- 1
by A/ASP Toh Wee Teck
“Pride & Passion”
------------------- 2
by A/ASP Toh Wee Teck
Dear all,
OC
I would like to extend my warmest welcome to INSP
Tan Geok Bee and the new cadets who just joined our big
family. Also, I would like to welcome back to our unit, P/CI Er
Shi Tao Ronald (of D06 CIBTC) and P/CI Muhammad
Lokman Bin Kamsir (of J07 CIBTC).

Words from a New Officer
-------- 2
by INSP Tan Geok Bee
My Recollection
CIBTC -- 3
by P/CI Er Shi Tao Ronald
An Unforgettable
Experience ---- 4
by SGT Kee Boon Kiang
Overcoming My Fear
--------------- 6
by SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte
Azmi
NCO
--------------------------- 7
by SGT Chia Pei Ting
Visit to “Reflections at
Bukit Chandu”
------------------------------- 8
by SGT Ong Sze Li
I would also like to congratulate all the cadets who
were promoted in the recent promotion exercise; especially the
two Station Inspectors, SI Toh Zheng Yan and SI Veronica
of 71st Chong Meng Qi. Well done, guys & gals!!
I would also like to announce that SI Toh Zheng Yan
and SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte Azmi have been awarded the
Best Unit Cadets (male & female respectively) for 2007.
On behalf of OPSS NPCC Unit, I would also like to
extend my congratulations to SSG Quek Yong Jun for attaining
the prestigious SPF-NPCC badge, a first for our unit. Hope
there will be more to come in the following years.
I am also pleased and honoured to announce that our
unit had attained a BRONZE award for UOPA 2006. This
Camp
would not be possible if not for the dedication and contribution
from everyone in our unit. A job well done to all teacher
officers, cadet inspectors, non-commissioned officers and
cadets!!
This year, our target is to obtain a SILVER award for
UOPA 2007, which will be a first for our unit. Let us work

Lessons from the Battle together to achieve that goal!!

at Pasir Panjang A/ASP Toh Wee Teck
--------------------------------- 9
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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

This year is a very special year for our unit as it marks a few “first-times”
for our unit. For example, it is the first time that we are starting a bi-annual
newsletter (the one that you are reading right now) and the first time that we
have a recipient for the SPF-NPCC badge, the most prestigious award for a
cadet. This award is only awarded to the top 2% cadets from the entire Sec 4 &
5 NPCC cohort. For a unit as young as ours (started in 1999), I think it is a
great achievement. It is a feat that we can all be proud of.
This year, it is also the first time that we have a motto for our unit; “Pride & Passion”. It signifies the
dedication and enthusiasm that we have in carrying out our duties and responsibilities, which complements
with our unit’s mission of nurturing leaders of the future. We hope that after going through the 4 to 5 years
programmes planned and organized by our unit, all our cadets will be able to acquire the qualities of a leader.
Some of these qualities include self-discipline, care and concern, respect, teamwork, punctuality, confidence,
responsibility, independence and integrity. Other than acquiring the qualities of a leader, we also hope that our
cadets will be able to exhibit these qualities in their daily lives as well. The motto can also be seen on the back
of our new unit polo t-shirts. This serves as a constant reminder for all our cadets.
Finally, I hope that all our cadets will be able to truly lead with PRIDE and serve with PASSION !!
A/ASP Toh Wee Teck

Words from a New Officer

Hi, one and all from OPSS NPCC unit!
I am INSP Tan Geok Bee. I teach Chemistry, Science and Mathematics. Most of you may not know me as I
am new in Orchid Park Secondary School. I joined OPSS in the beginning of this year. Previously, I was from
Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School. Though I am new to OPSS, I am not new to the National Police Cadet Corps. I
had been with AISS NPCC unit since 2002.
The one thing that strikes me most about this unit is the strong team spirit and cohesiveness among the
cadets. I can see that the unit is very motivated and I hope that we can all work together to achieve the Silver award
for the Unit Overall Proficiency Award this year.
Last but not least, I am very happy and excited to be a part of
OPSS NPCC unit and I look forward to working with all of you. I believe
that together we can help the unit to scale to a greater height!!

Me and My Little Girl

INSP Tan Geok Bee

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Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

My Recollection of 71st CIBTC

I have learnt and gained a lot during my 4 years in NPCC. I have learnt the importance of self-
discipline, teamwork, responsibility and understand the qualities of a leader. I have always wanted to
contribute to the Corps (even after I graduated from OPSS). Furthermore, the CIs in my unit were an
inspiration to me. They were dedicated and responsible leaders and mentors to us. We were like a big family
and the CIs were our elder brothers and sisters. The passion that I have for the Corps led me to make one of the
most important decisions of my life – to become a Cadet Inspector.
When I was still a Senior NCO in my unit, I was asked if I wanted to come back to serve in my unit as
a CI. I agreed without any hesitation. Thus, I was enrolled into the 71 st Cadet Inspector Basic Training Course
under the recommendation of my OC unit.
Days before the commencement of the course, we were asked to go down to Home Team Academy to
collect our No. 1 and No. 3 uniforms. The CI Instructors at the uniform collection set the tone for the course.
They made me realise that this course is unlike any that I had attended. As I was gearing up for the course, I
felt nervous and scared as images of the worst-case scenarios flashed into my mind. My mind was filled with
uncertainties. Even so, I was still looking forward to the course as I will get to know fellow ex-NPCC cadets
who, like me, have a passion for NPCC.
Finally, 8th December 2006 arrived. I was placed into Alpha squad which happens to be the first duty
squad. We were always late for our activities. At the end of the day, during our squad debrief, our instructors
stressed to us the importance of punctuality. This made me realise that no matter what additional duties we had,
we should still be punctual for all our activities. Being punctual for an event requires self-discipline and it is a
gesture of respect to others.

Passing-Out Parade of 71st CIBTC at HTA

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Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps
One of the most invaluable lessons that I
learnt from the course was to make the best of an
adverse situation. Given a situation, different
people will react differently. To illustrate this,
imagine placing a carrot, an egg and coffee powder
into three containers of hot water. The three items
will behave differently under the same situation.
These three items can be used to describe three
types of people. The carrot will be softened in the
hot water. This represents a person who cannot
adapt to the situation and will be softened or
weakened under a difficult situation. The egg, on
the other hand, will be cooked and become a hard-
boiled egg. This represents someone who grows in
a trying situation and become hardened in the
process. This reminds me of a saying; “When the
going gets tough, the tough gets going.” As for the
coffee powder, it will dissolve in the hot water and
produce an aroma. This represents a person who
can adapt well to the situation and shine in the
process. I hope I can learn to be like the coffee
powder. What about you? Which category will you
fall into?
I had a tough and tiring, but yet enjoyable
st
and inspiring time at the 71 CIBTC. I have learnt
a lot of valuable lessons and acquired some
priceless skills. I will miss the good (and the bad)
times that I had spent at the course with my fellow
course-mates. However, deep down in my heart, I
know our paths will cross again and each of us will
continue to serve and contribute to NPCC in
whatever ways we can.
P/CI Er Shi Tao Ronald
Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007
An Unforgettable
Experience
On 20th of January 2007, I woke up very early
that morning, at 5:45am. I was both nervous and excited
as that day was the day of the High Rope Challenge
(HRC) at Pulau Ubin.
All Sec 4 & 5 NPCC cadets from my unit have
been instructed to gather at the school foyer by 7am. We
boarded the bus and headed to Changi Jetty where we
were to take a bum boat to Pulau Ubin. The trip from our
school to Pulau Ubin was about an hour and a half.
When we reached Pulau Ubin, two vans were
hired to ferry us to the NPCC Campsite where the HRC
was to be held. Along the way, we could see other NPCC
cadets from other units walking or cycling to the NPCC
Campsite. We felt very fortunate that transport was
provided.
At last, we arrived at our destination. We were
one of the first few units to reach; hence, we had to wait
for the other units from Area 2. As I waited, frightful
thoughts began to creep into my mind. To calm myself
down, I started chatting with my fellow squad-mates.
When everyone had arrived, the Camp Warden
delivered a speech, telling us about the campsite and its
facilities. After that, we were each given a safety helmet
and a harness. We were also briefed on the safety aspects
for the HRC and taught how to put on the helmet and
harness correctly.
Finally, we were all geared up and ready to
embark on our HRC experience. There were a lot of high
element obstacles for us to try out but due to the bad
weather, most of us only managed to try one station – the
Flying Fox.
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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

Before the HRC, I had heard how fun Flying Fox is from my seniors and friends who have tried it. I was
excited and was looking forward to it. From afar, the Flying Fox looked fun and easy but as we got nearer to the
station, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. We had to climb up the tower, which was seven storeys high,
before we could experience the Flying Fox. The ascent up the tower was terrifying, especially when I looked down
at my fellow squad-mates. When I reached the top, two cadet inspectors helped to secure the rope to my harness. I
was then instructed to sit on the wooden ledge. The view there was breathtaking. Finally, I was ready to try the
Flying Fox.
As I glided down the rope, I could not help but scream. It was a scary experience to descend from such a
height. I could feel the wind blowing strongly at me. In less than a minute, my feet touched ground. Though
frightening, the experience was incredible. At last, I had tried the Flying Fox.
I felt fortunate that I am a NPCC cadet as I got a chance to go for the HRC and experience the Flying Fox –
an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
SGT Kee Boon Kiang

The other High Element Obstacles at HRC

Flying Fox – the Take-Off

Aaahh…!!

Flying Fox – the Descent Flying Fox – the Landing

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Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps
Overcoming My Fear
On 20th January 2007, my squad was scheduled
to go for High Rope Challenge (HRC) at the NPCC
Campsite. HRC is a 1-day activity in which Sec 4 & 5
NPCC cadets get to try the high element obstacles.
Though I have attended various adventure training
camps, like NPCC ATC, OBS and National Camp, I
was hesitant to attend this event. This was because I
have a problem – a phobia of heights!!
To make matters worse, most of my fellow
squad-mates were all hyped up about this event as they
were excited and looking forward to it. There was much
talk about this activity, especially the all-famous Flying
Fox, which happens to be what I dreaded the most. At
one point, I was even tempted to skip the HRC. My OC
and some of my close friends-cum-squad-mates
reassured and persuaded me to go for the event and
overcome my fear. Eventually, I decided to give it a
shot.
The day finally arrived and we waited for the
commencement of the HRC. I started to feel the jitters
again. I began to regret allowing myself to be persuaded
to turn up for the activity. Finally, it was my turn to try
the Flying Fox. As I looked up at the 21-metre tall
tower, I felt nervous and tensed. Slowly and steadily I
ascended the tower. At last, I was at the top of the seven
storey high tower. It was a terrifying experience for me.
Fortunately, I saw CI Teresa. She is a cadet inspector
that I knew from “Toy Soldier”. It was reassuring and
comforting for me to see a familiar face at that moment.
I felt the sudden urge to run over and hug her but given
the circumstance that I was in, it was safer and saner for
me to remain where I was.
Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007
Soon, I found myself seated at the wooden
ledge and all geared up to take the plunge. I could not
help but question myself if I will be able and ready to
take the leap. I was filled with doubts and uncertainties.
Under the constant encouragement of CI Teresa and the
other HRC instructors, I mustered up all my courage
and took my most important leap.
As I glided down, I screamed my lungs out.
Though the whole descend lasted less than a minute, it
was the longest minute of my life, one that will forever
be etched in my mind. I was relieved and thankful when
I finally felt the familiar ground underneath my feet
again. For once, I really appreciate the feeling of being
grounded.
Unfortunately, due to the bad weather, we were
unable to experience all the high element obstacles.
Though I have not fully overcome my phobia of
heights, I am still proud of myself. I was glad that I
attended the HRC. Overall, it was a thrilling and
exhilarating experience for me.
Finally, I strongly recommend that everyone
experience the Flying Fox, even for fellow Acrophobia
sufferers like me. It will be an experience that you
would neither regret nor forget.
I did
it!!
Conquering My Fear of Heights
SSG Nur Afifah Husna Bte
Azmi
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Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

NCO Camp
After much anticipation, the annual NCO
Camp is finally here. These 3 days (10~12/03) are one
of my most enriching moments in NPCC with my unit.
It has always been a tradition in my unit that Sec 3
NCOs-to-be have to undergo a 3-day-2-night course There was something new to learn every minute,

organised by my unit. This year was no exception too. even during our meal times, as we were asked to do

On 10th March, I woke up early that morning to field-cooking. This was not new to us as we had done it

make my final preparations for the NCO Camp. On my before during Annual Camp and ATC. However, what

way to school, my mind was preoccupied with was unusual to us was the fact that we were not given

thoughts about the upcoming camp. I did not know any solid fuel. Instead, we were provided with coconut

what to expect for this camp as we were told that this fibre, dry twigs and dry leaves. We were supposed to

camp was going to be very different from the Annual cook our food using natural resources. Initially, we had

Camp (organised by my unit for the Sec 1 and 2 cadets) some difficulties but eventually, we all succeeded. This

and the ATC that we had attended previously. My mind was an unique experience for me and my squad-mates,

was filled with questions and uncertainties. However, one that we will never forget.

the thought of passing-out from this course as a NCO

spurred me on. I was determined to complete the camp
and leave as a NCO.
The first day of the camp was a mental
endurance as it was filled with lectures. However, the
CIs conducting the lectures make it enjoyable and fun.
Sensing that we were tensed and uneasy, they The second day was a hands-on session. We

constantly cracked jokes and made the atmosphere were supposed to apply what we had learnt the previous

conducive for learning. We had lectures on uniform day; like MOI, which proved to be quite a feat for some

etiquette, first aid, method of instruction (MOI), our of us. We now understood what our seniors had to go

unit structure and roles and responsibilities of a NCO, through to prepare our lessons and training sessions. A

just to name a few. We also learnt some life skills to round of applause to them for doing such a terrific job.

help us carry out our duties more efficiently and how to At night, we also had to sentry duties and to

plan and conduct a well-organized lesson and debrief sleep outside our bunks in pairs around the school. It was

session. meant to build up our courage and confidence. This, too,

was a refreshing experience for us.

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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps
Finally, on the last day, we had to undergo
numerous tests to assess what we had learnt and our
abilities to carry out our duties effectively. This was
nerve-racking for us as our promotion and future
postings depended on our performance.
To mark the closure of the camp, we had a
passing-out parade. We began the course as Corporals,
but graduated as Sergeants. Hooray! After the camp, my
squad became more closely-knitted and united. We were
ready to meet with any challenge that comes our way and
determined to make everyone in our unit proud of us.
Our passion for NPCC and our unit was at an all-time
high. We will miss this NCO Camp but it will always
have a special place in our hearts.
SGT Chia Pei Ting
Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007
Visit to “Reflections at
Bukit Chandu”
On 21 March, we were scheduled to visit
“Reflections at Bukit Chandu”. It is a World War II
interpretative centre to commemorate the Malay
Regiment’s effort in defending Singapore against the
invasion of the Japanese Imperial Army. From 13~14
February 1942, 1,400 Malay soldiers bravely fought
against 13,000 Japanese soldiers at the battle of Pasir
Panjang. It was one of the most gruelling battles in
Singapore during World War II.
Initially, I thought that this visit will be boring,
just like any other trip to a museum, but how terribly
wrong I was. It turned out to be one of the most
interesting and fruitful tour I ever had. The numerous
exhibits, artefacts and presentations transported us back
to World War II. It was as if we were back in time,
fighting along side with the Malay Regiment.
One of the most intriguing exhibits that I saw
was the “Well of Reflections”. This exhibit is uniquely
and creatively presented. The exhibit is actually mounted
upside-down on the ceiling with a mirror in a well on the
ground directly below it. In order to view the exhibit, we
had to look down the well at the mirror. As the name
implies, it was truly a “reflection” of the battle at Bukit
Chandu. It shows various scenes of what actually
happened at Bukit Chandu.
“Well of Reflections”
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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

For instance, it shows how the Malay Regiment soldiers were

tortured after they were captured by the Japanese soldiers. It
Lessons from the Battle
really makes us reflect on the battle at Pasir Panjang. at Pasir Panjang
On 21st March, my Sec 3 squad went on a
guided tour to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” at
Pasir Panjang, as part of our National Heritage
programme organised by my unit.
“Reflections at Bukit Chandu” is an
interpretive centre dedicated to the Malay Regiment
and its contribution to the battle for Singapore. It
depicts vivid accounts of the fearless defence of
Bukit Chandu (also known as Opium Hill) by the
Malay Regiment against the Japanese Army. The
View from
Another inside thepresentation
fascinating “Well of Reflections”
that we experienced
battle of Opium Hill was one of the fiercest battles
was the “Sounds of Battle” in the Bukit Chandu Theatre. When
I first stepped in, I noticed that there were neither exhibits nor
that took place in Singapore during World War II.

screens inside, just headphone placed at each seat. I thought What struck me the most is the patriotism,
this would be uninteresting as there was clearly nothing to see gallantry and excellent leadership qualities of a
but I was wrong yet again. When the “show” finally started, Malay Regiment officer, 2nd Lieutenant Adnan Bin
we were able to experience “first-hand” the terrors and horrors Saidi.
of the battle at Pasir Panjang through Binaural Sound
Presentation. The sound effects and voices were so realistic
that it was as if we were in the middle of the war. It made me
appreciate and treasure the peace that we have now. My heart
really goes out to the victims of war.
The guided tour that we had of “Reflections at Bukit
Chandu” was truly enriching and memorable. It was an unique
Sculpture of Lt Adnan Uniform of the Malay Regiment
experience of a lifetime and it also changed my view towards
visiting such museums again. It was an invaluable lesson
outside the classroom for me. I strongly recommend every Though heavily outnumbered by the Japanese
Singaporean to make a trip down to “Reflections at Bukit soldiers, Lt Adnan led his platoon to provide one of
Chandu” to experience for themselves the valour and heroism the most stubborn resistances against the Japanese
of our Malay Regiment, the heroes of Singapore. intruders. Despite running out of ammunition, Lt
SGT Ong Sze Li Adnan and his men continued to fight bravely
against the Japanese soldiers. In the end, they chose
death over the dishonour of surrender. This, to me, is
a great demonstration of camaraderie, valour and

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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

One story that greatly inspired me is that of how Overall, I find the visit to “Reflections at Bukit
a Malay Regiment officer cleverly spotted the Japanese Chandu” very informative and beneficial. I have learnt

soldiers in disguise. In an attempt to capture Bukit valuable lessons on the importance of defending our
homeland, the terrors of war and the makings of a true leader.
Chandu, the Japanese soldiers don the Indian Regiment’s
Lastly, I would like to salute the Malay Regiment. I believe in
uniform, hoping to catch the Malay Regiment off-guard.
the hearts of all Singaporeans, the soldiers of the Malay
But, the observant Malay Regiment officer noticed that
Regiment are the true heroes. They truly lived up to the Malay
the “Indian Regiment” soldiers were marching in 4 ranks
Regiment’s motto “Ta'at Setia” (meaning “Loyal and True”).
(typical that of Japanese soldiers), instead of their usual 3
SGT Ho Chin Shin Ronald
ranks. Also, the way they marched looked very robotic
(which was how Japanese soldiers would march). Instead
of catching the Malay Regiment by surprise, the
Japanese soldiers in disguise suffered heavy losses.
Another lesson that I learnt from this trip was
how the Japanese soldiers outwitted the British officers
by invading Singapore using bicycles. The British
assumed that the Japanese will attack Singapore by sea,
as the swamps and jungles of Malaya would deter, if not
obstruct, any overland invasion. This assumption was a
grave mistake as it ignored the highly developed
communications network system that the British
themselves had constructed throughout the peninsula.
Also, by using light bicycles as a mode of transport, the
Japanese Army was able to move swiftly and easily
through the peninsula of Malaya, which prevented the
British from countering their attack. This was the main
cause of the fall of Singapore.

Paintings of Scenes from the Battle at Pasir Panjang

Bicycles used
by the
Japanese
Imperial Army
during WWII

Sculpture outside “Reflections at Bukit Chandu”

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 Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

Past Events of 2007 (January ~ May)

Event / Activity Date Participant
CCA Orientation 2007 10/01/07 OPSS NPCC Unit
Area 2 High Rope Challenge 20/01/07 Sec 4 Squad
.22” Revolver Classification Shoot 13/02/07 Sec 3 Squad
NCO Camp 2007 10 ~ 12/03/07 Sec 3 Squad
Guided Tour to “Reflections at Bukit Chandu” 21/03/07 Sec 3 Squad
Speech Day 2007 20/04/07 Sec 2 & 3 Squads
NPCC Annual Parade 2007 21/04/07 Sec 2 & 3 Squads
NPCC Day Parade 2007 17/05/07 OPSS NPCC Unit
Daffodil Day 2007 by Singapore Cancer Society (CIP) 20/05/07 Sec 3 & 4 Squads
Swearing-In Ceremony, Passing-Out Parade & Area 2 Games Day 2007 23/05/07 Sec 1 & 4 Squads
Service Learning at Toa Payoh Senior Citizens’ Health Care Centre 24/05/07 Sec 1 & 2 Squads
Shooting Course by Airsoft Asia Practical Shooting Academy 30/05/07 Sec 2, 3 & 4 Squads

Our Achievements for 2007 (January ~ May)

Activity / Competition Date / Period Participant Achievement / Award Organizer
Unit Overall Proficiency Award 2006 OPSS NPCC Unit Bronze NPCC HQ
CPL Trina Lim
CPL Ridzwan
CPL Yap Si Ling 1st Position
LCP Lim Xing Xia
LCP Jolyn Tey National Archives of
Heritage ‘C’ Race 2007 10/02/07
SSG Afifah Singapore
SSG Pavithra
SSG Veronica Chong 2nd Position
SSG Toh Zheng Yan
SSG Heng Wang Cong
LCP Lim Xing Xia
East Spring
LCP Jolyn Tey Certificate of
Triple “R” Competition 2007 10/03/07 Secondary School
LCP Josephine Yeo Participation
NPCC Unit
LCP Gavin Ng
LCP Lim Xing Xia
E-Poster Competition 2007 LCP Jolyn Tey 3rd Position Yishun Secondary
23/03/07
(Crime Prevention in Schools) LCP Gavin Ng (See page 12) School NPCC Unit
LCP Wilson Lee
SPF-NPCC Award 2007 SSG Quek Yong Jun Recipient NPCC HQ
rd Canberra Secondary
Area 2 Games Day 23/05/07 Sec 1 Squad 3 Position
School NPCC Unit
SI Toh Zheng Yan Certificate of St Hilda Secondary
National Drill Challenge 2007 26/05/07
SGT Chia Pei Ting Participation School NPCC Unit

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Orchid Park Secondary School – National Police Cadet Corps Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume 1, June 2007

The award-winning Poster designed and done by LCP Lim Xing Xia, LCP Jolyn Tey, LCP Gavin Ng, LCP Wilson Lee

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