NCC marks 125 years with new campus & enhanced curriculum

Mention “NCC” to any student and chances are they’ll know exactly what those three letters mean.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is Singapore’s oldest and largest youth uniformed group, with over 10,000 members across 119 schools participating in the land, air and sea Services.

Since its establishment in 1901, the National Uniformed Group – a compulsory co-curricular activity (CCA) for secondary schools since 1975 – has developed generations of student leaders.

As the Corps celebrates its 125th anniversary, it looks ahead to continue its mission of preparing youth leaders to take on future challenges, through a transformation of its curriculum and with a new campus in Bedok Camp.

Preparing young leaders for a new world

For Commandant NCC, Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Mohd Nizam bin Yahya, the transformation is a timely evolution for a timeless mission.

“What has remained constant is our commitment to developing young leaders of character,” said the 49-year-old.

The upcoming NCC2030 syllabus aims to equip cadets with skills to face today’s threats and tomorrow’s uncertainties, through digital learning as well as hands-on exposure to drones and robotics.

It will also provide them with a more holistic experience of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

For example, in the past, schools would subscribe to either an air, land or sea type of NCC syllabus, SLTC Nizam explained.

“Moving forward, we will aim to allow schools – regardless of whether they adopt air, land or sea – to have a common base core (and) learn a bit about all the Services within the SAF.”

In support of this expanded curriculum, NCC will move from its current campus in Amoy Quee Camp to a brand-new home at Bedok Camp.

The campus, located near Sungei Bedok MRT, is expected to be operational from 2032.

During the anniversary celebration at Central Manpower Base (CMPB) on 26 Aug, defence minister Chan Chun Sing announced the rollout of NCC2030 in 2027.

In his speech, he emphasised the need to prepare cadets with new skills to meet emerging trends and challenges.

“It is clear that the world our cadets are growing up in now is very different from that of their predecessors. Disinformation, cyber-attacks and climate-related risks are complex, borderless and rapidly evolving… We must prepare our young leaders for this world, not the last one.”

Giving back & inspiring the next generation

The bridge between NCC’s proud tradition and the future is carried forward by student leaders like Cadet Captain (C/CPT) (NCC) Muhammad Raiyaan Arshad.

The 20-year-old Nanyang Polytechnic student serves as Chairman of the Cadet Officer Executive Committee.

Reflecting on his personal journey, the cadet officer views his years in the Corps as a transformative period that has shaped his character.

“Prior to NCC, I was definitely more shy (and) not really confident in myself... NCC has helped me a lot in terms of people skills and changing myself for the better.”

His advice to young students considering joining NCC?

“Don’t hestitate and take that leap of faith. It will be an adventure with a lot of fun and excitement. And you definitely won’t be going through it alone!”

Launchpad for life

Perhaps NCC’s impact is best reflected in the lives of those who have marched in its footsteps.

For Major (MAJ) Brandon Lim, his early years as an NCC cadet laid the foundation for his career as a Guards Officer in the SAF.

“(NCC) was my first touch point that taught me to when you put your men first, they will deliver your mission,” said the 31-year-old, adding that his time in NCC helped to cultivate values such as grit and determination.

As NCC marks its 125th anniversary this year, MAJ Lim hopes that the Corps will continue raising the next generation of leaders not just in the SAF, but in all areas of society.

“It is very heartening to see how far NCC has come as an organisation, and knowing that they are still investing heavily in ensuring that our cadets of tomorrow get a prime experience.

“I have great hopes for what NCC can achieve for our cadets and our next generation of leaders – equipping them with a wide array of skills and values to prep them not only in leadership roles, but as fathers, husbands, wives, siblings, sons and daughters of Singapore.”