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From Classroom to Command: NCC Marks 125 Years With Bold Plans for the Future
26 August 2026
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing officiated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) 125th Anniversary Celebrations at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) today.
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing officiated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) 125th Anniversary Celebrations at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) today. Tracing its origins to 1901, the NCC is Singapore's oldest and largest youth uniformed group. It is also one of the three National Uniformed Groups in Singapore, with 135 units in 119 schools and more than 10,000 members today.
At the ceremony, Minister Chan presented awards to long-serving teacher-officers who have dedicated decades of service to shaping generations of young Singaporeans. He highlighted the NCC's role in developing young Singaporeans and strengthening their commitment to Singapore’s defence. He said, "Since its founding in 1901, the NCC has taught young Singaporeans what classrooms alone cannot: leadership, discipline and service to the nation.” He added, "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 on top of the geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges that we must be prepared for. Hence, we must prepare our young leaders for this world, not the last one.”
Minister Chan also announced NCC2030, a transformation of the Corps' curriculum that will be progressively rolled out from 2027 to 2030.
Character and Leadership Development will equip cadets with age-appropriate leadership tools and provide structured leadership opportunities to practise in authentic settings.
Common Core training encompassing new technology-focused modules covering robotics, drones, and cybersecurity will supplement traditional skills such as shooting, fieldcraft and navigation.
Resilience Building elements will feature challenging activities such as rappelling and obstacle courses, along with inter-unit competitions such as kayaking and drone sports to foster collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability.
Specialised Skills will have modules on basic soldiering, seamanship and airmanship, coupled with visits to Army units, participation in RSAF Flight Experience Programmes, and RSN Midshipman Sea Training Deployments, which will deepen Cadets’ affiliation to the SAF Services.
Looking ahead, the NCC will move to a new campus in Bedok Camp, conveniently located near Sungei Bedok MRT. The new campus, which will be adjacent to the second Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC 2)[1], is expected to be ready from 2032.
125 years on, the NCC remains as relevant as ever. With NCC2030 and a new home on the horizon, the NCC looks ahead to its next chapter with purpose and confidence.
[1] MMRC 2 will be a technologically advanced, fully indoor live-firing facility at Bedok Camp. The complex will feature six 100-metre ranges, all fully equipped with Video Targetry Systems (VTS).
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