The National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrated its 120th anniversary today. NCC members comprising teacher officers, cadet officers, cadets and associate members joined the virtual ceremony via videoconferencing and livestreaming on the NCC's YouTube channel.

Addressing the attendees in a recorded video message, Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing highlighted the importance of the NCC in providing Singaporean youths with opportunities for personal and leadership development. He said, "On top of adventurous, rugged, military-related activities, you (NCC) have also taught your cadets to be sensitive to the needs of the community… Aside from character building, today's NCC curriculum also allows cadets to pick up skills for their lives beyond school." Mr Chan also commended the teacher officers, staff officers and volunteers for their hard work in adjusting the NCC curriculum to adapt to COVID-19. He added, "When face-to-face CCA was suspended, they developed online training packages and conducted virtual CCA sessions, so that our cadets continue to benefit from NCC's programmes… I am heartened that the NCC has found innovative ways to engage the cadets."

During the virtual ceremony, Chairman NCC Council Brigadier-General (BG)(NS) Chan Wing Kai launched a commemorative heritage e-book titled "Honour Our Past. Inspire Our Future" that chronicles the NCC's achievements over the past 120 years. BG(NS) Chan also laid the final tiles on the NCC Inspiration Mural at Amoy Quee Camp that was designed by the various NCC units. Recorded performances by the Singapore NCC Command Band and signature activities such as freestyle drills and precision drills were screened, and NCC members with stellar achievements and contributions, who had received their awards in a decentralised manner, were also recognised at the ceremony.

To date, the NCC is the largest youth uniformed group in Singapore, with 145 units and over 11,000 members. The SAF shares a close relationship with the NCC, supporting the Corps in the conduct of trainings and courses such as shooting ranges, flight and sailing experiences. Cadets are also given opportunities to observe and experience the SAF training through attachments and visits to the different vocations.