Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the 12th National Camp Closing Ceremony

Brigadier General (Volunteer) Goh Kee Nguan
Chairman NCC Council

NCC Council Members

Heads of Uniformed Groups

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls

Good Evening

        
        I am indeed happy to join you at this closing ceremony of National Camp 2012. The National Camp is a platform for students from the different uniformed groups and units to interact, to share ideas and build friendships. I commend the organisers, who by putting together this 12^th National Camp since 1989, have demonstrated steadfast commitment towards the goal of nurturing our youths and fostering strong bonds within our community. 

        Earlier this month, we celebrated Singapore’s 47^th year of independence. Our pioneer leaders worked hard and persevered against many challenges to build our nation on the principles of democracy and multi-culturalism to provide opportunities for people of all races and religions. The best way for us to ensure that Singapore continues to enjoy this peace, progress and development for many more years to come is to reinforce in our youths the values of service, perseverance and unity in diversity.  

        Adopting the theme of building resilience, National Camp 2012 was designed to help develop resilience in participants as well as provide opportunities for learning to work with one another. I congratulate all of you for completing the various activities during this camp, many of which I believe, involved stepping out of your comfort zone to deal with uncertainty, and take on new and maybe even unpleasant tasks. I trust that you have discovered more about yourself, appreciated the value of teamwork and gained confidence. The experience and new friendships which you forged during this time will put you in better stead to face the many challenges that you will encounter in the course of your lives. I encourage you to share your learning and inspirations with your peers back in your schools.

        A resilient society is also based on the building blocks of strong communities. As members of Uniformed Groups in your schools, you are well placed to play a key role in building and contributing to our community. The Uniformed Groups provide many opportunities that will help you to develop character and leadership skills and to use these skills in the care and service to others. 

        For instance, the Girls’ Brigade initiated a ‘Share Your Lunch Project’ and hosted a lunch for some 5000 elderly, lonely and needy people in the community. Through the Scouts’ annual Job week, our young cubs learned about the dignity of labour and the value of honest work as they perform jobs to raise funds for training programmes and charitable activities. The NCC promoted caring for the less fortunate by raising funds for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. The National Police Cadet Corps provided opportunities for their cadets to plan and implement projects that will help raise awareness in the prevention of crime in the community. The National Civil Defence Cadet Corps initiated school-based community engagement programmes to educate their peers on emergency preparedness. This collective involvement of every member in the Uniformed Groups to serve and care for others at home, in schools and in the community, is a powerful movement that strengthens resilience and builds bonds in our society.

        I congratulate all those involved for making this camp a success. They have strengthened our society. It leaves me now to declare the closure of the 12^th National Camp. I wish all participants every success and everyone an enjoyable evening.

        Thank you very much.