For the 7th batch of SPF OCTs, the bonds formed 30 years ago have stood the test of time.
By: Leow Su Ling
Every year, young Singaporean men enlist as Police National Service officers to serve the nation. From training together to serving on the ground, these officers forged a strong bond through their National Service (NS) experience.
Police Life hears from the 7th batch of SPF Officer Cadet Trainees (OCTs) from 1982, a group whose bonds have remained close through the decades.
Generations of Strength
In 1982, 96 young men reported for NS as the 7th batch of SPF OCTs. They were split into four squads and reported to their Company Commander, Mr Sri Kanthan Chelliah.
These bright-eyed OCTs had completed their Basic Military Training (BMT) before being posted to the old Police Academy for the nine-month Officer Cadet Course. After passing out, they were assigned various operational roles within the Singapore Police Force (SPF), serving their NS from 1983 to 1984.
Stories of Service
“My NS stint was an eye-opening experience,” recalled Mr Gerald Chew, a 19-year-old fresh out of school when he joined the SPF.
After completing his OCT training, Mr Chew was posted to Toa Payoh B Division as an Investigation Officer. “Our focus was always on protecting the victim, no matter how challenging our work was,” he shared.
Now an advocate with a law firm, Mr Chew looks back on his NS days with pride: “Becoming a Senior Officer at a young age quickly helped me to become more responsible and mature.”
This sense of pride was echoed by fellow OCT Mr Richard Koh. “Our experience as OCTs taught us essential life lessons such as working together as a team and embracing discipline,” he recalled.
Now retired, Mr Koh shared that during his NS days, he was tasked to conduct planning for major events such as the National Day Parade and Chingay Parade. “This came in helpful when I moved on to the next phase of my life in university and work,” he said.
40 Years Later…
In July 2022, the 7th OCT batch gathered at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok to renew their ties. This was their fourth gathering since their inaugural reunion in 2007 to commemorate their 25th anniversary.
The 7th OCT batch has several notable members in its ranks, among them Assistant Commissioner of Police Yap Shao Ping, Deputy Director Home Team School of Criminal Investigation; Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Puvenesvaran K, Director, Police National Service Department; and retired Commissioner of Prisons Soh Wai Wah, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Polytechnic.
Batchmates who couldn’t attend sent videos conveying their well wishes. They included Minister Masagos Zulkifli, who was overseas at that time.
Reflecting on the bond shared by the 7th OCT batch, Mr Koh noted that what united them was their commitment to giving their best: “Society has become more complex and the SPF faces new challenges, but NS remains a vital part of life in Singapore, and the commitment of our officers remains unchanged.”
THE LEGEND OF THE OLD POLICE ACADEMY
We hear from the man who inspired generations of Police trainees, Senior Station Inspector (2) (RET) Sri Kanthan Chelliah. Having joined the SPF in 1971, he sharpened his philosophy on training and discipline as a Trainer at the Old Police Academy before retiring in 2004.
What was a typical day like for you as a Trainer back in the Old PA?
I woke up at 4am during weekdays to prepare for a run with my trainees at 5am. We’d run along Denver Road to Upper Thomson Road, continue on to MacRitchie Reservoir and then go back to the Old Police Academy through Bukit Brown Cemetery. The distance was about 15km. My trainees would then go to their classes, and I’d bring them for an evening run after their lessons.
What was your philosophy when it came to training?
I strove to be a role model for my trainees. If I expected my trainees to do something, I had to be able to do it first. I also told my trainees constantly that they’d become leaders someday, and that they must believe in themselves too.
You had a reputation as a caring instructor who focused on discipline. What were your values as a trainer?
I was highly passionate about my job as it gave me the opportunity to impart my knowledge to the trainees. As a trainer, I knew I had to be strict. However, I’ve always viewed the trainees as my friends, as we’re all brothers in blue.
What did you do after retiring from the SPF in 2004?
I joined an auxiliary police force and trained auxiliary officers until 2014. Nowadays, I go to the gym four times a week and also serve as a grassroots leader. I enjoy bringing residents for a 5km walk every fortnight!
What would you like to share with the current generation of Police officers?
The most important trait is to be positive and believe that you can do it. Overcome any fears you have and fulfil your duty as a Police officer with pride!
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