Boys' Brigade in Singapore
The Boys' Brigade in Singapore is a youth uniformed group organisation which has been present in Singapore since 1930. It currently consists of over 700 officers and 6,300 Boys in over 116 companies. Its current Brigade President is Prof Ho Yew Kee and its Honorary President is Lieutenant-General (Ret) Winston Choo, the former Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces. The Boys' Brigade in Singapore celebrated its 85th Anniversary in 2015 and has the distinguished honor of having the President of the Republic of Singapore as its Patron.
History
The Boys' Brigade was introduced to Singapore by James Milner Fraser, an architect from Britain. He was a former member of the 23rd Aberdeen and the 23rd London Companies.
On 12 January 1930, Fraser started the 1st Singapore Company at Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church. With the aid of ex-Sergeant Quek Eng Moh of the 1st Swatow Company, he assembled 12 local Boys to form the company.
Progress was slow initially, but by the time the company was officially enrolled at Brigade Headquarters in London, in August 1930, the membership had risen to 40. The company chaplain was Reverend William Murray and Fraser's lieutenants were John McNeish (formerly of 76th Glasgow) and Dong Chui Sing. Bible class, drill, concerts, wayfaring, signalling, first aid, swimming, fencing, tumbling and other forms of physical recreation formed the core of the Boys' Brigade syllabus.
In the following year, the first camp was held at the Singapore Volunteer Camp at Siglap. A successful inspection was also held to bring the session to a close.
Extension soon followed, spearheaded by McNeish with the formation of the 2nd Singapore Company at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church in February 1931.
By 1936, the Singapore Battalion was 200-strong, with the 3rd Singapore (1933) started at the Anglo-Chinese Continuation School, the 5th Singapore (1934) at Choon Guan Presbyterian Boys School, 4th Singapore (1934) at Geylang Methodist Church and the 6th Singapore (1934) at Paya Lebar Methodist Church.
The Battalion Colors were presented to the battalion by F. C. Sands in 1936 and the drill competition was introduced. Fraser served as the Battalion President from 1936 to 1956. In 1940, he handed the captaincy of the 1st Singapore over to one of his Boys, S. P. Chua.
During the war years of 1942 to 1945, The Boys' Brigade's activities were suspended. To avoid desecration, the prized Singapore Colors were destroyed, but some of the coveted drums were stored away in a room at Prinsep Headquarters.
After the war, S. P. Chua revived the 1st Singapore Company. He was joined immediately by Fraser and by 1950, the Battalion had regained its old strength.
By 1968, there were 28 companies in Singapore. In 1971, the Brigade had the distinguished honour of having the President of the Republic of Singapore as its Patron.
As the Brigade approached its 85th Anniversary in 2015, it conducted its first Trooping of Colours parade and reunion dinner in over a decade with the then Education Minister Heng Swee Keat as the Guest-of-Honor.
Organisation
Headquarters
A list of honorary office-bearers include:
Position | Bearer |
---|---|
Patron | Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam President of the Republic of Singapore |
Honorary President | LG (Ret) Winston Choo Wee Leong |
Honorary Vice-Presidents (Clerical) | Bishop Rennis Ponniah (Anglican) Bishop Terry Kee (Lutheran) Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup (Methodist) Rev Dr Christopher Chia (Presbyterian) |
Honorary Vice-Presidents (Lay) | Dr Lee Soo Ann, PBM Mr Lee Liat Cheng, BBM Mr Sam Tan Boon Yeow, PBM Mr Peter Tay Yew Beng Mr Peter Foo Chien Ho, PBM Mr Choo Gim Kang Mr Tan Kok Heng, PPA,PP,PBS |
The Brigade Executive
The Brigade Executive is the decision making body of The Boys' Brigade. In January 2007, the Brigade implemented the Cluster Structure and grouped the BB Companies into 12 clusters with an average of 10 to 15 Companies in each cluster. These clusters are similar to the school clusters of the Ministry of Education.
Position | Bearer |
---|---|
Brigade President | Prof Ho Yew Kee |
Brigade Chaplain | Rev Malcolm Tan |
Associate Brigade Chaplain | Rev Canon Daniel Tong |
Vice-Presidents | Mr David Chan Wan Keat Mr Poh Leong Berg Mr Elliot Tan Vincent Mr Colin Chen |
Brigade Secretary | Mr Peter Ong |
Assistant Brigade Secretary | Mr Jason Lim |
Brigade Treasurer | Mr Eric Teo |
Standing Committees chairman | Mr Patrick Koh (Juniors Programme) Mr Or Boon Chun(Seniors Programme) Mr Stephen Hoe (Primers Programme) Mr Oliver Loke (Training) Mr Tony Tan Tuan Tiong (Activities) Mr Matthew Fong Kum Fai (Facilities) |
Cluster Representatives | Mr William Goh (North 1) Mr Gabriel Tan (North 2) Mr Seah Poh Chye (North 3) Mr Victor Aw (South 1) Mr Patrick Ong Keng Huat (East 1) Mr Peter Leong (East 2) Mr William Wong (West 1) Mr Jimmy Png (West 2) Mr Edwin Lim (West 3) |
Executive Director | Mr Desmond Koh |
The Brigade Office
The Brigade Office implements the strategic plans developed by the Brigade Executive.
Position | Bearer |
---|---|
Executive Director | Mr Desmond Koh |
Deputy Director | Ms Ang Hui Leng |
Companies
Each BB company is managed by a partnership of members from the sponsoring church and the school where the company is based, if present. They are led by the Chaplain and Captain from the church, and typically assisted by a team of Teachers-in-Charge of the school. Assisting them are Officers, Primers and other VALs either from the church, from other churches or as former members of the Company.
BB Companies are identified by a unique number, with an exception of companies catered for the Primers Programme. In general, the smaller the number is, the earlier the company was founded. For example, the 1st Singapore Company has the longest history in Singapore. While this is true for most companies, the same cannot be said for certain compaines as the number was "recycled" (especially in the 1980s and early 1990s). The majority of the companies are catered for the Seniors Programme. Companies with a "J" indicate the Juniors Programme. Every company also has a sponsoring school where new boys are recruited annually, and weekly parades are held.
The BB companies in Singapore are divided into 12 clusters – North 1, North 2, North 3, East 1, East 2, East 3, South 1, South 2, South 3, West 1, West 2 and West 3. Each company is categorised into the appropriate cluster based on its geographical location on the Singapore island.
Company | Sponsoring Church | Sponsoring School | Captain/ Ag. Captain |
---|---|---|---|
1J | Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church | Pioneer Primary School | Ms Esther Ng |
1st | Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church | Pioneer Secondary School | Mr Joe Lee |
2nd | Kampong Kapor Methodist Church | Victoria School | Mr Raveendran C |
3J | Wesley Methodist Church | Stamford Primary School | Mr Harrison Goh |
4th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Whitley Secondary School | Mr Vincent Tan |
5J | Living Praise Presbyterian Church | Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School | Mr Gerard Su |
5th | Adam Road Presbyterian Church | Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School | Mr Yam Kai Chow |
6J | Paya Lebar Methodist Church | Rosyth School | Mr Benson Leo CY |
7J | Church of the Ascension | St Andrew's Junior School | Mrs Shirley Low-Ang |
7th | Chapel of the Holy Spirit | St Andrew's Secondary School | Mr Daren Hoon |
8J | Fairfield Methodist Church | Radin Mas Primary School | Mr Barnabas Wong |
9th | Church of the Good Shepherd | Westwood Secondary School | Mr Joel Wong |
10th | Toa Payoh Methodist Church | Beatty Secondary School | Mr Daryl Chen |
11th | Light of Christ Church Woodlands | Christ Church Secondary School | Mr Eugene Teo |
12BR | Barker Road Methodist Church | ACS (Barker) | Mr Samuel Tay |
12BR(J) | Barker Road Methodist Church | ACS (Primary) | Mr Samuel Tay |
12I | Barker Road Methodist Church | ACS (Independent) | Dr Andrew Yong |
12J | Barker Road Methodist Church | ACS (Junior) | Mr Wong Soong Hung |
13th | Glory Joy Christian Church | Sembawang Secondary School | Mr Ken Li |
14th | All Saints' Church (English Congregation) | Anglican High School | Mr Alvin Chua |
15J | St John's - St Margaret's Church | Henry Park Primary School | Mr Gan Chee Kwan |
16J | Chen Li Presbyterian Church | Kong Hwa School | Ms Diana Thio |
17J | Charis Methodist Church | Junyuan Primary School | Mr Cody Lim |
17th | Charis Methodist Church | Loyang Secondary School | Mr Cody Lim |
18th | City Missions Church | Northland Secondary School | Mr Allan Yeong |
19th | Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran) | Yishun Town Secondary School | Mr Gabriel Tan |
20J | Changi Methodist Church | Greendale Primary School | Mr Halim Irman |
21J | Christalite Methodist Chapel | Geylang Methodist School (Primary) | Mrs Anna Quek |
21st | Christalite Methodist Chapel | Geylang Methodist School (Secondary) | Mr David Seetoh |
22J | Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) | Wellington Primary School | Mrs Magdeline C. |
23rd | Pentecost Methodist Church | Springfield Secondary School | Mr Marcus Khoo |
24J | St Andrew's Cathedral | Fuhua Primary School | Mr Chia ZY |
25th | Faith Methodist Church | Hillgrove Secondary School | Mr Timothy Tan |
26th | St Andrew's Cathedral | Tanglin Secondary School | Mr Loi HG |
27th | Ang Mo Kio Presbyterian Church | Presbyterian High School | Mr Loh WW |
28J | Jurong Christian Church | Shuqun Primary School | Mr Clement Tan |
28th | Jurong Christian Church | Shuqun Secondary School | Mr Clement Tan |
29th | Bethesda Hall (Ang Mo Kio) | Mayflower Primary School | Mdm Daphne Phoa |
31st | Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church | Bowen Secondary School | Mr Martin Lui |
32nd | Bedok Lutheran Church | Damai Secondary School | Mr Benjamin Chan |
33J | Aldersgate Methodist Church | Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) | Mr Liu Lijia |
33rd | Aldersgate Methodist Church | Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) | Mr Joel Lai |
34th | Adam Road Presbyterian Church | Si Ling Secondary School | Mr Daniel Lim |
35J | Fairfield Methodist Church | Zhangde Primary School | Mr Christopher Chai |
36th | St Paul's Church | Compassvale Secondary School | Mr Leroy C M |
37th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Hougang Secondary School | Mr Jonathan Pek |
38J | Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church | Keming Primary School | Mr David Lim |
39th | PPH Brethren Church | Swiss Cottage Secondary School | Mr Lee Zai Yong |
40th | Bedok Methodist Church | Changkat Changi Secondary School | Mr Low Jian Xin |
41J | City Harvest Church | Tao Nan School | Mr Desmond Loo |
42J | Adam Road Presbyterian Church | Nanyang Primary School | Mr Joel Loh |
43rd | Bethesda Hall (Ang Mo Kio) | Yishun Secondary School | Mr Andrew He |
44th | Woodlands Evangelical Free Church | Fuchun Secondary School | Mr Bernard Sng |
45th | Bethesda (Serangoon) Church | Xinmin Secondary School | Mr Eusin Bay |
46th | Geylang Evangelical Free Church | Junyuan Secondary School | Mr Danny Yeo |
47th | Trinity Methodist Church | Serangoon Garden Secondary School | Mr Lim CS |
48th | Bethel Presbyterian Church | Zhonghua Secondary School | Mr Lam WW |
49J | Chapel of Christ the Redeemer | St Hilda's Primary School | Mr Peter Leong |
49th | Chapel of Christ the Redeemer | St Hilda's Secondary School | Mr Andrew Quek |
50th | Fairfield Methodist Church | Gan Eng Seng School | Mr Ashley Tong |
51st | Bethesda Hall (Ang Mo Kio) | Mayflower Secondary School | Mr Andrew He |
52J | St John's Chapel | Pei Tong Primary School | Mr Jeff Ho |
53rd | Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah) | Bukit Batok Secondary School | Mr Tim Chin |
54th | Changi Christian Fellowship | Dunearn Secondary School | Mr Narasimman |
55J | Bethesda Community | Fengshan Primary School | Mr Andy Chua |
56J | Glory Presbyterian Church (English) | Bukit Timah Primary School | Mr Joseph Tan |
57J | Glory Presbyterian Church (English) | Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School | Mr Wong JW |
58th | New Life BP Church | Riverside Secondary School | Mr Ronnie Pang |
59J | St John's Chapel | Greenridge Primary School | Mr Patrick Lee |
60th | Kampong Kapor Methodist Church | Raffles Institution | Mr John N S |
61st | Community of Praise Baptist Church | Queensway Secondary School | Mr Sean Lai |
62nd | Yishun Methodist Mission | Orchid Park Secondary School | Mr Sherman Yeo |
63rd | Mount Hermon BP Church | Kranji Secondary School | Mr David Oh |
64th | St John's Chapel | Ang Mo Kio Secondary School | Mr Choo H Y |
65th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Hong Kah Secondary School | Mr Jonathan Wang |
66th | Adam Road Presbyterian Church | Woodlands Secondary School | Mr Harry Lim |
67J | Church of the Good Shepherd | Queenstown Primary School | Ms Catherine Chia |
69J | The People's Bible Church | Xinghua Primary School | Mr John Chia |
70th | Bukit Panjang Gospel Chapel | Fajar Secondary School | Mr Tom Hoo |
71J | S-Word Evangelical Free Church | South View Primary School | Mr Dexter Ang |
72nd | Bethesda Community | Bedok North Secondary School | Mr Kevin Eu |
73rd | Faith Community Baptist Church | Bukit View Secondary School | Mr Terry Lim |
74th | The Bible Church, Singapore | Kent Ridge Secondary School | Dr Jonathan Lee |
75J | Paya Lebar Methodist Church | Punggol Primary School | Mr Seah Poh Chye |
76J | Toa Payoh Methodist Church | First Toa Payoh Primary School | Mr Allan Ben Chen Toon |
77th | Bukit Panjang Gospel Chapel | Teck Whye Secondary School | Mr Casper Sua |
78J | Hebron BP Church | Yew Tee Primary School | Mr Paul Wong |
79th | St John's - St Margaret's Church | Henderson Secondary School | Mr Jimmy Ong |
80J | Covenant Presbyterian Church | Farrer Park Primary School | Mr Kenneth Yeo |
81J | St Andrew's Cathedral | Townsville Primary School | Mr Koh Chao Rui |
82nd | City Harvest Church | Boon Lay Secondary School | Mr Jackson Yap |
83J | Faith Sanctuary | MacPherson Primary School | Mr Patrick Koh |
84th | Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah) | Unity Secondary School | Mr Goh W N |
85th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Jurong West Secondary School | Mr Dannish K |
86th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Jurongville Secondary School | Mr J D Lee |
87th | Yishun Methodist Mission | Northbrooks Secondary School | Mr James Wee |
88J | Yishun Methodist Mission | Naval Base Primary School | Mr James Wee |
89J | Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) | Jiemin Primary School | Mrs Magdeline C M |
90J | Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church | Princess Elizabeth Primary School | Mr David Yapp |
91st | Bukit Panjang Gospel Chapel | Regent Secondary School | Mr Jimmy Goh |
92nd | Chapel of the Resurrection | Outram Secondary School | Mr Jerome Foo |
93rd | Living Sanctuary Brethren Church | Yuying Secondary School | Mr Andy Teo |
94th | True Way Presbyterian Church (English) | Nan Hua High School | Mr Jonathan Tan |
95J | Westside Anglican Church | West Grove Primary School | Mr Lam K M |
96J | Revival Centre Church | Balestier Hill Primary School | Mr Shaun Foo |
97th | Bedok Methodist Church | Bedok South Secondary School | Mr Ang Hoe Yong |
98th | True Grace Presbyterian Church | Grace Orchard School | Revd Wee Meng Yeow |
99th | Faith Community Baptist Church | Canberra Secondary School | Mr Lewis Poh |
100J | River Community Church | North Vista Primary School | Mr Lawrence Lim |
101st | Paya Lebar Methodist Church | - (Open Unit) | Mr Glenn Seah |
102J | St Andrew's Cathedral | North View Primary School | Mr Wee L K |
103rd | Bedok Methodist Church | Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School | Mr John Tan |
106J | St Andrew's Cathedral | Gan Eng Seng Primary School | Mr Gabriel Leng |
ACJC Primers | Barker Road Methodist Church | Anglo-Chinese Junior College | Mr Samuel Tay |
NP Primers | Faith Community Baptist Church | Ngee Ann Polytechnic | Mr Eric Tan |
NYP Primers | Faith Community Baptist Church | Nanyang Polytechnic | Mr Kenny Foo |
SP Primers | Faith Community Baptist Church | Singapore Polytechnic | Mr Danny Lee |
HQ Primers | - | - | - |
Ranks
Boys
The ranks in the Seniors Programme include:
- Lance Corporal (LCP)
- Corporal (CPL)
- Sergeant (SGT)
- Staff Sergeant (SSG)
- Warrant Officer (WO)
Primers
This ranks attainable by Primers include:
- Cadet Lieutenant (CLT)
- Senior Cadet Lieutenant (SCL)
Officers
This ranks attainable by Officers include:
- Officer Cadet (OCT)
- Second Lieutenant (2LT)
- Lieutenant (LTA)
Badges and awards
Juniors' Programme
Badge | Programme | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
JP Gold Award | Juniors | Primary 6 Boys Attendance in 80% of the parades in 2 years (with minimum of 25 parades per year) Completion of 4 hours of community service (BB-initiated: BB CARES or BB Share-a-Gift Project) Attainment of 6 JP colour awards Participation in BB Adventure Quest (JP) |
JP Service Badge | Juniors | |
White Achievement Badge | Juniors | |
Green Achievement Badge | Juniors | |
Purple Achievement Badge | Juniors | |
Blue Achievement Badge | Juniors | |
Red Achievement Badge | Juniors | |
Silver Achievement Badge | Juniors |
Seniors' Programme
Badge/Award | Type | Stages | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|
Adventure | Core | 3 | |
Anti Drug Abuse (SANA) | Elective | 1 | |
Arts | Elective | 3 | |
Athletics | Elective | 3 | |
Bandsman's | Elective | 3 | |
Bugler's | Elective | 3 | |
Christian Education | Core | 3 | |
Citizenship | Core | 2 | |
Civil Defence (Fireman) | Elective | 1 | |
Community Service | Core | 3 | |
Crafts | Elective | 3 | |
Drill | Core | 3 | |
Drummer's | Elective | 3 | |
Environmentalist | |||
First Aid | Core | 3 | |
Gymnastics | Elective | 3 | |
Hobbies | Elective | 3 | |
International Relations | Elective | 3 | |
Kayaking | Elective | 3 | |
Leadership Development | Core | 2 | |
Lifeskills | Core | 3 | |
Musketry | Elective | 3 | |
National Events | Special | 1 | |
Naturalist's | Elective | 3 | |
NCO Star | Core | 2 | |
Piper's | Elective | 3 | |
Sailing | Elective | 3 | |
Senior Proficiency Star | Special | 1 | |
Sportsman's | Elective | 3 | |
Swimming | Elective | 3 | |
Target | Core | 1 | |
Juniors Programme Link | Service | 1 | Be in the Juniors Programme previously |
Juniors Service | Service | 1 | |
One Year Service | Service | 1 | Served in the Boys Brigade company for consecutively of 1 year |
Three Year Service | Service | 1 | Served in the Boys Brigade company for consecutively of 3 years |
Long Year Service | Service | 1 | Served in the Boys Brigade company for consecutively of 4 years |
Founder's Award | Special | 1 | The highest award in the Seniors' Programme, awarded to those who exemplify the traits and ideals of the movement |
Cross For Heroism | Special | 1 | Performed an act of self-sacrifice for others, shown heroism in saving or attempting to save life, displayed sheer courage in the face of danger |
Senior Proficiency | Special | 1 | Meet certain criteria of earned badges |
Uniforms
Juniors' Programme
There are three different dress codes for the Juniors' Programme for various functions and occasions. These include, in decreasing formality, the Day Dress, the Fatigue Dress and the PT Kit.
Seniors' Programme
There are five different dress codes for the Seniors' Programme for various functions and occasions. These include, in decreasing formality, the Ceremonial Dress, the Day Dress, the Musketry, the Fatigue Dress and the PT Kit.
Primers
There are three different dress codes for the Primers' Programme for various functions and occasions. These include, in decreasing formality, the Day Dress, the Musketry and the Fatigue Dress.
Officers
There are six different dress codes for BB Officers for various functions and occasions. These include, in decreasing formality, the Ceremonial Dress, the Function Dress, the Day Dress, the Musketry, the Fatigue Dress and the PT Kit.
Programmes
There are three programmes for different age groups:
- Juniors Programme – 8 to 11 years old (Primary 3 to Primary 6)
- Seniors Programme – 12 to 16 years old (Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 or 5)
- Primers Programme – 17 to 19 years (Post-Secondary, Junior Colleges/Polytechnics/Institutes of Technical Education, girls are eligible to enroll in this programme)
Community
The Boys' Brigade in Singapore aims to play an active role in contributing to society, and to inculcate these values to the Boys.[1]
BB CARES
BB CARES, which stands for Community Activities Rallying Everyone to Serve involved BB companies organising activities to benefit welfare organisations of their choice. It is one of the events as part of the annual President's Challenge event.
Boys' Brigade Share-a-Gift
The Boys' Brigade Share-a-Gift (BBSG), previously known as The Boys' Brigade Sharity Gift Box, is a major annual event held during the Christmas period whereby more than 3,500 BB Officers and Boys, along with volunteers from other various groups, are mobilised to help collect gifts such as food and beverages from people and distribute these items to the needy in Singapore. These beneficiaries include the disabled, welfare homes, the elderly, and low-income families. There are also wishes from the beneficiaries that people can help to fulfill with, such as those requesting for food or household items, or toys and mattresses from children or the elderly.
Since the BBSG was started in 1988, it has been largely successful and has received great support from Singaporeans who have generously donated gifts over the years. From around 7,000 gifts collected in 1988, it has collected 428,000[2] gifts in 2006. Although the project did not meet its target donation by the close of the project on some occasions,[3][4] the public would often continue to donate such that target was achieved within the next few weeks.[5] In the last fifteen years, the BB has been working hand in hand with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
On 7 July 2013, the Boys' Brigade Share-a-Gift (BBSG) project was conferred the Singapore Youth Award Medal of Commendation. BBSG was recognised for achieving, contributing and inspiring youths at significantly higher levels after being awarded the Singapore Youth Award in 2004.
Boys' Brigade Learning Centre
The Boys' Brigade Learning Centre (BBLC) is an educational facility built and maintained by the Boys' Brigade in Proyouth Village, Puok Commune, Cambodia.
Notable alumnus
- Chua Siak Phuang – last founding member of the first Boys' Brigade Company in Singapore who died in 2010.
- Jimmy Koh Chee Tat
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/284018/1/.html
- ↑ BB Sharity Gift Box exceeds target of food, household items for needy, CNA (20 December 2006). Retrieved on 21 December 2006.
- ↑ Sharity Gift Box falls short of annual target, appeals for more donations, CNA (22 December 2007). Retrieved on 13 January 2008.
- ↑ Boys' Brigade Sharity Gift Box 35% short of collection target, CNA (19 December 2008). Retrieved on 20 December 2008.
- ↑ Boys' Brigade Sharity Gift Box meets its target, CNA (9 January 2008). Retrieved on 9 January 2009.
External links
Coordinates: 1°17′29″N 103°49′54″E / 1.29139°N 103.83167°E