The Boys' Brigade in Singapore
Encyclopedia
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 5,500 Boys in over 117 companies. Its current Brigade President is Mr Tan Kok Heng. The Boys' Brigade in Singapore will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2010.
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 honor of having the President of the Republic of Singapore as its Patron. The Brigade continues to grow today.
To be the Youth Organisation of Choice.
OUR MISSION
To nurture Youth, based on Christian values, to lead and serve.
OUR BELIEFS
We are First for Youth
We provide fun, meaningful and challenging activities.
We are committed to serve the community.
We are served and led by volunteers.
We are enterprising, in tune with our changing world.
We actively engage our stakeholders.
We are a Christian organisation, for all Youth.
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.
The Brigade Office
The Brigade Office implements the strategic plans developed by the Brigade Executive.
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.
The ranks in the Seniors Programme include:
Primers
This ranks attainable by Primers include:
Officers
This ranks attainable by Officers include:
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 gifts in 2006. Although the project did not meet its target donation by the close of the project on some occasions, the public would often continue to donate such that target was achieved within the next few weeks. In the last fifteen years, the BB has been working hand in hand with the National Council of Social Service
(NCSS).
(BBLC) is an educational facility built and maintained by the Boys' Brigade in Proyouth Village, Puok Commune, Cambodia.
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
since 1930. It currently consists of over 700 officers and 5,500 Boys in over 117 companies. Its current Brigade President is Mr Tan Kok Heng. The Boys' Brigade in Singapore will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2010.
History
Boys' Brigade
For the 80s New Wave band from Canada, see Boys Brigade .The Boys' Brigade is an interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values...
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
Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
The Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian church in Singapore. It is located at Prinsep Street in the Rochor Planning Area, within the Central Area in Singapore's central business district....
. 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
William Murray
-Nobility:*William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield , British jurist*William Murray, 4th Earl of Mansfield and Mansfield , British nobleman*William Murray, 8th Earl of Mansfield and Mansfield -Nobility:*William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield (1705–1793), British jurist*William Murray, 4th Earl of...
and Fraser's lieutenants were John McNeish (formerly of 76th Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
) and Dong Chui Sing. Bible class, drill, concerts, wayfaring signalling, first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, swimming, fencing
Fencing
Fencing, which is also known as modern fencing to distinguish it from historical fencing, is a family of combat sports using bladed weapons.Fencing is one of four sports which have been featured at every one of the modern Olympic Games...
, 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
Siglap
Siglap is a neighbourhood in the eastern part of Singapore established in 1955, consisting primarily of low-rise residential properties. It is part of the Bedok Planning Area, an urban planning zone under the Urban Redevelopment Authority...
. 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 honor of having the President of the Republic of Singapore as its Patron. The Brigade continues to grow today.
Vision, mission and beliefs
OUR VISIONTo be the Youth Organisation of Choice.
OUR MISSION
To nurture Youth, based on Christian values, to lead and serve.
OUR BELIEFS
We are First for Youth
We provide fun, meaningful and challenging activities.
We are committed to serve the community.
We are served and led by volunteers.
We are enterprising, in tune with our changing world.
We actively engage our stakeholders.
We are a Christian organisation, for all Youth.
Headquarters
A list of honorary office-bearers include:| Position | Bearer |
|---|---|
| Patron | His Excellency Mr S R Nathan President of the Republic of Singapore |
| Honorary President | Mr Tan Boon Chiang, PPA, BBM (L) |
| Honorary Vice-Presidents (Clerical) | Archbishop Dr John Chew (Anglican) Rev Terry Kee (Lutheran) Bishop Dr Robert Solomon (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 |
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 | Mr Tan Kok Heng |
| Brigade Chaplain | Rev Malcolm Tan Rev Canon Daniel Tong |
| Vice-Presidents | Dr Ho Yew Kee Mr Ong Teong Hoon Mr Poh Leong Berg Mr Vincent Tan Mr Colin Chen |
| Brigade Secretary | Mr Tye Yew Meng |
| Assistant Brigade Secretary | Mr Peter Ong |
| Brigade Treasurer | Mr Chong Loi Foong |
| Standing Committees Chairman | Mr Patrick Koh (Juniors Programme) Mr Wilson Tay (Seniors Programme) Mr Stephen Hoe (Primers Programme) Mr Wesley Cheong (Training) Mr Patrick Ong (Activities) Mr Ong Keng Tian (Facilities) |
| Cluster Representatives | Mr William Goh (North 1) Mr Eugene Aw Yong (North 2) Mr Benson Leo (North 3) Mr Victor Aw (South 1) Mr Joshua Tay (South 3) Mr Ang Hoe Yong (East 1) Mrs Tan-Lim Siew Kuan (East 3) Mr William Wong (West 1) Mr Jimmy Png (West 2) Mrs Ruby Heng (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 |
| Assistant 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.
Ranks
BoysThe ranks in the Seniors Programme include:
- Lance CorporalLance CorporalLance corporal is a military rank, used by many armed forces worldwide, and also by some police forces and other uniformed organizations. It is below the rank of corporal, and is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer, usually equivalent to the NATO Rank Grade OR-3.- Etymology :The presumed...
(LCP) - CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
(CPL) - SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
(SGT) - Staff SergeantStaff SergeantStaff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
(SSG) - Warrant OfficerWarrant OfficerA warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
(WO)
Primers
This ranks attainable by Primers include:
- Cadet Lieutenant (CLT)
- Senior Cadet Lieutenant (SCL)
Officers
This ranks attainable by Officers include:
- Officer CadetOfficer CadetOfficer cadet is a rank held by military and merchant navy cadets during their training to become commissioned officers and merchant navy officers, respectively. The term officer trainee is used interchangeably in some countries...
(OCT) - Second LieutenantSecond LieutenantSecond lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
(2LT) - Lieutenant (LTA)
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 | 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 | 3 | |
| Civil Defence (Fireman) | Elective | 1 | |
| Community Service | Core | 3 | |
| Crafts | Elective | 3 | |
| Drill | Core | 2 | |
| 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 | |||
| 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 |
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.BB CARES
BB CARES, which stands for Community Acitivities 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 gifts in 2006. Although the project did not meet its target donation by the close of the project on some occasions, the public would often continue to donate such that target was achieved within the next few weeks. In the last fifteen years, the BB has been working hand in hand with the National Council of Social Service
National Council of Social Service
The National Council of Social Service is a statutory board governed by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports of the Singapore government....
(NCSS).
Boys’ Brigade Learning Centre
The Boys’ Brigade Learning CentreBoys' Brigade Learning Centre, Cambodia
The Boys' Brigade Learning Centre was established by the Boys' Brigade in Singapore as part of their community service program, to facilitate youth development in Cambodia in partnership with Cambodian schools, and to build up sufficient leadership for the Cambodian people to run their own Boys'...
(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
- Boys' BrigadeBoys' BrigadeFor the 80s New Wave band from Canada, see Boys Brigade .The Boys' Brigade is an interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values...
- List of BB companies in Singapore
- Boys' Brigade Learning Centre, CambodiaBoys' Brigade Learning Centre, CambodiaThe Boys' Brigade Learning Centre was established by the Boys' Brigade in Singapore as part of their community service program, to facilitate youth development in Cambodia in partnership with Cambodian schools, and to build up sufficient leadership for the Cambodian people to run their own Boys'...