Girls' Brigade S'pore celebrates 90 years

Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng inspecting the GBS officers' contingent during their 90th anniversary parade yesterday.
Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng inspecting the GBS officers' contingent during their 90th anniversary parade yesterday. PHOTO: GIRLS' BRIGADE SINGAPORE

The Girls' Brigade Singapore (GBS) plays a vital role in inculcating values and has shaped generations of young girls into well-rounded individuals, said Education Minister (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee Meng yesterday.

He was speaking at the 90th anniversary of the GBS, which was commemorated with a parade at Singapore Chinese Girls' School that he inspected. An awards ceremony for top-performing GBS units was also held yesterday.

"Through meaningful learning opportunities, such as the annual GB friendship day, members move out of their comfort zones and do things differently to attend to the needs of the people you serve, particularly the lonely, elderly, needy and special-needs people," said Mr Ng. He also cited the example of Daisy Su, a 16-year-old GBS member from Westwood Secondary, who observed that an elderly woman was dispirited during an interaction session, and went beyond the call of duty to spread cheer.

Daisy, who has been a member for over three years, said the most valuable lesson during her stint has been servant leadership, or the mindset of leading not for self-interest, but for the good of the community.

The GBS also launched its collaboration with the SGSecure initiative at the event. The uniformed group will incorporate SGSecure teachings into its daily activities, brigade president Sally Chew said.

Alumna from all walks of life and of all ages also returned to help out in the anniversary. Part-time lecturer Diana Chung was a member of the only GBS military band as a schoolgirl at Fairfield Methodist.

Said Ms Chung, who joined GBS in 1964: "As a group, we never really left school or one another."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 09, 2017, with the headline Girls' Brigade S'pore celebrates 90 years. Subscribe