Overseas Educational Visit to Hong Kong Macau 2008

On 17 to 23 November, 4 Officers, 4 Cadet Inspectors and 30 cadets chosen from different schools came together to attend an overseas educational trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Together they visited several Hong Kong Police establishment such as the Hong Kong Police Head Quarters (Old and New), Police Dog Unit, Police Tactical Unit and the Marine Police. They even got to interact with cadets from the Junior Police Call located at Cheung Chung Island of Hong Kong and also the Macau Flying Eagle Association. This educational trip which also serves as an exchange program, has truly further enriched all the cadets with knowledge about Hong Kong Police Force.

Here is the experience as told by one of our lucky cadets who had the privilege to participate in this activity.

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This is the first overseas trip experience with NPCC for me, and it was indeed a memorable trip for me too. Although it only lasted for 7 days and 6 nights but even till now, the trip still brings many good memories back. I believe it was a fun and fulfilling trip for all of us, as I have truly learnt a lot more about the police establishment of other countries and also made lots of good friends from all around Singapore.




On the first day, before I even reached the airport, I was already filled with excitement and eagerness to find out what this journey had in store for us. When I reached Changi Airport , I saw unfamiliar faces and started to feel a little nervous as I do not know how I am going to stay with a bunch of strangers except one squadmate I knew. After we checked in our luggage we started to take group photo and chat around. Not long after, we took a 5 hour plus flight on the Singapore Airlines, where we started to get along with some group mates. So after we got off the plane, we got to experience the cold weather that we can never get in Singapore. Then we went to have our first dinner at a Hong Kong restaurant with our luggages placed on the bus. The food served in Hong Kong is indeed much more different than those served in Singapore. Thus in this trip we also got to try the different traditional food in Hong Kong which is really interesting and delicious. Not only this, after dinner we went for sight-seeing where we were all wrapped like “dumpling”. We were driven up to the Peak to visit the Wax museum and also enjoy the scenery. During the bus ride, the tour guide also gave us some brief information about the different areas of Hong Kong .




" On the second day, we had our morning call at 6 and we got ready to go to the Old Police Headquarters in Hong Kong. Where we learn that buildings of different style were built at different parts of the Headquarters. For example, the front where the people come to make police reports. The building is built to give a magnificent look so that everyone will respect the Hong Kong Police. While for the inside, they will built them more differently, giving a relaxing look, so that the cadets get a not so solemn feeling working in it. After that, we went deeper into the Headquarters where we get to take a look at the old jail and court. With special request, we also got to enter the old execution ground which was said to be haunted. Thus overall, the trip in the Old Hong Kong headquarters was rather interesting as we were given a very rare chance to see the different parts of a Police HQ, especially the jail and execution ground and also learn how the headquarters works in dealing with different situations. After lunch, we went to the Police Training Unit, not only did we get to see the parade square where they train, we were also fortunate enough to witness a training conducted there. It was really cool as the parade square was also a scene frequently used in Hong Kong dramas, other than that their training are much more different than those in Singapore. It was an eye-opener when we saw how they commanded in English and how strict their training was. Another place which gave us a shock was the stimulation area. We were so attracted to the place that we took pictures non-stop. The place was really cool. It is the place where the police train how to manage different situations, for example, conducting searches in pubs. After that we took a few group photos with the officers. Next, we went for our dinner and proceeded for sight-seeing at the Avenue of Stars. The wind there was really strong and we took quite a few pictures of the stunning scenery. Next activity was one of the unforgettable ones, where we got to interact with JPC friends and have BBQ. We talked and did some cheers and songs with them. Till now we still are in contact with some of the JPCs on Facebook."



On the third day, we went to the Police Training Unit again to take a look at the vehicles they use during training. Everyone went up to the vehicle to take a look as well as to take pictures. We also got to shop in their small souvenir shop. After the visit we went to their Dog Unit. We learnt about the different types of dogs they used. We were lucky as we got to see the dogs in training, example during searches. I can truly say that the dogs are really obedient and clever! We also saw how they took care the dogs and the hospital facilities they provide for the dogs. Lastly, we saw a very exciting scene where a trainee wore a "protected" attire and tried running away, the dog did his job by catching him back and protected his handler well. It was a good experience after all as the dog unit is quite different from Singapore’s K9 unit. After that, we went to the Marine Police where we took the ship to Cheng Zhou Island. The ship ride was really enjoyable, the breeze was really nice. When we reached Cheng Zhou we went interacted with the JPCs once again. In fact, I still miss the JPCs people till now, they are really friendly towards us. Then we had our seafood dinner before we took a ferry back to the hotel.





On the forth day, it was the first day we wore full-u throughout the whole trip. The girls wore skirts, thus it was the first time we wore the full uniform with stockings. We went to visit the New Police Headquarters, where we went for formal exchange program with the JPCs, they were also in their full-uniform too. 

The Hong Kong JPCs were nice , they even gave us a bag filled with keychains and articles where we can read more about them. Through the presentation, we learnt more about JPC, about the different ranks and activities and they got to know more about Singapore Police Force too. Next we went to a nearby police station, where the officers brought us in to take a look at how their normal police station works. We also got to see the room where the suspects are detained before going to court. After the visit, we got to shop at the souvenir shop at the Police Headquarters. It is really big and we got to shop for cute keychains attached to small police figurines. After that we also got to visit a JPC establishment and we interacted with the kids there. We also showcased our drill to our beloved JPCs members, and I really felt proud doing the drills in my full-uniform in Hong Kong. Later in the evening, we got up an open-decked bus to experience the cool breeze and beautiful scenery. Then we reached Ladies Street where we got to shop for an hour plus with our group members. The people there were really fierce and unreasonable, they started forcing us to buy their products. Most of us were shocked, thus in the end we did not buy much things. Of course, it was also my first time shopping alone with friends on an open street, thus I will never forget that experience.





On the fifth day, it was our Disney Land Day. The most enjoyable day ever! Firstly we were split into 2 groups where the tour guide brought us around and told us more about disney animation to us. We also learnt about the history of animation, for example who drew the first animation and which 5 second long animation was first introduced. Then we even got to try out drawing Mickey Mouse, sadly some of our Mickey Mouse(s) ended up as Jerry the mouse. Next we went to the theatre to watch the short 3D animation produced by a local Hong Kong producer. It was really entertaining and fascinating. The 3D effects were really wonderful. We also learnt how much hard work is put in behind one short animation, thus after this tour I learnt to appreciate all the animations I see. After the trip with the tour guide, we were allowed to go around with our own group. We went to play the one and only roller coaster for a few times, and also took pictures while touring around the place. The finale was still the fireworks, they were beautiful. Using the special cellophane paper glasses given, the fireworks were made more beautiful!

"On the sixth day, we woke up really early to catch the ferry to Macau. When we reached Macau, we went to one of the museum to take a look at different ship figurines and different traditional houses and rituals of Macau. After that, we went to shop for famous egg tarts and biscuits. They were really delicious. Then we went for our buffet lunch, and we ate a lot. One of the officer even treated us to drinks, I am really thankful to the officer. Next, we went to interact with the people from Flying Eagle Association. It was the first time we exercised and played games in full uniform. The games played were really meaningful, I learnt a lot about teamwork and leadership just through one of the games. Example for the game where a pail of water is placed in the middle of a circle , and we are supposed to get the pail of water out with a few ropes. The difficult part is that 5 people will be blindfolded and they are the only who can touched the rope, the other 3 people will have to give instructions to them. Although during the game, some of the teammates start to get pissed off and wanted to give up, but with some encouragements they still continued with the game. Thus through this game, I learnt how important it is to communicate well with your team mates and how to give instructions clearly. I believe all these are skills we, cadet leaders should have. After our dinner buffet, we continued with the interaction with Flying Eagle Association. We played more games and of course it was really fun. When we got back to the hotel , we had a last debrief where all of us spoke about our thoughts and also we had a last night party with all group mates."



On the seventh day, the last day, we got to decide if we want to sleep more or eat more, we just have to assemble at 9.30 am. It is really sad to remember that it was the last day with all of our new found friends. Sometimes, I hope that there will be flight delay, or a ferry delay. Though all of us were sad, we still greeted each other with a smile. After assembling, we went to catch the morning ferry back to Hong Kong. We were rather early, thus we had to stay for a few hours in the airport. We checked in our luggage and we started moving into the airport for lunch. It was the first time I got to eat fast food thoughout the whole Hong Kong Trip, thus eating the food I miss Singapore a little. Though I still hoped the flight will delay.. as long as possible. But to my disappointment, everything was so smooth, we board the plane at 3 plus. On the plane, we talked to our friends and exchanged contact numbers. The flight seemed so short, we reached Singapore at 8 pm. It was really late so we had a very brief debrief and took a few last pictures before we waved goodbye to each other.

Though when the trip ended no one shed tears but I am very sure all of us will miss this trip. However despite the fact that this trip has ended, I believe the friendship between us will never end. All in all, this trip was still a fun and enriching trip which allowed me to learn a lot more about friendship, leadership, teamwork and of course gain deeper insight about how the Police Force in Hong Kong operates. I really enjoyed and appreciated this trip and I really hope I can take part in similar activities. Lastly, I would say I would really miss the trip!

- SGT (NPCC) Eunice Tan Wen Juan