Singapore Scouting marks 100 years

Singapore Scout Association (SSA) celebrates with pride the 100 years of Scouting in Singapore, adding another milestone to World Scouting on 4th December 2010 at the Sarimbun campsite.

SSA President Noel Hon, said in his speech, “This Jamboree demonstrates the international nature of the brotherhood of Scouts.” This is indeed true, as there are 14 countries participating in this Jamboree. Nearing the end of his speech, he added, “I hope you will deepen your friendship with one another over available social network channels.”

Mr Noel Hon also noted how SSA has changed over the past years, to meet the changing interests of youth and has introduced urban scouting for a rapidly changing world that technology driven while maintaining the same ideals and philosophies that have remained in line with the concepts laid down by the Founder Lord Baden Powell.

Commenting on the theme of this Jamboree, SSA Chief Commissioner Mr Tan Cheng Kiong mentioned that ‘Building Common Space’ was to encourage Scouts and friends alike to expand their physical, mental and emotional spaces.

Confetti rained at the arena as thousands of participants welcomed the arrival of Singapore President and SSA Chief Scout His Excellency S R Nathan at the opening of the 100th Anniversary Jamboree of the Singapore Scout Association/3rd ASEAN Jamboree. Notable guest who was with him was Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and Regional Scout Committee Chairman Jejomar C. Binay who was joined by First Vice-Chairman Mr Prakorb Mukura, Second Vice Chairman Dr Mukhyuddin bin Sarwani and Committee members Dr Azrul Azwar and Mr Nicholas Tang making this occasion the most high-level Committee delegation visiting a national event.

In addition, a number of Chief Commissioners and other senior colleagues from various NSOs, including the President of Brunei Scout Association Dato Idris also came at the opening ceremony. On this occasion, President Nathan was presented with gold centennial medal recognizing his contribution to Scouting.

Finally the time came for the official opening of the Jamboree. The crowd waited in excitement and expectancy as the Chief Scout declared open the Jamboree, pointing three fingers in the Scout Sign towards the fire pit, which burst into flames, burning strong and bright, signifying the start of the Jamboree, the start of an Adventure and the start of something new.

The camp, which will run until 9th December, was attended by some 3,000 participants from 15 countries including within and outside the Asia Pacific Region. This jamboree is the last of the five major events planned for the celebration of the Centenary year of Scouting in Singapore.

To see the updated info and photos of Jamb 100/3rd ASEAN Jamboree, visit the link below.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporescouts

Download Jamboree newsletters

SpaceJamb_Issue1_5Dec2010.pdf 1.25 MB

SpaceJamb_Issue2_6Dec2010.pdf 1.24 MB

SpaceJamb_Issue3_7Dec2010.pdf 1.61 MB

SpaceJamb_Issue4_8Dec2010.pdf 1.15 MB

SpaceJamb_Issue5_9dec2010.pdf 1.40 MB

Photo credit: Jacqueline Lau

Related sites
See also the link below to see the inaugural issue of SSA's magazine ' The Quartermaster' that also chronicles much of the Centenary celebrations.
http://www.scout.sg/media/magazine/

Image 1: © Mohd Hafiz Ariffin, Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia