Hero banner for Marching Towards a Resilient Future: SCDF Parade 2026 and SIDEX-ACDR 2026 with FiSAC
The SCDF Ready Week 2026 was held from 28 to 30 October 2026, starting with the opening of Singapore-International Disaster and Emergency Management Expo – Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (SIDEX-ACDR) 2026 and the Fire Safety Asia Conference (FiSAC).
A highlight of the SCDF Ready Week was the SCDF Parade.
More than 600 participants took part in the SCDF Parade, which featured two Guard of Honour contingents formed by HQ SCDF and 3rd SCDF Division, a Flag Party representing the various SCDF units, and nine marching contingents.
The marching contingents comprised participants from the SCDF Land Divisions, SCDF Marine Division, the Civil Defence Academy, Operationally Ready National Servicemen from 21 Rescue Unit, the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps, Civil Defence Lionhearter Club, and Community First Responders.
The parade not only reaffirms the dedication of all SCDF officers to the lifesaving mission, but also recognises strategic partners, community partners and volunteers who have played a part in supporting this mission.
Leading this year’s parade was LTC Alex Chan Yong Ren, Senior Assistant Director (Plans and Policy) from the Logistics Department in HQ SCDF.
An unexpected encounter inspired LTC Alex Chan Yong Ren to embark on a career with the SCDF. PHOTO: SCDF
A chance encounter that led to a career with the SCDF
"Interestingly, joining SCDF was not something I had planned for," LTC Alex shared.
One evening, while walking home after his part-time job, he came across SCDF firefighters extricating a casualty trapped in a car wreckage.
"While watching them in action, I thought to myself, 'This is meaningful work. This is something I would like to be part of’," he recalled. “That moment stayed with me and inspired me to find out more about SCDF and eventually join as a Section Commander at Sengkang Fire Station.”
“21 years later, I am still here, and looking back, I would say that one chance encounter changed the course of my life,” he reflected.
Leading the Parade
For LTC Alex, being appointed as Parade Commander for the SCDF Parade was both an honour and a responsibility.
“When I was first told that I would be the Parade Commander, I felt very honoured, but at the same time, I also felt the weight of the responsibility of leading fellow officers on such an important occasion for SCDF. Thinking back on those who have taken on this role before me, I appreciate the trust that has been placed in me,” he said.
To him, the parade represents more than the drills on the parade ground. It reflects the values that underpin SCDF's work – discipline, teamwork, resilience and commitment.
Mr Goh Pei Ming, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development (centre) reviewing the Guard of Honour contingents at the SCDF Parade 2026. PHOTO: SCDF
“When you watch the parade, everything looks coordinated and precise. But behind those few minutes of precision are many hours of rehearsals, refinements, sweat, and people constantly helping one another to improve,” he shared. “This is similar to what we do in SCDF. No matter what role we are in, we depend on and support one another as a team.”
Having trained with the contingents through the rehearsals and up to the actual parade, LTC Alex also witnessed the effort that went into SCDF’s special day.
“There were days when the weather was not so kind, but we still had to practise to get drill sequences right,” he said. “There were serious moments when we needed to maintain discipline and focus, but there were also light-hearted moments in between rehearsals when we shared a laugh, checked on one another and helped others improve their drills.”
“For me, these moments demonstrate what camaraderie really means. We may come from different units and have different responsibilities, but on the parade ground, we are one SCDF working towards the same objective,” he added.
“As Parade Commander, I probably have one of the best views of the parade, and when I look across the parade ground and see everyone giving their best, there is a sense of pride,” he added. “This is what makes the parade meaningful. All our hard work and commitment over months have come together for a memorable parade.”
Officers from the various SCDF units formed the Flag Party for the parade. PHOTO: SCDF
The Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band from Swiss Cottage Secondary School supported the SCDF Parade. PHOTO: SCDF
The parade also recognised the exemplary performance and contributions of SCDF officers, partners and volunteers, with 53 awards presented during the event.
(From left) COL Ellena Quek, Commander, 3rd SCDF Division, receiving the award for the Best SCDF Division; The Singapore Heart Foundation, represented by its CEO, Mr Geoffrey Ong, was one of the recipients of the Strategic Partner Award; and the Certificate of Appreciation was presented to SLTC Mohd Nizam Bin Yahya, Commandant, Singapore National Cadet Corps, for their support at the SCDF Parade. PHOTO: SCDF
Reflecting on the experience, LTC Alex expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in the Parade.
“To everyone involved in the parade, I would like to say thank you. I know how much time and effort everyone has put in, on top of your daily duties and commitments. There were long rehearsals and probably some challenging mornings afterwards, but everyone continued to give their best. As Parade Commander, I am genuinely grateful for that. Whatever we achieve on the actual day is a collective effort that belongs to all of us,” he said.
“I also hope the parade has given members of the public a glimpse of the pride that SCDF officers take in our lifesaving mission. We will always give our best when Singapore needs us,” he added.
Knowledge exchange and partnerships in disaster management and emergency response
Apart from the SCDF Parade, SIDEX-ACDR 2026, held in conjunction with FiSAC, also offered a platform to explore the future of emergency preparedness and response.
Themed “Disaster Resilient Futures: Leadership, Solidarity, Preparedness”, the event brought together leaders and practitioners in fire safety, disaster management and emergency response organisations.
(From left) Mr Leow Chew Hong, Deputy CEO, COSEM; Mr Masamichi Hayashi, Deputy Minister, Cabinet Office of Japan; Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs, COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF; Mr Markham Shaw, Chairman, NFEC, at the opening ceremony for SIDEX-ACDR 2026, in conjunction with FiSAC. PHOTO: SCDF
The event was organised by COSEM Safety & Security Services Pte Ltd in partnership with the Asian Disaster Reduction Center and the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council, with SCDF as the strategic partner.
Through conferences, workshops and an exhibition, SIDEX-ACDR 2026 served as a platform for knowledge exchange, capability showcases and partnerships.
103 exhibitors from eight countries showcased the latest technologies, products and services in disaster management, emergency response and fire safety.
Introducing SCDF’s Vehicle Extrication Robot
SCDF's Vehicle Extrication Robot (VXR) was also launched on the opening day of SIDEX-ACDR 2026. The VXR is the latest addition to SCDF’s fleet of unmanned capabilities. After the extinguishment of an Electric Vehicle (EV) fire, the VXR can be used remotely to relocate the affected vehicle to a safe area.
As EV batteries may reignite even after the fire, the remotely operated VXR will ensure the safety of emergency responders. The VXR is also equipped with an integrated water mist system to protect it from radiant heat during fires.
SCDF's VXR was launched by Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs, and COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, on 28 October 2026. PHOTO: SCDF
Visitors of SIDEX-ACDR were able to learn more about the capabilities of the VXR, alongside the numerous exhibits. PHOTO: SCDF
The remotely operated VXR can relocate an affected vehicle to a safe area, ensuring the safety of SCDF emergency responders. PHOTO: SCDF
The VXR has commenced operational trials at Punggol Fire Station. An additional unit will be deployed at Kallang Fire Station by early 2027, as SCDF continues to strengthen its capabilities to meet evolving challenges in emergency response.
Watch the video showcasing the operational capabilities of VXR.
From recognising the contributions of emergency responders and community partners, to exploring new technologies in emergency response, the SCDF Ready week had broken new ground in elevating emergency response and disaster management for the region.
Ultimately, while equipment and capabilities will continue to evolve, it is the people behind them who remain at the heart of SCDF's lifesaving mission.