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The air was thick with anticipation. In the tense stillness before the horn sounded, SGT3 Muhammad Zayyani Bin Shamsuddin stood poised at the starting line with his eyes fixed on the towering structure in front of him. The cheers from the crowd faded into the background as he drew a steady breath and focused on the eight tasks awaiting him.
SGT3 Zayyani has been with SCDF for six years and has been a member of the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) for the past two years. This was his first time participating in the SGFPC Braveheart individual challenge. PHOTO: SCDF
This moment was a snapshot of the Singapore-Global Firefighters & Paramedics Challenge (SGFPC) 2025, held on 20 and 21 November 2025 at the Singapore Expo. The biennial event brings together emergency responders from Singapore and around the world, as well as community partners, to compete in scenario-based challenges that test their skills in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical response.
As the horn blared, SGT3 Zayyani and his competitors sprinted forward, marking the start of the Braveheart challenge. Being the SGFPC’s flagship individual challenge, it is the ultimate test of the participants’ strength, agility, skills, and endurance.
SGT3 Zayyani sprinted forward with the triple extension ladder after donning the breathing apparatus, marking the start of the Braveheart challenge. PHOTO: SCDF
This was SGT3 Zayyani’s first time participating in the Braveheart challenge. “To me, Braveheart represents perseverance, strength and endurance,” he shared. “Seeing previous champions, especially WO1 Md Naufal Bin Azlin (2023), inspired me to take on this challenge. He trained me for Braveheart, and his dedication as a trainer motivated me to do my best.”
SGT3 Zayyani’s preparations began about three months before SGFPC 2025. After completing three selection rounds within SCDF, he started training daily for three weeks to build his endurance and strength for the Braveheart circuit.
“Training was challenging, but necessary. Each session reminded me that I needed to keep improving and push myself beyond my physical and mental limits,” he said.
SGT3 Zayyani rappelled down with the “casualty” to ground level. PHOTO: SCDF
On the day of the Braveheart Challenge, SGT3 Zayyani focused on executing each task with composure. “Before the competition, I visualised each task in my mind and how I would execute it smoothly,” he explained. “I also thought of my colleagues and family who supported me throughout this journey, which kept me focused.”
In the final stretch of the Braveheart Challenge, SGT3 Zayyani (back) and Le Van Dung (front) from the Vietnam Police Department of Fire and Rescue were neck-and-neck as they traversed down a manila hemp rope. PHOTO: SCDF
SGT3 Zayyani noted that this year’s competitors were exceptionally fast and strong. Midway through the circuit, SGT3 Zayyani found himself neck-and-neck with another participant, which ignited the competitive fire within him.
“It was exhilarating and yet humbling to see someone pushing me so hard when I was already giving my all. This motivated me to ramp up the intensity in the final stretch,” he said.
With the finish line in sight and both participants still nail-bitingly close, the crowd watched in anticipation as they surged towards the finish line.
SGT3 Zayyani giving his all to win the Braveheart challenge. PHOTO: SCDF
Carrying the “casualty”, SGT3 Zayyani sprinted the last few metres and struck the finishing bell with a resounding clang.
The timer flashed: 4 minutes and 58 seconds.
He had not only secured his victory but also broken the previous record of 5 minutes and 15 seconds set by his mentor, WO1 Naufal, in 2023. “He was very happy that I managed to achieve this timing,” SGT3 Zayyani said with a proud smile. “His guidance from the start really meant a lot to me.”
COMR Eric Yap (right), Commissioner SCDF, presenting the Braveheart Challenge trophy to SGT3 Zayyani. PHOTO: SCDF
Rescuers from around the world came together to participate in scenario-based challenges, fostering a close bond with each other. PHOTO: SCDF
At the end of the competition, amid muscle fatigue and rasping breaths, the participants hugged each other, knowing that they were all winners for completing this daunting challenge. “The circuit was challenging for everyone, and we knew how close the timings were. There was a sense of mutual respect knowing that all of us gave our best,” SGT3 Zayyani said.
SCDF Parade
The SCDF Parade, which was held on the same day as the SGFPC finals, was also a highlight of the SCDF Ready Week. 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.
About 650 participants took part in this year’s parade, led by LTC Muhammad Shafi’ Bin Rafie, Head Community Engagement, 3rd SCDF Division.
A shared moment of pride as everyone came together to reaffirm their dedication to the lifesaving mission at the SCDF Parade. PHOTO: SCDF
The parade was led by LTC Muhammad Shafi’ Bin Rafie, who has been in SCDF for 12 years. PHOTO: SCDF
The parade comprised 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 comprising the SCDF 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 National Civil Defence Cadet Corps marching contingent. PHOTO: SCDF
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 reaffirms our dedication to SCDF’s lifesaving mission and is an opportunity to showcase the pride and discipline that define SCDF,” LTC Shafi’ said. “These values guide us in carrying out our lifesaving mission, both in Singapore and when working alongside our international counterparts.”
He added that seeing the contingent members grow in confidence during the rehearsals was especially meaningful.
“Over the weeks of preparation for the SCDF Parade, I have seen how the contingent members became more confident and poised with each rehearsal. It has been a fulfilling journey with colleagues and friends, and a proud moment to see everyone come together and give our best at the SCDF Parade,” LTC Shafi’ said with a smile.
SIDEX
Held in conjunction with SGFPC 2025, the inaugural Singapore-International Disaster and Emergency Management Expo (SIDEX) took place from 19 to 21 November 2025 at the Singapore Expo.
The SCDF booth at SIDEX showcased its advancements in firefighting, urban search and rescue, and emergency medical services. PHOTO: SCDF
SIDEX marked Singapore’s first global platform dedicated to emergency response and disaster management. It was organised by COSEM Safety & Security Services Pte Ltd and supported by the SCDF.
Themed “Ready Today, Resilient Tomorrow”, SIDEX sought to advance disaster preparedness and resilience, and strengthen emergency response capabilities and safety for emergency responders globally.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Home Affairs, was the Guest of Honour for the SIDEX opening ceremony. During the event, he also officiated the launch of SCDF’s Transformation Commemorative Book and SCDF’s Amphibious Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle.
SCDF’s Transformation Commemorative Book
SMS Faishal (left) and COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, launched SCDF’s Transformation Commemorative Book at SIDEX on 19 November 2025. PHOTO: SCDF
Two decades ago, the SCDF published “In Safe Hands” to chronicle SCDF’s formative years from 1989 to 2000. This commemorative book, “Transforming Through The Years: Building A Nation Of Lifesavers”, continues that journey, capturing SCDF’s transformation journey since early 2000. It highlights technological advancements, operational innovations, and community preparedness initiatives that have strengthened SCDF’s emergency response capabilities.
SCDF’s commemorative books on the 35 years of Operation Lionheart (left) and SCDF’s Transformation were displayed at SIDEX for public reading. PHOTO: SCDF
SCDF’s Amphibious Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle
SMS Faishal (left) and COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, launched SCDF’s new Amphibious Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle at SIDEX on 19 November 2025. PHOTO: SCDF
Jointly developed with HTX, the Amphibious Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle (AFRV) can operate on both land and inland water bodies such as reservoirs and lakes. The AFRV can conduct firefighting and surface search operations to rescue casualties from the water.
Watch the video showcasing the operational capabilities of the AFRV.
From breaking the record at SGFPC 2025 to marching in unison at the SCDF Parade and engaging global partners at SIDEX, these events showcased the professionalism, capability, and international standing of SCDF.
It also reflected something deeper - the pride that SCDF officers carry, the bonds they build across borders, and the shared commitment to protect and save lives and property.