At the Public Service STAR Games, fitness, competition and camaraderie go hand in hand. This year’s champions demonstrated that training hard and working together, whether for that crucial point or goal, were key to their success. The combination of physical preparation and mutual support drove them to excel in every event.

 

Public Service Volleyball Tournament (13 July 2024)

 

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) ended a 25-year championship drought by winning the Public Service Volleyball Tournament, with a historic double victory in the Men's and Women's categories. Held at Jurong West Sports Hall, 24 teams from 10 organisations participated, with CSC Executive Committee member Vincent Goh as Guest-of-Honour.

 

 

Team representative Mr Shaun Lim shared that the MINDEF team began training months in advance, focusing first on technical skills and later on team drills. “Our team managers arranged friendly matches, which helped us immerse in the competitive atmosphere and sharpen our skills,” said Mr Lim. 

 

 

Despite several team members having overseas work commitments immediately after the final, which prevented post-match celebrations, Lim expressed excitement for the future: “We’re planning to expand our courts and establish a better system to accommodate our growing numbers, including those interested in playing volleyball for leisure.”

 

 

RESULTS

 

Overall Positions
Champion: Ministry of Defence
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs
Third Place: Ministry of Education

 

Women’s Category
Champion: Ministry of Defence
Second Place: Ministry of Health
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs 
Fourth Place: Ministry of Education 

 

Men’s Category
Champion: Ministry of Defence 
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (3)
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (2)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Education

 

Public Service Squash Tournament (24 July 2024)

 

After years of being runners-up, the Ministry of Education (MOE) squash team triumphed, finally claiming the top spot. The tournament was held at Yio Chu Kang Squash Centre with CSC Executive Committee member Mr Roger Min Kuan as Guest-of-Honour.

 

Under the leadership of Captain Mr Bernard Khoo, the team won 3-2 in a closely contested final. Mr Khoo attributed their success to the blend of experienced players and youthful energy brought by newer, younger teammates. “Our under-30 player made a big difference. The competition has only gotten stronger over the years, and we’re actively looking for more young talent.”

 

 

The winners pooled the prize money and celebrated with a home-style barbecue, where their partners and other team members came together to mark the occasion. “Everyone’s invited to share in the celebration,” said Mr Khoo. 

 

 

RESULTS

 

Champion: Ministry of Education 
Second Place: Ministry of Defence 
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (2)

 

Public Service Archery Challenge (17 August 2024) 

 

For Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) newcomer Ms Kwan Cai Nan and her teammates, the Public Service Archery Challenge was an exciting first. Their only goal was to have fun, but their enthusiasm led them to victory. Held at Bedok Archery Range, the challenge saw 20 teams compete, with Archery Association of Singapore Vice President Chiang Chai Liang as Guest-of-Honour.

 

 

Training solo for two hours on Saturday, and sometimes on Sunday, Ms Kwan’s mental discipline paid off. In the intense final, they clinched victory with a one-arrow shoot-off. “Archery is a mental game. Trusting ourselves and the training process made the difference,” she said.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Champion: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (5)
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (6)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)

 

Public Service Golf Championship (26 to 28 August 2024)

The golf teams from Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) celebrated a triumphant return, reclaiming the championship title they narrowly lost the previous year. Held at Orchid Country Club, 32 teams from 15 organisations competed, with CSC Chairman of Games, Mr Tan Hock Leong as Guest-of-Honour.

 

Team representative Mr Yong Shao Chang said, “We were mission-focused on redeeming ourselves. Clinching the top two positions was just awesome!”

 

MINDEF golfers trained weekly at their own time and expense, distributing their talents evenly across the three tournament days to secure a consistent overall performance. “We hope younger golfers will join us, ensuring that MINDEF continues to be represented by the best talent,” said Mr Yong.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Champion: Ministry of Defence (1)
Second Place: Ministry of Defence (2)
Third Place: JTC Corporation (2)
Fourth Place: Housing and Development Board (2) 

 

Public Service 7-A-Side Football Tournament (31 August 2024)

 

Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) made history by clinching the 7-a-side football championship for the first time. Competing against 54 teams from 23 organisations at Premier Pitch @ Khalsa, the team’s mix of camaraderie and competitiveness carried them through. The tournament was presided by Guest-of-Honour Mr Azhar Yusof, CSC Executive Committee member. 

 

 

MTI Div I representative Mr Mauricio Lisboa Perez credited the success to their hard work during weekly training sessions, which began two months prior.

 

 

Despite challenges such as injuries and limited substitutes, the team maintained a high intensity, reaching the finals after a tough quarterfinal match that went into penalties. “I hope we establish ourselves as a competitive force in 7-a-side football, as well as other CSC tournaments like futsal and 11-a-side.” said Mr Perez.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Division I:
Champion: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (7)
Third Place: SP Group
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (9)  

 

Division II:
Champion: Ministry of Social and Family Development (2)
Second Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2)
Third Place: Ministry of Finance (1)
Fourth Place: Republic Polytechnic  

 

Public Service Darts Competition (31 August to 7 September 2024)

 

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) dominated this year’s Darts Competition, securing four podium finishes. After a successful showing in 2023, the MHA team worked hard to improve their game, attending bi-weekly practice sessions and post-match reviews.

 

 

A total of 22 teams from 10 organisations participated at this year’s competition held at the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) Club, with CSC Executive Committee Member Mr Brian Phua as Guest-of-Honour. 

 

Team representative Mr Edmund Neo said that maintaining mental sharpness through long waits between matches was challenging. “We tackled this by warming up and taking intermittent breaks to keep our performance at an optimal level. Competing alongside one another, we also cheer each other on,” he said.

 

The team is looking ahead to even bigger accomplishments next year “We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team,” added Mr Neo.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Champion: Ministry of Home Affairs (4)
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (5)
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (3)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (7)

 

Public Service Canoe Sprint Competition (3 August 2024)

 

Sport Singapore (SportSG) brought home the inaugural Canoe Sprint championship at the Water Sports Centre, Singapore Sports Hub. Led by many experienced dragon boaters, the team’s transition to canoe sprints brought a nostalgic sense of competition. “Most of us were kayakers first during our schooling or younger days, so it was nice to see the sport featured,” said team representative Dr Cheryl Tay.

 

 

The inaugural event saw 37 participants from 11 organisations, with Singapore Canoe Federation Vice President Ms Goh Wan Yee as Guest-of-Honour.

 

The SportSG team began training only a week before — after completing the dragon boat competition — but their collective effort earned them the championship title. “We didn’t win every race, but the points we contributed collectively got us the overall title,” said Dr Tay.

 

 

Looking ahead, the team is excited to build on this experience and encourage more participation in next year’s competition. “With greater awareness of Canoe Sprint as a featured sport in STAR Games, we believe the participation numbers will increase next year,” said Dr Tay.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Overall Placing
Champion: Sport Singapore
Second Place: Ministry of Education  
Third Place: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
Fourth Place: People’s Association  

 

Women’s Event:
Champion: Land Transport Authority
Second Place: Sport Singapore
Third Place: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
Fourth Place: Sport Singapore

 

Women’s Senior Event:
Champion: Sport Singapore
Second Place: Ministry of Education
Third Place: Sport Singapore
Fourth Place: Ministry of Health

 

Men’s Event:
Champion: Ministry of Education
Second Place: Ministry of Education
Third Place: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
Fourth Place: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

 

Men’s Senior Event:
Champion: Monetary Authority of Singapore
Second Place: Ministry of Health
Third Place: People’s Association
Fourth Place: Ministry of Education

 

Get ready to push your limits and be part of the action next season! Sign up here for the next Public Service STAR Games.