Some members are Carabinieri in congedo. Others are family, friends and supporters. What connects us is the wish to build a useful, welcoming community in Singapore.
A brief history of the ANC
The Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri began in Milan on 1 March 1886 as a mutual-aid society for Carabinieri in congedo. Its first aims were practical: help for members who were ill or out of work, and remembrance of those who had died.
On 25 June 1926 the mutual-aid societies that had grown across Italy came together as the Federazione Nazionale del Carabiniere Reale, recognised as a moral body (ente morale) in 1928. It became the Associazione Nazionale dei Carabinieri in congedo in 1935 and took its present name, Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri, with the statute of 1956.
Today the ANC brings together Carabinieri in service and in congedo, their families and supporters, in sections across Italy and abroad. Its purposes include camaraderie, keeping the memory and traditions of the Arma alive, volunteering, and moral, cultural and recreational support for members and their families. ANC Singapore is affiliated to the ANC in Rome.
Sources: Arma dei Carabinieri: ANC, la storia · Arma dei Carabinieri: ANC, scopi e attività
The ANC today
The ANC is a non-profit association built on mutual aid. It sees itself as one large family: Carabinieri in service and in congedo, their families, and everyone who shares a bond with the community and with Italy.
Its National Presidency is in Rome, in via Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, alongside ONAOMAC, the national charity for the orphans of the Carabinieri. The Commander General of the Carabinieri is the ANC’s Honorary President. Regional inspectors coordinate the sections across Italy, and a coordinator follows the sections abroad.
Sections abroad bring together Carabinieri in congedo and friends of the Arma in Australia, the Benelux countries, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Sections from all over the world meet at the ANC’s national rally, the Raduno Nazionale. The ANC is also the keeper of the Medagliere, the banner that carries the decorations awarded to the Arma.
Our mission
The mission of the ANC is to foster mutual aid and support between members, building a network based on solidarity, participation and care for people. It keeps members close, offers moral and social support in difficult moments, strengthens the sense of community and belonging, and encourages an active, responsible part in the life of the association. Through mutual aid, the ANC stays with its members over time, in Italy and abroad.
Our values
- Friendship and solidarity
- We look out for one another, especially far from home.
- Remembrance
- We honour the people and dates that shaped the Carabinieri, starting with Vittorio Iacovacci.
- Service
- We put the spirit of service into everyday community life.
- Respect
- We welcome people of every background, faith and nationality.
- Culture
- We share Italian history and traditions, and learn from Singapore.
Our principles
- Civilian: the section is not part of the Carabinieri and has no operational, security or emergency role.
- Non-political: no political or trade-union activity, and no foreign causes or politics brought into Singapore.
- Open: anyone who shares the section’s purposes can take part as an Associate member.
- Transparent: governed by the constitution filed with the Registrar of Societies, and by its members in General Meeting.
- Responsible: no public fundraising without the licence required by law.
Why Singapore, and why Asia
Distance changes how communities stay close. The section creates reasons to meet, people to call, and a place where shared history becomes active rather than nostalgic.
ANC Singapore is the first ANC section in Asia. Singapore brings together people from many countries, including Italians who live and work across the region. The section gives Carabinieri in congedo, their families and friends in this part of the world a place to meet, remember and help one another, while respecting Singapore’s laws and its multiracial society.
ANC Singapore is the first ANC section in the world dedicated to Vittorio Iacovacci, and its plaque stands inside the Embassy of Italy in Singapore. The plaque also remembers Ambassador Luca Attanasio and their driver, Mustapha Milambo. We thank the Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, Dante Brandi, for welcoming our ceremonies and the plaque at the Embassy.
A dedication is a promise to keep a story alive.
What we are here to do
- Create friendship and solidarity among members and families.
- Hold cultural, educational and commemorative activities.
- Support members navigating life in Singapore.
- Collaborate with local and Italian cultural institutions.
A civilian association
ANC Singapore is a civilian, non-political and non-military association registered in Singapore. It has no operational, security or emergency role.