Categories
Food Spy

A Taste of Nostalgia

TEXT: YASMEEN HAMEED-CHAN
PHOTOS: ANGELA GUO/SPH LIBRARY

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant

If the term “revolving restaurant” sends flashbacks of the ’80s your way, you might just have this Chinese eatery to thank for that. At Singapore’s last remaining revolving restaurant, kitschy details include redwood furnishing and Lazy Susan-topped tables.

WHERE: 201 Keppel Road, Singapore 099419

Islamic Restaurant

Singaporeans love their biryani, and debate abounds as to where the best is found. But this establishment holds a special place in many a biryani lover’s heart. Opened in 1921, its signature mutton dum biryani is among the best in the country.

WHERE: 745 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198713

Shashlik

Dishes don’t get any more retro than Borsch soup and Cherry Jubilee – and these are two of the highlights at this Russo-Hainanese restaurant. Enjoy these and many other classic dishes as they are rolled out on trolleys, very old school style!

WHERE: 545 Orchard Road, Singapore 238882

Ananda Bhavan

Anyone who knows his or her Indian breakfasts (and no, prata is not an Indian breakfast) will know of Ananda Bhavan and its made-to-order appams. It has been serving this and other classic Indian vegetarian fare since its establishment in 1924, making it the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore.

WHERE: 221 Selegie Road, Singapore 188340

Chin Mee Chin

You can’t help but get a shot of nostalgia when you step into this old-school coffee shop. Serving freshly made pastries and kaya toasts since the 1950s, this hugely popular eatery along East Coast Road often sees the pastries selling out fast.

WHERE: 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903

Categories
Shape Up

Fast and Furious (HIIT in 10mins)

TEXT: JARED LEE
ILLUSTRATIONS: ERNEST NG

EXERCISE 1

ROCKET JUMPS

Feet hip-width apart, legs bent in squat position.2 Jump explosively, lengthening body and arms into the air.3 Land softly, adjust your position and repeat.

EXERCISE 2

PUSH-UPS
Get in a push-up position with wrists directly under shoulders and feet slightly apart. Bend left arm to bring the forearm on the mat, followed by the right arm.2 Straighten your left arm, then right arm, to return to starting push-up position.3 Repeat, alternating starting arm.

EXERCISE 3

LATERAL LUNGE WITH TORSO TWIST

  1. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, chest up, arms extended in front.
  2. Bend right knee and sit back as if doing a squat, and turn your
    torso towards the right. Maintain upright chest and forward-facing hips as you do this.
  3. Repeat on left side.

EXERCISE 4

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

  1. Get in a push-up position with wrists directly under shoulders, legs straight
    and feet apart.
  2. Lift right foot and bring knee towards left shoulder.
  3. Return the leg to starting position, then bring the left leg towards the right shoulder.
  4. Alternate legs.

EXERCISE 5

BURPEES

  1. Drop into a squat with hands on the ground. Kick back legs into pushup position.
  2. Jump feet back towards arms to squat position and explosively
    jump up, with arms straightened overhead.

EXERCISE 6

JUMPING LUNGES

  1. Start in a lunge position with right foot in front and left foot behind, with your left knee around 2cm from the floor.
  2. Jump straight up out of the lunge, switch your legs in mid-air, and land softly on your toes.
  3. Keep your front knee at a 90-degree angle. Try not to let it go past your toes as you repeat the move.

TRAIN AT FITNESS WORKZ GYMS

Get in shape at our gyms with personal instructors to help you correct your form and challenge your fitness level.
For more information, email us at: fitness_workz@HomeTeamNS.sg or give us a ring at: 6705-9473.
Categories
On The Edge

On the Edge- Facts about F1

TEXT: YASMEEN HAMEED-CHAN
PHOTOS: 123RF.COM

Categories
In The Force

Real Stories from HomeTeam NSMen

TEXT: CHIA JIA LI
PHOTOS: FRONTLINERS/CHARMAINE TAN

Mark Wee’s story

Ground Response Force (GRF) officer Special Constabulary Sergeant (SC/SGT2) Marc Wee’s duties include responding to emergency calls and patrolling theneighbourhood to ensure the safety and security
of the community. Marc was initially full of doubts when he first started on his vocation as a GRF, but is now thankful for the opportunity, describing his National Service (NS) experience as an “important phase in life”.

NS taught me new life values and prepared me for my working life in the future. It was a good two-year break from the real world and gave me time to think my life through.

After serving for over a year as a police officer, he completed his NS on 9 March this year. With plans to further his education, he shared how his NS experience shaped him into a more independent and mature person.

“As an NPC officer, I encountered many cases involving life and death situations. It puts into perspective how precious life can be and made me appreciate those around me better. The greatest lesson for me is knowing what to do when I’m faced with similar cases to save the lives of others,” he said.

Salehan’s story

Having graduated from trainee life, Special Operations Command Special Constable Corporal (SC/CPL) Salehan was posted back to the School of Tactical Training, where he helps trainees during their
shooting module. For Salehan, who only managed just four pull-ups during his training at the Home Team Academy’s Police Basic Course, entering the Special Operations Command felt like a dream.

“My NS life was filled with both opportunities and challenges. I never expected to be in the Special Operations Command based on my interview results,” he said.

Drawing insight from his own NS experience, he has one main message to share with future enlistees.

Make the best out of whatever situation you are in, and improve yourself both mentally and physically. Seize the opportunity, because you will be learning life-long skills you will not be able to learn from the outside world.

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Categories
In The Force

Home Team Volunteers- Ordinary People with an Extraordinary Mission

Categories
Close Up

Baptism by Fire

TEXT: JAMES LEONG
PHOTOS: DARREN CHANG

Zhang Yousheng’s story

I was into my first month serving as a section commander at Jurong Fire Station when I was called to respond to a fire at Tuas. I saw huge pillars of smoke billowing in the distance. The fire was rapidly spreading and everything was unfolding so quickly. We needed to expeditiously formulate strategies to put out the fire and find new water sources to prevent further escalation, but the large scale of the fire only complicated things. I believe it is only when theoretical knowledge and operational experience come together that one can truly become fully prepared. But more than anything, it is the ability to stay calm that matters.

I am thankful to have my officers and seniors to guide me. I have a lot of admiration and respect for the SCDF because what we do as frontliners is crucial to protecting Singapore.

It’s tough and requires both mental and physical resilience, but it brings fulfilment when you know you’ve done your part to help others.

Mohammad Aidil’s story

I was a lance corporal serving my first year of National Service as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) when I received an early call from an expectant mother. Attending to her in the ambulance was surreal because her husband was closely watching her suffer labour pains, but also looking completely calm.When we finally arrived at the hospital, she gave birth on the stretcher before we could even transfer her to a proper bed. The entire experience was made more intense because she only spoke Vietnamese.

I learned from this experience that while my peers in the firefighting vocation help to save lives, assisting to bring a new life into the world is equally important too.

As an EMT, I help the paramedic assess and manage the patient while providing pre-hospital care en route to the hospital.

Categories
Club Buzz

The Last Hurrah

TEXT: JAMES LEONG

On Saturday, 22 July, Mr Desmond Lee, President of HomeTeamNS, and Mr Hoong Wee Teck, Commissioner of Police, hosted the Reunion @ Old Police Academy (OPA) for all SPF National Servicemen, retired and serving officers, and their families to recognise National Servicemen as part of the year-long NS50 celebrations. The OPA was the training ground of police officers from 1929 to 2005. A few Police National Servicemen decided to hold one last hurrah and a final walk down memory lane before six of its buildings give way to the construction of the Mount Pleasant MRT station.

To mark this special occasion, specially selected berets, nametags and a whistle, among other artefacts, were stored in a time capsule to be opened only in 2067. And guests were led on a heritage walk, which passed through several iconic areas of the OPA compound.

Other articles that you might like:

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Real stories from HomeTeamNS men
Categories
In The Force

Honouring Our Past- SCDF NS50 Heritage Trail

TEXT: CPT (NS) SHAHRUDIN BIN SALLEH, MRT SHELTER COMPANY COMMANDER

As a member of the organising committee for the SCDF NS50 Heritage Trail, “Honouring our Past”, I was honoured to be part of a team that created a platform for NSmen to reminisce upon their NS experiences.

On Friday, 28 April, following the opening address of the Organising Committee Chairman, COL (NS) Syed Abdul Malik Aljunied, the participants in their various groups visited the former training venues that were most memorable and nostalgic to them.

Walking down memory lane

The first group, which included NS recruits belonging to the earliest batches, visited the former Basic Rescue Training Centre. CPT (NS) Raja Kamarul, who was then the Commanding Officer of the Construction Battalion, shared experiences of the early days when food was being prepared by NS cooks. SWO Rafi regaled everyone with stories of stern commanders, who appeared strict in camp but were great comrades outside of the training.

Visiting Jurong Fire Station

Former trainees of the Jurong Fire Training Centre visited the premises, which is currently the Jurong Fire Station. CPTYusof, SWO Rosli, WO Hassan, SSG Azman and SSG Azmi shared interesting anecdotes of what the older batches of firefighters went through. The third group of participants visited the Civil Defence Academy, the training ground for the younger NS batches. MAJ (NS) Murali Nair shared his experiences when he was attached to the Operationally Ready National Service Unit, PUB Water Company. WO2 (Ret) Zainal and SWO Salleh shared stories of the collapse of the Lian Yak Building (better known as Hotel New World) in 1986, and rescue efforts that saved 17 people.

I relished the opportunity to be part of the committee to organise this event. It also helped me strengthen my commitment to work hand in hand with the SCDF regulars with the same purpose as inspired members of The Lifesaving Force.

Categories
Close Up

The Way We Were- Protecting Our Nation

TEXT: SOL E SOLOMON
PHOTOGRAPHY: FRENCHESCAR LIM
DIGITAL IMAGING: OKTO PIXEL

WALKIE-TALKIE

In the 1970s, traffic police officers used portable radio sets, which allowed staff in the traffic ops room to reach ground officers via a two-way network. This feature could be activated one-to-one or broadcast as a message to many on a talk group, but the network was not encrypted and, thus, not secure. It has since been replaced by a digital-based encrypted system, which provides a secure network for all communications.

WOODEN BATON

The weapon’s design was based on the principle of using “minimum force”, but it was also a symbol of peacekeeping and honour. The baton was used in defence to subdue a target without causing undue hurt, and featured in ceremonial salutes and drills in the 1950s. In 2001, the wooden baton was replaced by a retractable T-baton with an extendable side handle that made it less bulky and more versatile.

POLICE PEAKED CAP

Policemen wore this since 1969 but it felt bulky and stiff. In 1999, enhancements were introduced to make it waterproof and softer to the touch. A reflective side strip was also added to increase a policeman’s visibility at night. The peaked cap remains part of the police uniform and continues to be worn mainly during formal occasions.

WHISTLE WITH CHAIN

Since the early days of policing, the tubular-shaped metal whistle has been used by officers to draw attention to a crime or call for back-up. Better communication technologies have since made whistles lessuseful and they were phased out in 2002.

Categories
Club Buzz

NSMEN HOMECOMING- Rekindling Bonds

TEXT: JAMES LEONG

As part of the year-long NS50 celebrations, Mr Desmond Lee, President of HomeTeamNS and Second Minister for Home Affairs, announced the launch of HomeTeamNS Alumni Connect. Dubbed Singapore’s first National Service (NS) social broker, the Alumni Connect programme is the first of its kind in Singapore to forge alumni communities and strengthen the affiliation between NSmen and the Home Team family. Alumni Connect will provide secretariat services via the HomeTeamNS50 mobile app, and assist to re-connect NSmen with their fellow comrades from the same training batch or division. The app also serves as a one-stop shop for the Home Team NS community to access other NS50 activities, announcements and recognition packages.

Launched in conjunction with the exclusive premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming on 2 July to almost 1,000 HomeTeamNS members and their families, it was announced that Alumni Connect aims to build a network of 65 NS Alumni groups in the next two years. The feedback gathered from these groups will be used to plan future NSmen activities and clubhouses.

Other events NSmen can look forward to include NS50 editions of its signature sports events, including REAL Run and REAL Swim, more movie premieres, food festivals, free car rental and reunions at the Old Police Academy.