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Club Buzz

Happy birthday HomeTeamNS Khatib

Well-wishers came out in full force to celebrate HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse’s first anniversary.

TEXT: ADLINA ADAM

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

Singapore has come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic struck two years ago. With safe management measures relaxed, it marks the beginning of a new norm, as HomeTeamNS Khatib celebrated its first-year anniversary on 5 May 2022 with over 300 guests.

Members of the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors, Home Team NSmen volunteers and business partners were invited to commemorate the occasion. Gracing the anniversary launch dinner was Guest-of-Honour, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, and Chairman of HomeTeamNS Board of Governors. Mr K Shanmugam officiated the event alongside Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, and President of HomeTeamNS; Commissioner Eric Yap Wee Teck of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Vice President of HomeTeamNS; and Commissioner Hoong Wee Teck of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Vice President of HomeTeamNS.

MARKING A DIGITAL MILESTONE

While the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges, HomeTeamNS viewed this as an opportunity to implement efficient and sustainable solutions at its clubhouses. During the event, the efficient technologies and infrastructure that have enhanced members’ experiences, as well as better accommodated their safety and wellbeing at the clubhouses, were recognised. These included the new and improved HomeTeamNS Mobile App and the “Hey Irene” A.I. Chatbot.

VALUING OUR HOME TEAM NSMEN THROUGH A NEW GENERATION OF CLUBHOUSES

To show his appreciation for the valuable contributions of Home Team NSmen, Mr K Shanmugam highlighted the need for future clubhouses to be state-of-the-art, best in class and of the highest quality — like the HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse.  This would enhance a keen sense of pride among Home Team NSmen, given their valuable contributions.  “Since 1967, generations of NSmen have kept Singapore safe and secure. More than 290,000 NSmen have served in the Home Team to date and more than 52,000 NSmen remain active today, in SPF and SCDF,” he shared.

With the HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse being the first property under the Home Team Clubhouse Masterplan, it has indeed lived up to the expectations of many, despite opening during the pandemic. Since its soft launch in August 2020, Khatib clubhouse has welcomed about 1.4 million visitors.

A recent member satisfaction survey found that 85 per cent of respondents were highly satisfied with HomeTeamNS, of which 90 per cent of those staying in the North ranked their overall satisfaction at Level 5 or 6 out of a 6-point rating scale.

“Looking back today, everything is now history,” said COL (NS) Sim Meng San, Chairman, Executive Committee, HomeTeamNS Khatib. “I applaud the tenacity of HomeTeamNS to keep on pushing its boundaries against all odds, to seize every opportunity to shout out to our Home Team NSmen about their new Clubhouse, and to present best-in-class facilities despite challenging circumstances.”

“To all NSmen across the generations, thank you for your service, for your dedication, your commitment, and sacrifices. You have helped to make Singapore a safe and secure home for all who live here.”

Mr K Shanmugam
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law
Chairman of the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors

HomeTeamNS invites you to be part of our celebration! Till 30 June 2022, head to the HomeTeamNS Khatib’s ManCaves to enjoy an immersive story of Khatib Clubhouse — from a projection wall to an Augmented Reality (AR) sliding display that captures the clubhouse’s defining moments in transforming its architectural vision to reality. Entry to the showcase is free and is open to HomeTeamNS members and the public.

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Club Buzz

First anniversary deals at HomeTeamNS Khatib

It’s HomeTeamNS Khatib Clubhouse’s 1st birthday – and you get to celebrate with great promotions on food, entertainment and education.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

Opened in April 2021, HomeTeamNS Khatib – known as Singapore’s first Smart Clubhouse – was a hit from the beginning. Home to unique facilities such as Singapore’s largest indoor adventure hub, Adventure HQ, the only Peranakan-themed children’s indoor playground, T-Play, and Singapore’s first player-versus-player airsoft arena, TactSim, Khatib Clubhouse has proved to be popular with HomeTeamNS members and their family members of all ages.

Come celebrate the clubhouse’s first anniversary with a hotpot lunch buffet, Hari Raya set meal or karaoke session during the month of May and June. (Singing “Happy Birthday” isn’t mandatory, but feel free to do so!)

CELEBRATE HARI RAYA WITH A THAI TWIST

Let the feasting continue with 10 per cent off Hari Raya sets at halal-certified Siam Kitchen, where you can get your fix of Thai specialties like steamed seabass with chili and lime, spring onion omelette, green curry and spicy seafood salad with glass noodles.

The discount is valid only from Mondays to Fridays until 31 May, and HomeTeamNS members must present their digital membership card upon payment at the counter. Check the calendar before you go, as the discount is not valid on public holidays, special occasions like Mother’s Day and the eves of these dates. Note that you can’t use this discount in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, offers or credit/debit card privileges.

STEAM IT UP WITH A HOTPOT BUFFET

If you’re in the mood for soup, check out Suki-Suki Thai Hotpot’s 2-for-2 deal on their regular lunch buffet, featuring a variety of tom yum, chicken and khao soi (coconut curry) bases for you to savour over the 80 minute-long dine-in duration.

Available from Mondays to Fridays until 31 May, this promotion is valid for HomeTeamNS members who present their digital membership cards at payment and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, offers or credit/debit card privileges. The promotion is not available on public holidays, special occasions like Mother’s Day and the eves of these dates.

HELP LITTLE ONES TO READ CONFIDENTLY

If your little one needs help with reading in English, established literacy enrichment centre I Can Read is offering HomeTeamNS members 10 per cent off term fees and a complimentary stationery set until 31 May 2022.

Through their courses, your child will not only improve in English, but also learn to enjoy a good book. To sign up, present your HomeTeamNS digital membership card. Do note that this deal is not valid with any other discounts or promotions.

GO JAPANESE

Craving Japanese food, but can’t make it to Tokyo just yet? Head down to Fuji Izakaya Bar, where HomeTeamNS members enjoy an extra 5 per cent off their existing discount for a total of 15 per cent off the bill until 30 June. Enjoy a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes alongside an award-winning Izumofuji Daiginjo sake or a Yukari-flavoured (red shiso) cocktail.

Do note that this promotion cannot be used alongside any other discounts or promotion, and that you’ll need to present your HomeTeamNS digital membership card upon payment at the counter.

HAVE A SWEET TREAT WITH YOUR SEAFOOD

Known for being the first to serve live lobster porridge, Orchid Live Seafood is a family-friendly dining destination that boasts signature dishes like chili mud crabs, steamed live soon hock fish, cream cheese Boston lobster and the intriguingly named Steven chicken, made from a 20-year-old secret recipe.

From now until 30 June, HomeTeamNS members who present their HomeTeamNS digital membership cards upon ordering will receive a free dish of fried buns with condensed milk – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

SING YOUR HEART OUT

After two years of abstaining from group karaoke sing-alongs, it’s time to celebrate Khatib Clubhouse’s first anniversary and more, by rounding up your buddies for 20 per cent off Jewel Music Box’s karaoke sessions and alcohol menu.

This year-round discount is exclusive to HomeTeamNS members only, so be sure to present your HomeTeamNS digital membership card at the counter before belting out your favourite tunes.

HAVE A FUN START TO PRESCHOOL

Have a child who’s eager to learn and make friends? Enrol them in Safari House Preschool and enjoy a registration fee waiver worth S$128.40, as well as two complimentary sets of uniform.

Newly enrolled students must start class by 1 July 2022, and this registration promotion is valid until 30 June 2022, and for new enrolments only. HomeTeamNS members should present their HomeTeamNS digital membership cards upon registration.

EXPERIENCE KHATIB CLUBHOUSE

Get interactive with the story of Khatib Clubhouse, through an experiential showcase titled “Experience Khatib” that runs from now until 30 June 2022, 10am to 8pm at HomeTeamNS Khatib’s ManCave A on Level 5. Entry is free for both HomeTeamNS members and the public.

Check out the innovative multimedia installations, projection wall and Augmented Reality (AR) sliding display, which captures the defining moments in the clubhouse’s journey from architectural vision to award-winning reality. Don’t forget to head over to the Virtual Photobooth to stand a chance to win HomeTeamNS vouchers.

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Club Buzz

Here’s why HomeTeamNS Khatib had an awesome first year

Khatib Clubhouse turns one! We look back at an exciting year filled with many firsts and unforgettable memories.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS

Opened progressively from August 2020, Khatib Clubhouse is home to popular, one-of-a-kind facilities like Adventure HQ, TactSim and T-Play. It also hosted events ranging from cultural festivals to seasonal charity drives.

Despite the initial challenges posed by COVID-19, Khatib Clubhouse has welcomed over 1.4 million visitors since its soft launch and collected numerous accolades, such as Parent’s World Best of the Best Family Friend Products and Service, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA)’s Green Mark Platinum Award in 2020 and BCA Design & Engineering Safety Merit Award 2021, as well as an Honourable Mention in Architectural Design/Recreational Architecture at the Architecture MasterPrize 2021.

Most notably, the clubhouse clinched the Second Award in the Sports & Recreation (Built) category at the Rethinking The Future Awards 2021 for its state-of-the-art design. This reaffirmed the effort and hard work that was put into interpreting the qualities of Home – security, warmth and trust – and reflecting the emotions and stories of Home Team NSmen in the medium of architecture. 

Said Ms Claire Gan, Senior Manager of the Khatib Clubhouse, “The Clubhouse became operational during a very challenging phase of COVID-19. Within these two years, every milestone was celebrated – the increase of the capacity for the facilities, the rise in group sizes for social gatherings, dining-in at our tenanted facilities, and resuming physical events. Each milestone was important to us, as it meant that more members and patrons could experience the clubhouse and its offerings.”

She added: “I hope that all our HomeTeamNS members experience Khatib Clubhouse with their families, NS buddies and friends. HomeTeamNS Khatib was built for our members. I believe that they are so proud of this Clubhouse, and I hope it becomes their recreational club-of-choice.”

Here’s a look back at some of Khatib Clubhouse’s fun-filled events, as well as reasons why you should check out this award-winning Clubhouse.

1. ROCK CLIMBING WALLS DESIGNED BY A HOME TEAM NSMAN

Khatib Clubhouse houses Adventure HQ, the first and largest multi-installation indoor playground in Singapore. With an area of 2,800 sqm and rising four storeys in height, Adventure HQ was launched in September 2020 at an event graced by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, President of HomeTeamNS.

Its list of exciting features includes Singapore’s longest indoor slide, the first-ever indoor roll glider, a 165m-long artificial indoor cave and the nation’s largest double-tiered indoor challenge ropes course, all of which are designed for cohesion-bonding and team-building activities, as well as simple recreation.

For Home Team NSmen, Adventure HQ even has a personal touch – its climbing walls were curated by CPL (NS) Mohammad Shahril Bin Selamat, a professional artist who painted murals on nine customised Urban Climb Walls.

Despite being recently opened, Adventure HQ scored a coveted accolade: Parents World gave it an award in the ‘Best of the Best Family-Friendly Products and Services for 2020/21’ category, acknowledging it to be one of the best family brands in Singapore.

2. TACTSIM LETS YOU PLAY FIRST-PERSON SHOOTERS – IN REAL LIFE

Ever wanted to “battle” your friends in real life? Singapore’s first indoor Player-versus-Player Airsoft facility, TactSim, aims to provide a safe and realistic training environment for NSmen to experience combat.

Launched in November 2020, TactSim is a popular venue for team-building and recreational exercises that develop camaraderie and leadership skills, through cultivating teamwork, honesty and communication.

This world-class sporting destination was also specially created by NSmen for their fellow Home Team members. Said Ms Agnes Eu, the Chief Executive of HomeTeamNS: “TactSim was conceptualised through the valuable and expert advice of a team of passionate NSmen, who are determined to put in place a best-in-class facility for their fellow NSmen.”

3. IT HAS SINGAPORE’S ONLY PERANAKAN-THEMED INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Playtime comes with a side of heritage at T-Play Khatib, which was opened in December 2020. The Peranakan-themed indoor playground was created in partnership with The Intan, an award-winning local Peranakan Home Museum. This ongoing partnership includes Peranakan-themed events and activities like the annual Peranakan Festival at Khatib Clubhouse, giving visitors more to look forward to on festive occasions and holidays.

To engage little ones and hone their development, sense of direction and coordination, T-Play combines traditional children’s favourites like a ball pit and interactive trampoline with newer features like a climbing slide tunnel, sports pitch, foam ball shooting arena and ninja course.

These fun attractions are decked out in the bright colours and designs associated with Peranakan culture, in celebration of the pioneering spirit of Singapore’s original Babas and Nyonyas. Proving its popularity, T-Play was given Parents World’s ‘Best of the Best Family-Friendly Products and Services 2020/21’ award for the second time.

4. YOU CAN SWIM AND GET FIT

Khatib Clubhouse is home to a Fitness Workz Premium gym, which has amenities designed to make your gym experience live up to the “premium” tag. These include smart electronic lockers, steam rooms and in-house fitness classes, so you can pick up tips on how to make the most of training machines like the chest press and lat pull-down.

Cool off afterwards in the eight-lane pool, equipped with eco-filtration technology that improves water quality while reducing chlorine usage – no more burning eyes when you dive in.

5. WHEN COVID-19 STRUCK, KHATIB CLUBHOUSE IMPROVISED AND ADAPTED QUICKLY

Planning for the much-anticipated Culture Shiok festival was already underway when Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) was announced, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Instead of cancelling the event, Khatib Clubhouse showcased its versatility by taking the event online.

HomeTeamNS members and their families logged on to join Facebook Live gameshows, attend exclusive online craft workshops, and learn more about the famous dishes of the four featured cultures – Malay, Peranakan, Indian and Chinese – across four weekends. Proof that you don’t need to leave home to explore Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.

6. KHATIB CLUBHOUSE OFFERS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

October 2021 saw Khatib Clubhouse decked out in spooky decorations for Halloween, which served as a great opportunity to relish scares and thrills for many HomeTeamNS members and their families.

Highlights included the 5 Stories of Horror, which saw participants solving mysteries by carrying out tasks in pairs with the help of a survival guide, and CarnEVIL, which featured game booths where participants could try their luck and win prizes and popcorn.

On this occasion, children got to go trick-or-treating with the clubhouse mascots and join their parents in strutting down the EVIL Runway in costumes. They also got to take part in the Terrorfic Hunt, a digital scavenger hunt that saw them working with their parents to search for hidden clues and messages across all five storeys of Khatib Clubhouse – a fun family boo-nding exercise to remember.

7. KHATIB CLUBHOUSE SHOWED HOW MUCH ITS MEMBERS CARED DURING CHRISTMAS

December is the season of giving – and in December 2021, Khatib Clubhouse provided some festive joy to the less-fortunate by getting 123 members and guests to contribute care packs and play passes. The care packs contained groceries and toiletries, while the play passes provided admission to T-Play and Adventure HQ.

Beneficiaries included the Tak Takut Kids Club by 3 Pumpkins, a community space for children, and the Sunshine Welfare Action Mission Home, a voluntary welfare organisation providing integrated nursing home care services to the elderly.

Members and guests who had contributed the care packs and play passes were invited to a Christmas carnival at Khatib Clubhouse, featuring a bouncy castle, games and a Merry Bag with a voucher for gelato at Jewel Café.

By putting a smile on both givers’ and beneficiaries’ faces, Khatib Clubhouse enabled its members and guests to feel good while doing good.

Missed out on the official opening of HomeTeamNS Khatib? Look back at the unveiling of Singapore’s first smart clubhouse.

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On The Edge

5 things you probably didn’t know about artificial intelligence

For starters, artificial intelligence is already a big part of your life – and it’ll become even more important in the future.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

We tend to think of artificial intelligence (AI) as hailing from the futuristic realm of science fiction – but chances are, AI is already a part of your daily routine.

For example, if you’ve ever approached HomeTeamNS’ chatbot, Hey Irene, on the HomeTeamNS Mobile App or website for help with your HomeTeamNS membership, you’ve successfully interacted with AI. In fact, just unlocking your phone using facial recognition software entails using AI as well. Checking for traffic jams on your way to work using Google Maps? You guessed it – also powered by AI.

In its most basic form, AI combines computer science and high-quality data to solve problems. There are two main types of AI: Weak or narrow AI and strong AI.

The former is most common, as it’s used to perform specific tasks like recognising your face or crunching data to generate insights. Researchers are working towards strong AI which is also known as general AI. This involves a machine with the same level of intelligence and self-awareness as a human being – think Blade Runner, or the androids in Westworld.

While we still have some ways to go before we achieve computer sentience, here are five things you probably didn’t know about AI, and its growing impact on our lives.

1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS ALWAYS IMPROVING ITSELF – WITH YOUR HELP

Every time you ask a chatbot – like HomeTeamNS’ AI Chatbot 2.0 – for help, you’re helping it in return. Unveiled in December 2021, HomeTeamNS’ AI Chatbot 2.0 on the website, mobile application and Facebook page was developed with data analytics, which was launched in December 2020.

AI Chatbot 2.0 aims to achieve an intuitive chatbot experience. Queries are successfully answered, without users having to ask the same question in different ways until the AI recognises what they’re looking for.

To do this, useful chat analytics break down the Chatbot’s performance into categories including “type of enquiries received” and “number of clicks” for each main menu item. This enables staff to identify service gaps and better understand users’ behaviour.

From the start, the Chatbot function has proved popular, with an average of 54 daily interactions across a two-month period from December 2021 to February 2022. These days, instead of being “trained” by having instructions programmed into them, AI chatbots are increasingly capable of automatically using past interactions to learn more about what users want, in a process called self-feeding.

2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS PERSONALISING SHOPPING LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Just as AI chatbots learn from your conversation, AI solutions can tap on machine learning and big data to hyper-personalise advertising – targeting your likes and dislikes, right down to the smallest of details.

For instance, e-commerce site Lazada uses deep-learning technology to learn customers’ preferences in real-time as they shop. This helps the platform’s search and recommendation engine to suggest relevant products that pop up immediately as customers scroll down the page.

E-commerce giant Amazon uses AI not just to learn what customers are searching for, but why they are searching for a particular product. By predicting the occasion (a family beach holiday) that customers are buying the product for (children’s tropical print swim trunks), Amazon is able to recommend other products they are likely to buy (like sunscreen, flotation devices and towels).

3. AI’S DEVELOPMENT IS GUIDED BY STRONG ETHICS

If the classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey scared you with its depiction of HAL 9000, a homicidal and super-intelligent AI, don’t worry. There are clear guidelines governing how AI solutions should be developed, so even if we had the technology to create them, evil AI masterminds will still stay fictional.

Currently, the main ethical challenges posed by AI revolve around privacy and surveillance, bias and discrimination, and deciding when human judgement is needed. For example, AI-powered apps can collect – and analyse – huge amounts of information on a person’s online preferences. AI algorithms that sort through job resumes can end up rejecting excellent candidates who miss out on using the right keywords or have qualities that only a human being will notice, such as creativity.

To ensure that AI developers in the private sector take these ethical concerns into consideration when building AI technologies, Singapore launched the second edition of its Model AI Governance Framework in 2020. It aims to ensure that AI solutions are accountable, transparent and most importantly, human-centric.

4. A.I. WILL MAKE MEDICAL TREATMENT FASTER AND MORE EFFECTIVE

One of the most exciting applications of AI is in healthcare, where AI is being used in areas like detecting diseases, monitoring people’s wellness, identifying the right medications for treatment and training medical professionals.

When developing pharmaceutical drugs, AI is used by many leading companies to crunch patient data and other relevant information to identify the medicinal compounds with the highest chances of success, instead of the traditional approach of trial-and-error.

Similarly, AI can be used to process data and more accurately identify different types of cancer – ensuring that patients can be treated quickly and more effectively, giving them improved outcomes.

5. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

We tend to think of technology and big data as vast consumers of energy – but AI also has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the world by 4 per cent by the year 2030.

It can do this in a variety of ways, such as monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region, improving the storage and deployment of energy, and creating more energy-efficient buildings. The last is especially important, as air-conditioning uses a large amount of energy. In Singapore, air-conditioning in buildings and homes contributes 19 per cent of our carbon emissions.

AI can change this. AI software enables a smart air-conditioning system to adjust its temperature based on insights derived from real-time data, without requiring people to manually do it.

For example, the HomeTeamNS Khatib Clubhouse features a smart air-conditioning system that conserves energy by reducing its fan speed when a room is empty, and increasing its cooling when the room fills up with people. Proof that far from just being a cool sci-fi concept, AI is already an integral part of our environment – and our well-being. 

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On The Edge

How HomeTeamNS is making it easier for you to help yourself

HomeTeamNS goes digital for a seamless, more convenient experience on your next clubhouse visit.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS

Everything’s going digital these days – and HomeTeamNS clubhouses are no exception.

Now, you can plan an entire day of fun at your preferred clubhouse with just your smartphone or tablet – no need for phone calls, in-person bookings or queuing up. While clubhouse ambassadors are still available if you prefer to speak to someone, why not try the digital experience? Read on for our handy guide on how to make the most of HomeTeamNS’ digital resources.

TALK TO THE CHATBOT, 24/7

If you’re just knocking off work in the middle of the night and suddenly remember that you had a membership query, the tireless HomeTeamNS Chatbot is available around the clock.

For instance, if you want to enjoy free T-Play membership for your child, the AI-powered chatbot would tell you that all you need to do is: Sign up for HomeTeamNS Family Membership for your child, and then enjoy free T-Play membership for a corresponding duration of two or five years, depending on the package.

You can speak to the chatbot on the mobile app or visit HomeTeamNS on its Facebook page or website to talk to “Hey Irene”, the HomeTeamNS chatbot.

If you can’t find the answers via chatbot, you can reach out by submitting a request through the online help centre. If you prefer personal interaction or have an urgent query, call 6708 6600 between 10am and 8pm to speak with a HomeTeamNS staff.

BOOK FACILITIES, ON MOBILE OR WEBSITE

Besides the mobile app, you can book HomeTeamNS clubhouse facilities via the facilities booking website. Locate your desired facility from the complete list, or search by clubhouse or category. For example, selecting Khatib Clubhouse brings up all available facilities. Adding “Recreation” to refine your search displays options like the Khatib ManCaves, BBQ Pits and Adventure HQ.

Whether you choose to book via the mobile app or website, you’ll be able to view all the pricing lists and packages, as well as make payment. There’s no need to be transferred elsewhere, or pay upon arrival.

GOT MORE QUESTIONS? ASK HOMETEAMNS HELP CENTRE

There’s also a one-stop cloud-based help centre introduced in November 2021.

Powered by Zendesk, the help centre offers a library of useful articles on popular topics, such as clubhouses, HomeTeamNS membership, facilities and facility booking, and cohesion and corporate team-building. Rather than having to call in to ask, members can help themselves to the needed information, saving time and effort. You’ll find answers to everything from “Is the Kids’ Pool open?” to “What do I need to bring for Pilates classes?”

This system is enhanced by allowing staff from different departments to have oversight of every customer interaction, whether it happens via e-mail or phone, in order to respond to queries in a more prompt and effective manner. Furthermore, the data collected from these interactions can be processed and analysed, so that customer service can continue to improve.

In addition, the help centre features a “Submit a request” portal that allow members to simply fill in the necessary information and even attach photos or files through a guided form to seek help on queries they have. There’s no risk of your request going missing or forgotten, as every request – also known as a customer support ticket – is tracked, prioritised and resolved.

DOWNLOAD THE HOMETEAMNS MOBILE APP, FOR ACCESS ON THE GO

Can’t remember where Clip ‘n Climb is located, or its opening hours? There’s an app for that – the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, to be precise.

Simply download the HomeTeamNS mobile application on Google Play or the Apple App Store, depending on your chosen device. Register your membership and tap to explore a host of useful functions, such as managing your bookings, learning about the latest promotions and getting recommendations based on your location, as well as reminders on upcoming courses you’ve signed up for.

Under the HomeTeamNS Family Scheme, your family members can sign up for their own accounts on the app and take advantage of its benefits as well. Can’t think of what to do on a weekend or during the school holidays? Sort events on the mobile app by Me Time, With My Buddies, With My Partner or With My Family, and pick from the recommendations.

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In The Force

What leadership means to him

SCDF MAJOR (NS) Rozaiman Rosidi on the three leadership values that matter to him as a commander.

TEXT: SCDF / PHOTOS: SCDF

MAJ (NS) Rozaiman Rosidi, 39, enlisted for National Service in 2005 and was posted to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). He completed a 9-month Basic Officers’ Course (BOC) and was posted to the Special Rescue Battalion (SRB) as a Platoon Commander. “As I matured from being a recruit to a commander, the camaraderie, knowledge and experiences gained were invaluable, and it shaped who I am today,” he reflected.

Currently a Deputy Commander of 21 Rescue Unit, MAJ (NS) Rozaiman was also appointed a Company Commander of the Operations Support Company (OSC) in 2019. He also serves as a HomeTeamNS Volunteer in the Audit Committee and was formerly in the Development Committee (North) in 2017.

“As a leader, I strongly believe in achieving three things — empowerment, trust and effective communication.”

MAJ (NS) Rozaiman Rosidi

Under his leadership, his OSC achieved the highest score in logistics management among the RBN units for three consecutive years. MAJ (NS) Rozaiman is delighted with the unit’s achievements and he added that being able to grow professionally together with his team has made him proud to serve as an NSman.

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

“As a leader, I strongly believe in achieving three things — empowerment, trust and effective communication,” said MAJ (NS) Rozaiman. Here are his thoughts on these three key elements of leadership.

Empowerment
“I believe that by empowering my men with tasks big or small, they will in turn take ownership of their work and responsibilities. The art of empowerment also requires you to recognise their achievements by complimenting them. Conversely, for any of their shortfalls, it would be a lesson for all to learn from and to be resolved so we can emerge stronger from it.”

Trust
“I trust my team. At the same time, I strive to earn my team’s trust. Therefore, I make it a point to get to know every one of them and give them the opportunity to get to know me. I believe that when they trust me, they are better able to appreciate my thoughts and decisions. When faced with challenges, they know that they are not alone for I am right beside them, guiding them through thick and thin.”

Effective communication
“I tend to emphasise open communication such as giving and receiving feedback when working with my team. I seize opportunities to solicit their feedback on how we can improve. I make it a point to explain the larger objectives to my team, as well as the constraints and expected challenges. This helps them better appreciate their respective roles and what lies ahead to get things done effectively. This is how I practise effective communication.”