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Club Buzz Lifestyle

How to celebrate Mother’s Day at HomeTeamNS

This Mother’s Day, show your appreciation for the mums in your life with these delightful deals on gifts, wellness treatments and family-friendly feasts.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

If you’d like to show your appreciation to your Mum for always having your back this Mother’s Day (May 14), check out this list of curated promotions for HomeTeamNS members. Whether she’s a fashionista, wellness enthusiast or a devoted foodie, you’ll find something here to make this an occasion she’ll look back fondly on for the rest of the year.

GIFTING IDEAS

Step up your gifting game with Sunnystep

Keep Mum one step ahead — literally — with S$10 off shoe products at Sunnystep. It’s a footwear brand started by a spine injury patient who came up with the idea for comfortable walking shoes that would help minimise stress on the feet and body.

HomeTeamNS members can find the promo code on the HomeTeamNS Mobile App for online purchase. Alternatively, they can flash the digital membership card in-stores. The promotion runs until 31 June 2023. 

Mum’s time to shine with Chrono Collection

If Mum’s into a bit of bling, she’ll want to check out Chrono Collection’s customised Casio G-SHOCK and BABY-G range, which boasts playful names like Cotton Candy, Solitaire and Rainbow Unicorn, all plated in options like silver and rose gold and decked out in colourful gem-based hues.

HomeTeamNS members can enjoy S$30 off all products with the exclusive promo code on the HomeTeamNS Mobile App.

A DAY TO PAMPER

Care for Mum’s hair at Black Hair Salon

Give Mum’s crowning glory some TLC at Black Hair Salon, where HomeTeamNS members enjoy an array of discounts when they flash their membership card in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App. These include 15 per cent off any chemical or treatment services, as well as any hair products, and 10 per cent off haircuts, styling, and wash-and-blow services.

If it’s your birthday, enjoy a one-time 25 per cent discount off all hair services, and 20 per cent off all hair products.

All promotions listed are only valid until 31 December 2023.

Help her unwind at Euvie Aesthetics Wellness

Has mum been looking tense and tired lately? Help her rejuvenate her senses at Euvie, where she can pamper herself with an array of treatments – from a Bamboo Body to Jade Eye treatments. Have her leave the spa looking refreshed with youthful and glowing skin,  with a free trial of one of these three treatments:

  • Hydrating facial
  • Essential body massage
  • Maintenance body treatment

If she’s already a customer, she can enjoy a 30-per-cent discount on all three treatments. The promotion is valid until 28 February 2024. To enjoy the offer, just flash your digital HomeTeamNS membership card in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App.    

Live the K-drama lifestyle at Spa-1 Wellness

Mums who love their Korean dramas will be familiar with the Jjimjilbang experience, a Korean take on a spa that includes saunas, traditional treatments and healthy, plant-based meals.

All of the above are available at Spa-1 Wellness, which is offering 10 per cent off the Main Treatment and Day Pass to HomeTeamNS members until 31 May 2023.

The promo code can be redeemed on the HomeTeamNS Mobile app. Mention the code when you book an appointment via Whatsapp at 9806 8001.

Find holistic beauty at Multiflora

Mums get the best of both worlds at Multiflora, which combines traditional Eastern remedies with the latest science-based methods in Western beauty treatments.

HomeTeamNS members who are first-time Multiflora Noibara customers, or who have not visited in the past 12 months, are entitled to a 20-minute Yang Enliven Therapy treatment for S$38 if they show their digital HomeTeamNS membership card.

The rate does not include GST and is valid till 31 August 2023. It cannot be combined with other promotions or offers, and is limited to one redemption

Make it an occasion at Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Too hot? Too cold? Not enough micro-bubbles? With 11 pools and six different types of baths, Mum can soak exactly the way she wants to at Yunomori Onsen & Spa

HomeTeamNS members who present their digital membership cards will enjoy a discount of 10 per cent on the Onsen Entry Day Pass. This promotion is only available for new bookings and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or privileges.

DINNER DATES

Slurp up halal beef noodles at Nuodle

Hailing from the northwestern Chinese province of Lanzhou, these beef noodles – known as beef la mian – are spicy, aromatic and swimming in a hearty broth. Singaporean brand Nuodle is bringing this traditional dish – along with its Lanzhou-style fried bee tai mak noodles – to a wider audience via its halal Chinese fast-food chain with outlets across the island, making it convenient to treat Mum wherever she lives.
HomeTeamNS members can sign up for the Nuodle membership package worth S$53 for only S$8.88 – a value-for-money deal that includes an S$8 welcome voucher, one set meal voucher, one S$8.88 birthday voucher and five free drinks, redeemable with the purchase of one main course.

To enjoy this offer, claim the promo code through your HomeTeamNS Mobile App and head to a Nuodle outlet to speak to a staff member. Be sure to provide your mobile number and display your digital HomeTeamNS membership card when asked.

Buffet all day at Spices Café

Variety is the spice of life – a motto that Spices Café at Concorde Hotel Singapore is living up to with its popular Singapore Flavours Buffet Lunch and Harvest of the Sea Buffet Dinner. Let Mum enjoy lunchtime local delights like laksa and fruit rojak or share cooked-to-order crabs in different sauces with the rest of the family at dinner.

HomeTeamNS members enjoy 20 per cent off the regular prices for both buffets when they present their digital membership cards at check-in.

Reservations are required and the promotion is not applicable during festive periods, such as Christmas or New Year. The discount does not apply to senior and child prices.

Get your grill on at Yakiniku Shokudo

Anyone who cooks will tell you that it’s always more fun to cook when you don’t have to clean up the kitchen. That’s why Japanese-style BBQ places like halal-certified Yakiniku Shokudo are packed on weekends, where families feast on Wagyu beef and chicken cooked over table-top grills.

Making the experience even more savoury, HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10 per cent off their total bill at Yakiniku Shokudo when they present their digital membership card at the point of payment.

This promotion is valid until 1 June 2023, and cannot be redeemed in combination with any other promotions, discounts, offers or memberships.

Taste Texan flavours at Decker Barbecue

If Western-style barbecues are more to Mum’s taste, check out Decker Barbecue’s smoked meats, traditional Texan sides and sweet Southern hospitality. Pair their nachos, buffalo wings, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu brisket or burnt ends with bottled cocktails, a cold beer or free-flow iced tea.

Whether you choose to dine in or takeaway from their outlet at Robertson Quay, HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10 per cent off Decker Barbecue until 15 December 2023. This discount cannot be combined with other promotions, offers, or loyalty programmes, or exchanged for cash or products.

Everyday HERoes

If you’d like to give Mum a gift that keeps on giving, why not consider a HomeTeamNS Family Membership?

In recognition of the contributions of the wives and mothers of Home Team National Servicemen towards National Service (NS), HomeTeamNS introduced Everyday HERoes, a new Family Membership with expanded female-centric perks. This offers all wives and mothers a 2-year Family membership at a special rate of just S$10, so they enjoy all the same perks and privileges for less. Give the women in your life an exclusive treat that lasts year-round and longer, by signing up here

Want to enjoy more Membership deals with HomeTeamNS? Download our HomeTeamNS Mobile App now and don’t miss a beat!

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Club Buzz Featured Spotlight

7 questions with HomeTeamNS volunteers

Meet the dynamic individuals driven by diverse passions — from motorsports to design — who contribute to HomeTeamNS’ clubhouses.

TEXT: ALYWIN CHEW

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, PIERRE OOI PHOTOGRAPHY

They work tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate the smooth operations of HomeTeamNS’ clubhouses. You may even have spotted them at buzzy HomeTeamNS events, without comprehending how they’ve helped to ensure they’re carried out without a hitch. But what drives our tireless volunteers, who’ve sacrificed their precious weekends for the Home Team? Meet the passionate individuals without whom our lively social calendars would not be possible, and discover what they’re really like behind their professional demeanour.  

The dare-devil with a soft spot

LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva

LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva
LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva

What do you do at HomeTeamNS and SCDF?

I’m the battalion commander of a rescue unit in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). I am also a member of HomeTeamNS’ Management Committee and the Chairman of its IT Committee.

Are there any similarities between your volunteer and job roles?

I work as an IT professional. My roles are somewhat complementary because both require me to look at operational issues and policies that affect how the organisations are run. Each role involves adapting management methodologies that are relevant to younger people entering the organisation.

Why did you decide to volunteer with HomeTeamNS?

HomeTeamNS is an organisation for NSmen. Hence, I believe the best people to help form policies and improve it would be the NSmen themselves.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering is important because it allows us to give back to society and help those who aren’t as fortunate. I volunteer with my wife at an old folks’ home, and also offer career counselling pro-bono. I’ve really enjoyed working with fellow volunteers to bring plans to fruition. Take for instance, the new Bedok Reservoir clubhouse – this major project required us to work together to tackle challenges such as the long lead times for critical backbone network hardware caused by the global chip shortage. While volunteering, I’ve interacted with various stakeholders, from those within the clubhouse management to subcontractors.

LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva is a motorhead.
LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva is a motorhead.
LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva scuba diving.
LTC (NS) Jahan De Silva scuba diving.

What are your hobbies?

I love diving. I’m actually a divemaster. I also like motorsports and have taken part in races overseas, such as Sepang in Malaysia, Germany, and the Philippines. One of my most exciting races was at Germany’s Nurburgring track, which was extremely challenging. I’ve always been a gear head and have loved cars since I was a kid. I started karting in my teens and have never looked back since. 

That being said, I also enjoy chilling out on my couch and catching the latest movies and television shows. I recently watched The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. I’m also a fan of non-fiction programmes such as those on The Discovery Channel.

Name the dishes you cannot live without.

There are too many to count! I do love a good burger. Fatburger is one of the best places in Singapore for a proper gourmet burger. I also love pizza and am a huge Domino’s fan. When I return home from travels, the first thing I eat is a bowl of fishball noodles. I dare say that my wife and I make the best fish ball noodles, which are chockful of ingredients. Another Asian dish I enjoy is nasi lemak, so much that I’d take a long drive from home to my favourite joint, Aliff Nasi Lemak at Bedok North Street 3, just to have it.

If you had the power to change the world with the snap of a finger, what would it be?

I would end hunger and poverty. My mind is boggled that such problems still exist in a world that has gotten so advanced, scientifically speaking. I feel very lucky to be able to choose what I eat because there are many people in other parts of the world who don’t even have food to put in their mouths.

Don’t call him an anti-social engineer

LTC (NS) Cheng Chee Wee

LTC (NS) Cheng Chee Wee
LTC (NS) Cheng Chee Wee

What is your vocation in the Home Team?

I’m an officer in the Public Shelter and Resilience Unit in SCDF, which is responsible for managing public shelters during a national emergency. I was formerly a police officer during my NSF days, but transferred to the SCDF after completing my National Service as they needed personnel.

What do you enjoy the most about being an NSman?

I really enjoy catching up with my fellow reservists. We have formed very strong bonds over years of undergoing operational training exercises together. This makes training more enjoyable.

How does your volunteer work complement your career?

At SCDF, I’m an engineer who spends most of his time doing programming and running test programmes – not a very social job. On the other hand, HomeTeamNS provides me with an opportunity to interact with the public and use my time meaningfully, which I really enjoy.

Name one memorable experience from volunteering with HomeTeamNS.

There was a year where we got to organise a swimming event with the help of some reservists who weren’t HomeTeamNS volunteers. I really enjoyed working alongside these new faces as they brought fresh energy and perspectives to the table.

How do you decompress from work?

I’m mostly at the gym or jogging during my free time. I like running along the Singapore River at Clarke Quay in the morning. I’ve also been trying to pick up reading again, after 20 years! I’m currently reading Chip Wars by Chris Miller.

Name your poison of choice.

Whisky, in moderation. I don’t have a favourite type at the moment – I guess I’m still in search of that perfect bottle. I usually only drink whisky when I’m home. When I’m out, I usually drink coffee – I have three cups every day, after every meal. I guess you could say that coffee is my only vice.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Supportive. I always try to give my teammates the tools they need to accomplish their tasks. I find this to be a more effective leadership style than simply ordering people around. People tend to learn better if they are given support as well as room to think for themselves.

Blueprints and body kits  

SGT2 (NS) Shawn Quek Tze Kuan

SGT2 (NS) Shawn Quek Tze Kuan
SGT2 (NS) Shawn Quek Tze Kuan

What do you do in SCDF and HomeTeamNS?

I’m an Engineering Section Commander in SCDF’s 21 Rescue Unit. My unit responds to major incidents in Singapore that involve rescue and recovery missions. I work closely with my Rescue Engineering Team to ascertain whether a collapsed building structure is safe for entry, or if we need to deploy emergency shoring techniques to mitigate the risks.

Meanwhile at HomeTeamNS, I’m a member of the Executive Committee for the Bukit Batok clubhouse as well as the Development Committee for the new Bedok Reservoir clubhouse.

What has been your greatest contribution to HomeTeamNS?

As the founder of interior design and construction firms, I’ve been able to contribute to design and technical matters for the Bedok Reservoir clubhouse. I’ve also advised on building maintenance and refurbishment exercises held by various HomeTeamNS clubhouses.

Name one memorable experience from your time volunteering with HomeTeamNS.

I was really happy to be involved in the redesign of the atrium wall at the Bedok Reservoir clubhouse. As we wanted to evoke a sense of pride and nostalgia, one of the directions we gave to the architects was to use past and present vehicles of the Forces in a display showcasing their journey through the decades.

The reimagined atrium wall, named “The Driving Force”, portrays the evolution of the Home Team through a variety of vehicles ranging from the old Volkswagen Beetle police car to the SCDF Marine Division’s latest Heavy Fire Vessel.

Why did you join the renovation and construction industry?

I’ve always been creative. During my college days, I dabbled in graphic and interior design and multimedia art. As I really enjoyed the interior design process and helping people create their dream homes, I decided to make a career out of it.

SGT2 (NS) Shawn Quek Tze Kuan at an SCDF event.
SGT2 (NS) Shawn Quek Tze Kuan at an SCDF event.

What are your other passions?

I’ve always liked cars. My first was a 1991 Mercedes E200. I enjoy seeking like-minded people online and researching ways to refurbish these vintage cars to give them a new lease of life. I’ve driven and owned different models of Mercedes-Benz cars over the past 20 years.

What is your dream car?

A Mercedes AMG GT R. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1 and I try to catch all the races every season. No prizes for guessing that my favourite team is the Mercedes AMG F1 Team, and my favourite driver of all time is Lewis Hamilton.

What is your life philosophy?

There’s this quote I came across a while ago that goes, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”. This really resonated with me. As a business owner, I believe that the best way to lead is to serve, and this is why I try my best to support my employees, especially the foreign workers in my companies.

Working with migrant workers, I have learned to be appreciative of what we have in Singapore. Living in a First World country, we sometimes take things for granted because we’re in this little bubble where everything works well. A lot of the things we complain about are relatively trivial problems. For the migrant workers, many seemingly ordinary things that we have in Singapore are considered luxuries. Leading these individuals in the construction industry has been a humbling experience.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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Club Buzz Featured

When Mum wears many hats

On Mother’s Day,  HomeTeamNS volunteer LTC (NS) Simon Foo tells us why his wife, Adena, is the wise one in the family. 

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTO: ADENA LIM

You may have spotted LTC (NS) Simon Foo and Adena Lim at the various HomeTeamNS clubhouses, which they visit once or twice a month on the weekends. “We usually have lunch at one of the restaurants at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier,” says LTC (NS) Foo. “We love the chill ambience there.” As a family, they’ve also created fond memories at the clubhouse, such as last year’s World Cup which saw the family of five — LTC (NS) Foo, Adena, their two daughters (aged 15 and 13) and their 10-year-old son — snacking their way through several qualifier matches as well as the thrilling final between Argentina and France.

LTC (NS) Foo, who works in his family’s ship repair business, is a volunteer with the Executive Committee at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier. Together with his fellow National Servicemen from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), he assists the Committee by offering support and providing ideas regarding operational matters, events and activities, and financial goals.

He says that Ms Lim’s support is crucial in bolstering his ability to volunteer: “I have the comfort of knowing the children’s emotional needs are met,” he shares. “Adena is my pillar of strength, she is wise and nurturing. Our children look up to her, especially the girls. She speaks to their emotional needs better than me.”

A ROLE MODEL, AND MORE

Like many mothers, Adena, who works in the public service sector, has found that being a parent requires her to take on numerous roles, of which emotional support is only one. “Being a mother, I am looked up to as a role model by my children,” she says. “They watch how I talk, what I eat, what I wear, what I do on a daily basis — it’s like being under CCTV all the time! So, I have to be responsible for my behaviour and actions as these may influence them. They also regard me as a walking encyclopaedia, asking me questions ranging from history to mathematics to biology.”

All this is on top of her daily duties as a working mum who divvies up the responsibilities of ferrying the kids to and from school, co-curricular activities and tuition classes with her husband. “There are days when I am back late from work or have teleconferences in the evenings. My husband will help to supervise the children’s schoolwork, oversee their assignments and ensure their needs are met,” she says. “Similarly, whenever Simon is out for an overnight exercise during his reservist stints, I will take care of the children.” In addition to making sure the children’s physical needs are met, Adena carves out time to chat with her daughters about what happened in school during the day as well as coach her son in his schoolwork.

FINDING JOY AND MEANING IN MOTHERHOOD

Despite the lack of rest and personal time — “sleep is usually the first to be foregone,” admits Adena — motherhood has been a deeply fulfilling experience for her. “Motherhood has helped me to appreciate that life is not about oneself, but the giving of oneself to build the lives of my children,” she reflects. “It has given me a fresh perspective on what is selfless love and giving. I find joy and meaning in being a mother — it is worth it!”

As a mother, she tries her best to impart the values she would want her children to live by: “I always tell them that between being a successful person and being a person of good character, it is more important to be the latter. Being honest, generous, gracious, kind, having integrity and courage to do what is right — these values will take them very far in life, and differentiate them from the crowd.”

In helping her children navigate their childhood and adolescent years, Adena has also learnt some lessons of her own. “All three of my children are unique,” she explains. “The eldest is street smart, the second is very driven and hardworking, the youngest is the baby who is charming in his own way. I’ve learnt to embrace their strengths and weaknesses. This has also helped me to approach people I encounter in life in the same way, and to respect each person for their own individuality.”

She adds that she has also learnt how to be patient and gracious. “More often than not, children may disobey us, say things that are hurtful or discouraging, or fight with one another,” she says. “We learn to forgive them and also find teaching moments to inculcate the correct values in them. So yes, being a mother is also being a teacher in their lives!”

A FAMILY BUILT ON LOVE AND SUPPORT

Despite her hectic schedule and the multiple roles that constitute the job of being Mum to three kids, Adena is happy to support LTC (NS) Foo volunteering at HomeTeamNS, which he has been doing for the past two years: “I am proud that he is doing his part to serve the nation,” she shares. “He is passionate about his volunteer work at HomeTeamNS and often comes home to share with us what he does, and about the people he works with. It gives him motivation and fresh perspective on life.” In return, LTC (NS) Foo has some heartfelt words for his wife and mother of their children this Mother’s Day: 

“Adena, thank you for journeying through life together with me. You make me want to be the best version of myself.”

The sacrifices of mothers like Ms Lim and many more at our clubhouses are an inspiration to us all. To celebrate the unwavering contributions of the ladies behind our Home Team National Servicemen, HomeTeamNS launched Everyday HERoes, a new Family Membership with expanded female-centric perks. At only a nominal fee of $10, members are entitled to 1,000 +HPoints (worth $10), access to exclusive perks and benefits, and more!

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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Club Buzz

Meet the stars of HomeTeamNS Awards 2023

The latest edition of the HomeTeamNS Awards celebrated Home Team National Servicemen (NSmen) who went the extra mile in serving their comrades, as well as showcased performances by talented volunteers and staff.

TEXT: KHOR HUI YI

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

HomeTeamNS honoured exceptional Home Team NSmen volunteers for their exemplary service and contributions to the Home Team at its biennial Awards Ceremony held on 5 April. The event was also marked by the Appreciation and Appointment Ceremony, which paid recognition to members of the organisation who completed their service and went the distance. Here, volunteers for the new term were also announced.  

Held at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, the newest clubhouse that officially opened in January, HomeTeamNS Awards 2023 was attended by close to 130 volunteers.

From left: CPT (NS) Raja Kamarul Bahrin (20 Years Long Service Award Recipient); Commissioner Hoong Wee Teck (Vice-President of HomeTeamNS).
From left: CPT (NS) Raja Kamarul Bahrin (20 Years Long Service Award Recipient); Commissioner Hoong Wee Teck (Vice-President of HomeTeamNS).
From left: SUPT (NS) Jim Tan (Gold Meritorious Award 2023 Recipient); Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (President of HomeTeamNS).
From left: SUPT (NS) Jim Tan (Gold Meritorious Award 2023 Recipient); Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (President of HomeTeamNS).

A total of 36 Long Service Awards and 27 Meritorious Awards were conferred on volunteers who contributed their time and expertise to HomeTeamNS.

Unique wooden mementos for the awardees, sustainably crafted to demonstrate HomeTeamNS’ commitment to the environment.
Unique wooden mementos for the awardees, sustainably crafted to demonstrate HomeTeamNS’ commitment to the environment.

All mementos were engraved with the HomeTeamNS Guardians symbol, which forms the letter T and resembles an upward-facing arrow. Back in 2019, the symbol was launched alongside the Guardians’ Volunteer Network that continuously engages NSmen volunteers and serves as a resource panel for HomeTeamNS.

Bearing the tagline, ‘WECrAFT’ (short for ‘Creating A Future Together’), the symbol represents NSmen from Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) coming together to elevate HomeTeamNS toward greater success.

Opening Address by Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, President of HomeTeamNS.
Opening Address by Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, President of HomeTeamNS.

“To all HomeTeamNS volunteers, I thank you for your contributions to the nation, to HomeTeamNS and to your fellow Home Team National Servicemen. HomeTeamNS is truly a set-up led by NSmen, for NSmen,” said Guest-of-Honour Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development and President of HomeTeamNS, in his opening address.

HOMETEAMNS’ GOT TALENT

It was a night for NSmen, by NSmen, complete with song and dance performances staged by our talented volunteers.

The audience was thrilled by an energetic dance routine starring NSmen volunteers and staff.
The audience was thrilled by an energetic dance routine starring NSmen volunteers and staff.

The night kicked off with a bang as 15 NSmen volunteers and staff —including Mr Cheah Kok Keong, PBM and DAC (NS) Jonathan Wan, Co-Chairmen of Guardians Committee — surprised the audience with a flash mob performance. The group had trained for two weeks prior to the event to awe the audience with their sleek dance moves, accompanied on stage by the dance group “alt.titue”.

Amping up the lively atmosphere was CPL (NS) Sharne Sulaiman, who performed rousing renditions of classic tunes like “Proud Mary” and “Man in the Mirror”.

CPL (NS) Sharne Sulaiman demonstrated his vocal chops.
CPL (NS) Sharne Sulaiman demonstrated his vocal chops.

A NETWORK FOR SUCCESS

From state-of-the-art clubhouses, to digitalisation efforts and events aimed at fostering bonds among NSmen, HomeTeamNS’ successful transformation journey remains deeply anchored in the strong partnership between HomeTeamNS staff and the Guardians’ Network. The robust showing of the volunteers at HomeTeamNS Awards 2023 reflected the continued support of Home Team NSmen for the organisation.

“Many of us here are not only active volunteers at HomeTeamNS, but also active NSmen in your respective units. Most of you here hold Key or Command appointments, leaders in your respective units. You are a role model to the young men you lead and there are bound to be some who wish to follow in your footsteps, to come forward to offer their time and energy to serve, beyond the call of NS duty,” said DAC (NS) Jonathan Wan, Co-Chairman of Guardians Committee.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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Club Buzz Featured

Behind every successful clubhouse, is a multi-tasking Mum

On Mother’s Day, WO2 (NS) Lim June Liang credits his wife’s resourcefulness as the reason he can commit to volunteering with HomeTeamNS.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG

PHOTOS: FLORIDA LIEW

In addition to the numerous facilities available at HomeTeamNS clubhouses, the year-round roster of activities is another draw that entices members to keep returning. From festival celebrations to craft and life-skill workshops, these events encourage like-minded folks to connect, while offering interesting experiences for members and their families. To make all of this happen, due credit goes to the Executive Committee at each clubhouse.

WO2 (NS) Lim June Liang knows this very well. He volunteers as an Executive Committee member at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok and helps to plan the clubhouse’s packed event calendar. But if it weren’t for his wife, Ms Florida Liew, this would not be possible.

TIME WELL-SPENT

WO2 (NS) June Liang began volunteering in April 2023, and is fully aware that he is able to do so only because of his wife. “My wife’s support in taking care of the family wholeheartedly allows me to volunteer with HomeTeamNS,” he admits. Planning the clubhouse activities takes him away from his family duties, but his wife believes that it is worth the exchange. “I am thrilled that my husband has decided to volunteer with HomeTeamNS,” she says.

“As a member of the Executive Committee, he will have the opportunity to help plan and organise events that bring families together.” Their own family of four visits the HomeTeamNS clubhouses almost every weekend, which is why Ms Liew is so familiar with her husband’s role as a volunteer. “I believe that his leadership abilities are a tremendous asset to the organisation,” she says.

OPEN-HEARTED COMMUNICATION

WO2 (NS) Lim June Liang and Ms Florida Liew strutting down the fashion runway during the HomeTeamNS Everyday HERoes Launch on 14 May 2023 Bedok Reservoir clubhouse.

Between regular household duties and two children — a son aged 10 and a seven-year-old daughter — the couple understands the need to manage their time. “When it comes to sharing parenting duties, we believe communication is crucial. We ensure that both of us share our schedules on a regular basis and consider work commitments, school schedules, and any other relevant obligations,” says Ms Liew.

“By doing so, we can identify potential conflicts and work together to find solutions that are in the best interest of our children.” Motherhood, she adds has taught her the importance of being flexible and adaptable. “When unexpected challenges arise, like a sick child or a last-minute schedule change, I’ve learned how to adjust my plans and priorities to make sure my children’s needs are always taken care of,” she shares.

Since becoming a mother, Ms Liew admits that her “perspective on priorities has been irrevocably altered”. “The needs of my family now take precedence in all areas of my life,” she adds. Ms Liew acknowledges that she has also learned valuable lessons from her children, including “the power of unconditional love” which has given her “the deep, unbreakable bond” that she shares with her kids. She cites the Fitness Challenge at Chua Chu Kang Stadium in 2018 as one of her most memorable HomeTeamNS events — and why she appreciates her husband’s volunteer work.

A PILLAR OF SUPPORT

WO2 (NS) June Liang says that his wife provides the support and care that the family requires to thrive, while at the same time supporting him wholeheartedly, including his work with HomeTeamNS. And although no words would be able to sufficiently express his gratitude, WO2 (NS) June Liang offers these to his wife: 

“I appreciate all that you do for our family — from being flexible with our schedules and attending events together, to things like keeping our home running smoothly.”

The sacrifices of mothers like Ms Liew and many more at our clubhouses are an inspiration to us all. To celebrate the unwavering contributions of the ladies behind our Home Team National Servicemen, HomeTeamNS launched Everyday HERoes, a new Family Membership with expanded female-centric perks. At only a nominal fee of $10, members are entitled to 1,000 +HPoints (worth $10), access to exclusive perks and benefits, and more!

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.