DAC (NS) Mohammed Nurizham Shah Bin Abdullah and his son SC/CPL Ibrahim Bin Mohammed Nurizham Shah share how their time with the Public Transport Security Command and HomeTeamNS has shaped them — as officers and as family.
When DAC (NS) Mohammed Nurizham Shah Bin Abdullah, 51, reached his Statutory Run Out Date (SROD) in 2023, he didn’t think his connection to the Force would end there. The stories he shared from his National Service days with the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) continued to leave a mark — especially on his son.
So, when SC/CPL Ibrahim Bin Mohammed Nurizham Shah, 20, was posted to the Singapore Police Force as a full-time National Serviceman (NSF), the choice was clear. “I wanted to make a meaningful impact like my dad,” he said. “That’s why, when it came time to choose my vocation, TransCom immediately came to mind.”
Now a member of the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors, Shah recalled his son’s decision with pride. “It’s something I’m very proud of,” he said with a smile. “Seeing him in uniform — especially during his Passing Out Parade and after completing the TransCom Basic Course — was a special moment.”
As part of the Stories of HomeTeamNS series celebrating the organisation’s 20th anniversary, we met with Shah and Ibrahim at CHURN, the ice cream café at HomeTeamNS Khatib. Over warm waffles and cold scoops, they reflected on their shared experiences with TransCom and HomeTeamNS — and indulged in a light-hearted rivalry over who’s the better bowler.
BONDING BEYOND THE BADGE
Some of Ibrahim’s earliest — and fondest — memories of HomeTeamNS involved the satisfying crash of bowling pins and the sound of laughter echoing down the lanes. As a young boy, he often tagged along with his father to inter-unit bowling competitions at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok.
“It was my first time bowling, but what really stuck with me was the camaraderie between my dad and his fellow officers,” he recalled.
“Who bowls better now — you or me?” Shah teased his son with a grin.
“Of course it’s me,” Ibrahim replied, proudly revealing a TransCom bowling team T-shirt under his uniform.
The sight of the shirt stopped Shah in his tracks — it was the same one he had worn back in 2011. “Kantoi!” [Malay slang for “caught red-handed”], Ibrahim joked as both burst into laughter over the cheeky wardrobe swap.
They agreed to settle the score at the lanes soon. But the shared memories didn’t stop there.
Another memorable HomeTeamNS moment was an exhilarating Laser Quest showdown during Shah’s younger brother’s 46th birthday party at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok back in December 2022. With 20 family members split into teams, the action-packed game was followed by a World Cup match screening that evening.
“It was quite chaotic,” recounted Ibrahim, laughing. “We had everyone — uncles, aunties, cousins, even grandfather — playing.”
“We even roped in the two Indonesian helpers to make up the numbers. It was fun!” added Shah.
This sense of community wasn’t new to Shah, who fondly remembered his own NS team bonding activities — whether it was bowling, archery, or tackling obstacles at Adventure HQ. “HomeTeamNS is a place where you can enjoy a lot of activities, non-stop,” he said.
Ibrahim agreed: “When I think of HomeTeamNS, ‘supportive’, ‘fun’, and ‘active’ come to mind. There are always events and activities happening — and it’s not just for NSmen, but for NSFs too.”
LESSONS AND LIFELONG IMPACT FROM TRANSCOM
When asked about defining moments from their National Service, both father and son lit up with vivid recollections.
For Shah, it was being deployed during the high-profile 2006 IMF-World Bank meeting in Singapore — a major international event that required intense coordination and security planning. “Being deployed for such a high-profile event gave me a strong sense of purpose. Knowing that I was contributing to the safety and smooth execution of the event and its national significance made me realise that I was part of something bigger,” he said. “It was a coordinated effort that supported public safety, national pride, and making Singapore a secure and world-class destination. It really resonated with me.”
Ibrahim’s pivotal moment came much earlier — on his very first ground patrol. “There was an aggressive subject who threatened to throw punches,” he recalled. “As an inexperienced officer, I was stunned lah! That incident made me realise the risks our officers take on the job. Since then, my respect for ground officers has increased.”
Both father and son agreed that being part of the Home Team had positively shaped their relationships with family, as well as influenced their values and skillsets.
For Shah, learning to stay calm, think clearly, and take the lead in difficult situations has paid off in parenting. “NS instilled in me discipline, patience, and the ability to lead by example — whether it’s setting boundaries, guiding my children through challenges, or just being present as a role model,” he said. “My experience in NS shaped my ability to be a steady, reliable, and supportive figure at home.”
Ibrahim, meanwhile, saw himself as a better team player, thanks to his time in uniform — an attitude he brought home to his three siblings. When his younger sister struggled in her preparations for the upcoming Primary School Leaving Examination, he readily stepped in to assist. “We work as a team at home, and it has helped us to become more united.”
The pair wrapped up their interview on a high note, raising a cheerful cheer: “Happy 20th anniversary, HomeTeamNS!”
Shah added a heartfelt message: “My wish is for HomeTeamNS to keep being a place where NSmen can relax, connect and feel proud of the work that we have done so far. It’s been great seeing how far things have come — and I hope it continues to grow with even more cool facilities, events and support for all of us in the Home Team family.”
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