From nostalgic oldies to indie gems and National Day favourites, CPL (NS) Sharne Sulaiman’s made-in-Singapore mixtape is a love letter to local music — and it’ll have you humming along.
Though trained as an architect, CPL (NS) Sharne Sulaiman has always had a deep connection with music. “My grandfather is local composer Seong Koon Low Won (上官流云), who wrote famous songs like Midnight Kiss (午夜香吻) and Walk Faster (行快点啦),” shares the 30-year-old. “From the beginning, I was exposed to all sorts of music. I don’t remember a moment where my family was not gathered around the keyboard or listening to something on the speaker.”
While his grandfather wrote prolifically in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hakka — often mixing in Malay in keeping with the “Nanyang flavour” of the 1950s — Sharne charted his own musical path. He fell in love with musical theatre at the age of 10, after watching The Phantom of the Opera, and taught himself keyboards, guitar, drums, and violin.
Sharne (in blue) stepping into the shoes of the scheming Iago in NUS High’s 2012 production of Othello, which clinched a Silver at the Singapore Youth Festival.
Over the years, he’s embraced a wide spectrum of genres, from opera to jazz. “Opera is gesamtkunstwerk — a complete work of art,” he explains. “Every element — from the music and lyrics to the staging — drives the story forward, and that level of compositional genius fascinates me. Jazz, on the other hand, is all about tension and complexity within the chords.”
MUSIC, MEMORIES AND GIVING BACK
These days, Sharne puts his musical skills to good use, performing annually at charity concerts and making regular appearances at musical theatre open mic nights.
Performing “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera in a heartfelt duet at a musical theatre open mic.
He even had performing experiences during his National Service (NS), when he served as a Staff Assistant to the Director at the Police National Service Department (PNSD). At one internal event, he took the stage with fellow officers — an experience that, he says, helped bring them closer.
In 2023, he returned to the spotlight at the HomeTeamNS Awards at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, where guests were treated to his soulful renditions of classic tunes such as Proud Mary and Man in the Mirror.
In his element on stage at the HomeTeamNS Awards 2023, Sharne brings his musical flair to the evening’s celebrations.
Another unforgettable moment from his NS days? A Hari Raya celebration back in 2013, where Singapore Idol finalist Faizal Isa performed Black or White with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band. “I dare say it’s the best version of the song I’ve ever heard!” he enthuses.
Motivated by how much his NS journey shaped him, Sharne volunteers on the HomeTeamNS Strategic Review Committee (since 2022) and the Branding & Publicity Committee (since 2025). “Seeing HomeTeamNS grow is truly satisfying,” he says. “Helping to keep it at the top of its game is my way of giving back, so that NSFs and NSmen are rewarded and recognised for their service.”
SING LIKE A STAR AT JEWEL MUSIC BOX
Ready to belt out a power ballad or unleash your inner rock star? From now until 31 August 2025, the newly opened Jewel Music Box at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir is having an exclusive SG60 promotion where HomeTeamNS members and their accompanying guests can enjoy 60% off room rates (per person). Terms and conditions apply*
SING, SINGAPORE: SHARNE’S SG60 PLAYLIST
These days, Sharne puts his musical skills to good use, performing annually at charity concerts and making regular appearances at musical theatre open mic nights.
Sharne (with his guitar) jamming with church friends at a lively Christmas get-together in 2016.
For Singapore’s 60th birthday, we asked Sharne to fill in the blanks and share the songs that define his love for local music.
Every National Day, the NDP songs I just can’t help singing along to are… Home by Kit Chan and Count On Me Singapore by Clement Chow because they have a special place in my heart.”
When I think of the local TV shows I grew up watching, the song that reminds me most of them is… Phua Chu Kang’s theme song because it’s retro and quirky.”
The homegrown artiste whose music I enjoy most is… Dominic Chin. He’s a fantastic singer and songwriter. My Love and CLSE2U are my favourites — the former shows his range, and the latter is heart-wrenching.”
A Singaporean indie band I really like is… The Steve McQueens. I recommend Hephaestus, because its jazz-inspired musical structure is mind-blowing.”
A made-in-Singapore song I enjoy in a different language is… Midnight Kiss (午夜香吻) by Seong Koon Low Won. It’s arguably my grandfather’s most famous song and I’ve been hearing it ever since I was born. I’ve also performed it many times and it’s always a hit with audiences.”
The song that best describes growing up in Singapore for me is… Singapore Town, because living here is about exploring new places and finding happiness.”
A song that I associate with older members of my family is… Dick Lee’s Fried Rice Paradise, because my parents seem to sing it every time we order fried rice.”
One song I love belting out with my NS mates is… Stand Up For Singapore. It’s literally what we do at Parades — stand up!”
A local song that always lifts my mood is… cool with it by brb because it’s such a cheeky bop.
One wild card that deserves to be on my SG60 playlist is… SAR21 by Of Methodist. It’s such an unserious take on NS and captures the shared experience that all Singaporean boys go through.
Asked about his wish for Singapore’s music scene, Sharne highlights the need to develop young, aspiring musicians. “I hope more Singaporeans take the time to discover and support our incredible local talents,” he says. “Pick a few and be true fans — show up at their gigs, stream their songs on Spotify, and support them however you can. This way, we can uplift homegrown stars to the national, regional, or even international stage.”
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.
