From leading emergency response teams to coordinating multi-agency drills, LTA (NS) Nikhil Shu Ren Jalil has learnt that staying composed under pressure is more than just a good quality to have — it’s an essential skill.
Since the start of his National Service (NS), LTA (NS) Nikhil Shu Ren Jalil has sought to challenge himself. Despite some lingering doubts on his own readiness for leadership roles, he volunteered to be the Duty Officer during his final graded exercise at the Civil Defence Academy.
In a simulated basement fire scenario, LTA (NS) Nikhil took on the role of the fireground commander. Unfazed, he rose to the challenge, coordinating multiple teams to bring the situation under control. “This experience taught me to make the most of every opportunity and to always give my best effort,” he reflects.
This mindset shaped the 20-year-old’s NS journey. After serving as a Section Commander at Bishan Fire Station, he was later selected for the Rota Commander Course. He eventually transitioned into a strategic role at the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Headquarters. Today, as a Staff Officer in the Operations Department, Nikhil supports frontline officers behind the scenes, ensuring that they are always ready to respond effectively.
“As a Section Commander, I could contribute to the frontlines by responding to fire, rescue and medical incidents,” he shares. “Now, I get to see the bigger picture of how planning, technology and coordination support SCDF’s emergency readiness.”
In his role at the SCDF Operations Department, Nikhil contributes to both innovation and administration to meet the evolving demands of emergency response.
With more electric vehicles (EVs) on Singapore’s roads, Nikhil works closely with related agencies to refine SCDF’s response to emergencies involving EVs. These efforts ensure that emergency responders are safe and effective when responding to such incidents.
Day-to-day, Nikhil oversees key administrative functions for the department. “The work may sound routine, but every detail counts towards SCDF’s operational readiness,” he says. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility in supporting my colleagues.”
Major incidents often require swift, coordinated response between multiple agencies. During large-scale exercises which simulate complex crisis scenarios, Nikhil gained a first-hand appreciation of this truth.
In one simulated mass casualty incident, Nikhil was responsible for maintaining clear communications between SCDF and other agencies. “Although we were from different agencies, we managed to work closely together to verify and manage the flow of information,” he recounts. “This ensured that the most accurate information and data would be quickly and accurately disseminated to relevant stakeholders.”
Through these exercises, Nikhil developed a deeper appreciation for the unique strengths each agency brings to emergency response. Despite their differences, they all contributed to mission success in their unique ways.
To fully leverage these capabilities, clear communication across teams is essential, he says. “These experiences have deepened my respect for inter-agency teamwork.”
With his Operationally Ready Date approaching, Nikhil has set his sights on the future. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Laws at the Singapore Management University (SMU), bringing with him the lessons gained from his NS. Reflecting on his journey, he shares that NS has provided insights into public service, along with practical skills such as staffing and coordination that he hopes to carry forward into his future career.
NS also prompted him to reflect on his goals and priorities; and to appreciate how he spends his time, whether meeting deadlines or being present with loved ones. Above all, the experience has helped him build resilience. “I’ve learnt to stay composed and perform under pressure, whether in operations or staff work,” he says.
Recognised for his contributions during NS, Nikhil encourages incoming NSFs to approach the experience with an open mind. “NS is a part of our lives,” he says. “See it as an opportunity to grow. The more adaptable you are, the more you’ll learn — and this mindset will carry you well beyond NS, into many areas of life.”
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