From groundbreaking state-of-the-art facilities to augmented members benefits, HomeTeamNS’ 20-year journey has been marked by groundbreaking ‘firsts’ that showcase its growth and evolution.
Since its formation in 2005, HomeTeamNS has continuously evolved to serve and engage its members. Born from the merger of the Civil Defence Association for National Servicemen (CDANS) and the Singapore Police Association for National Servicemen (SPANS), the organisation has grown into a vibrant community with three full-fledged clubhouses and over 270,000 members.
Through the years, HomeTeamNS has introduced numerous pioneering features — from adventure and fitness innovations to digital services — creating meaningful experiences for its members. Here’s a look at some of the defining moments that have shaped its journey.
HomeTeamNS was officially launched on 24 April 2005 by then-Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Wong Kan Seng (fourth from right), at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok. This marked the start of a united effort to create recreational and community-building opportunities for Home Team NSmen.
HomeTeamNS’ long-running and signature annual running event, REAL® Run saw 10,000 participants in 2009 taking on different terrains to test their individual limits and endurance. This was one of the highest turnouts in the race’s history.
HomeTeamNS inked a Memorandum of Understanding with People’s Association in 2012 to expand membership benefits to all HomeTeamNS members with a HomeTeamNS-PAssion co-brand membership card!
In 2015, HomeTeamNS introduced its first indoor children’s playground, T-Play at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok. Designed with an interactive transportation theme, this dynamic play space does more than entertain — it also helps young children develop motor skills and creativity.
A group of SCDF NSmen (Unit: SCDF 17FS ORNS) took part in one of the earliest Cohesion Programmes at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok Adventure Centre on 7 January 2015, engaging in high-energy team challenges such as Laser Quest, paintball and obstacle courses. Launched in November 2014, HomeTeamNS cohesion programmes were designed to strengthen camaraderie and reinforce the Home Team spirit, fostering teamwork beyond operational duties.
The official opening of HomeTeamNS Tampines — the organisation’s first satellite clubhouse — on 13 February 2017 was made even more exciting with the launch of Singapore’s first indoor climbing theme park, Clip N Climb. Minister K Shanmugam (fourth from right) officiated the official opening of the clubhouse, which featured 19 unique climbing challenges built to accommodate climbers of all ages and skill levels, supporting weights of up to 150kg — the size of an adult giant panda! The closure of HomeTeamNS Tampines as a satellite clubhouse on 17 July 2022 marked the transition to the second full-fledged ground-up HomeTeamNS clubhouse at Bedok Reservoir Park, that offers even more exciting facilities and programmes for its members.
HomeTeamNS became the first member club in Singapore to introduce a Group Personal Accident Plan in partnership with AXA, offering Ordinary Members $30,000 in personal accident coverage. Announced by Mrs Josephine Teo, now Minister for Digital Development and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, during a Family Day event at Universal Studios Singapore on 23 June 2018, the initiative reinforced HomeTeamNS’ commitment to member welfare. Mrs Teo was the first female President of HomeTeamNS, serving from 2017 to 2020.
Everyday (Her)oes, a HomeTeamNS initiative, was launched on 12 May 2019 (Mother’s Day) to recognise the contributions of Home Team NSmen’s wives and mothers towards national service. Family members play an integral role in sharing responsibilities and balancing duty to the family and country when the NSman answers the call of duty. This also marked the start of expanding benefits for Home Team NSmen’s family members.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Adventure HQ, Singapore’s first and largest multi-installation indoor adventure centre, opened its doors on 22 October 2020. HomeTeamNS President, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, and HomeTeamNS Chief Executive Agnes Eu officiated the launch, unveiling a range of thrilling attractions — including a 14m-high slide, rock walls and an artificial caving system — designed to challenge and excite adventure seekers.
Minister K Shanmugam placing the final LEGO brick on the HomeTeamNS Khatib model during its official opening ceremony on 10 April 2021. The state-of-the-art clubhouse became HomeTeamNS’ first ground-up SMART clubhouse, integrating technology for seamless access to facilities and services.
Keeping members connected and informed, HomeTeamNS transformed its magazine, Frontline, from a physical magazine to a fully digital magazine in 2021. The online platform provides news, features and updates, allowing members to stay engaged anytime, anywhere.
Nestled by the scenic Bedok Reservoir, HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir made its debut on 4 January 2023, becoming Singapore’s first clubhouse with a waterfront view and HomeTeamNS’ second ground up full-fledged clubhouse. During the launch, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (first from left) and Minister K Shanmugam (middle) toured the facility, stopping by a feature wall displaying scale models of Home Team vehicles.
HomeTeamNS kicked off its full digital transformation in 2020 to encourage the self-help experience for members and patrons, starting with HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse. Using smart systems such as the Digital Membership Card and Wrist Band QR code to access facilities empowered members to get around the facilities independently. Self-service kiosks were also set up in the clubhouses to complement the experience.
HomeTeamNS’ first native mobile app was introduced in 2022, enhancing members’ access to facilities bookings, event registrations, promotions, managing membership sign-ups and renewals, updating Car IUs, and more.
On 2 June 2023, HomeTeamNS opened Aqua Adventure, Singapore’s first integrated indoor water adventure centre. The thrilling attraction features high-speed water slides, obstacle courses and interactive splash zones, offering an exciting new way for families and friends to enjoy water-based fun.
More recently, HomeTeamNS clubhouses have become choice venues for celebrating life’s special moments and key milestones such as birthdays and weddings. Facilities such as Mancaves, East Villa, T-Play, Adventure HQ, and Laser Quest played host to joyous gatherings and unforgettable celebrations.
In celebration of its 20th Anniversary celebration, HomeTeamNS has rolled out an expanded suite of exciting benefits for members through its strategic partnership with Golden Village, Kopitiam, and Shell. Members can also look forward to the upcoming state-of-the-art clubhouse in Tengah expected to be ready by 2031.
Join us in commemorating two decades of dedication, unity, and shared memories with HomeTeamNS. Together, we honour the legacy of service, strengthened by the bond that connects our community through generations. Find out more here.
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