Two HomeTeamNS Award winners reflect on their journey as volunteers and why serving their fellow NSmen remains the greatest reward.
They’ve helped launch major events, supported clubhouse operations and shaped the HomeTeamNS experience from the ground up.
Behind the scenes at HomeTeamNS are volunteers who dedicate their time, expertise and heart to building a vibrant community for Home Team NSmen. The biennial HomeTeamNS Awards, held on 3 April, celebrated these contributions, honouring those who have gone above and beyond to serve. Among the 43 Long Service Award and 15 Meritorious Award recipients are two veteran volunteers whose contributions have left a lasting mark: COL (NS) Jahan De Silva, recipient of the Meritorious Platinum Award, and DAC (NS) Lionel Chai, recipient of the 25 Years Long Service Award.
Here’s how their journeys unfolded — and why giving back continues to mean so much to them.
When COL (NS) Jahan De Silva agreed to his friend’s request to volunteer with HomeTeamNS in 2017, he didn’t expect to still be around nearly a decade later.
A senior IT director by profession, the 45-year-old has been able to tap his expertise to support HomeTeamNS’s IT initiatives, including chairing the newly formed IT Committee when it launched in 2021. The committee guided digital strategy for new clubhouses, supported day-to-day tech operations, and was involved in IT policy development, audits and tender evaluations.
Beyond his formal role, Jahan offered constant guidance, staying in regular contact with IT staff and senior management, managing vendor relations and even spearheading tabletop exercises to strengthen compliance with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Though he stepped down as IT Committee Chairman in April this year, he continues to stay involved as Advisor to the IT Committee and now serves on the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors.
On his leadership style and approach to life
Jahan sees himself as more of a “big brother” rather than a leader. “I try my best to lead the team to solutions rather than provide them outright,” he emphasises. “Sometimes they go in a different direction, and that’s okay. I want them to have the freedom to make their own decisions — it helps them grow and take ownership.”
Outside of work, the self-declared gearhead draws an unexpected parallel between his car of choice and his attitude towards service. “I’m like my BMW F87 M2 — a performance car that can be driven daily and still keep up with many supercars,” he says. “Fast and decisive when needed, but also able to sit back and relax when there’s no need for speed.”
On going above and beyond
Jahan didn’t hesitate to step outside his official role when he saw a gap that needed filling. “HomeTeamNS needed a way to help its ops staff understand PDPA compliance and the importance of data protection,” he recounts. “Since I had experience running tabletop exercises — both in my day job and as a unit commander in NS — I agreed to lead the session, even though it was outside my official IT Chair role.”
On building clubhouses from the backend up
One of his proudest contributions was helping to bring new clubhouses online. “I was only asked to assist with one meeting, but that became weekly sessions with vendors and contractors to manage issues and keep developments on track,” he shares. “It was meaningful because I could literally see my input making a difference as the clubhouses were being built. Each hurdle we cleared meant that they were getting closer to completion.”
On the reality of volunteering
Managing a team of volunteers comes with its own set of challenges. “Volunteers give their time and energy and expect nothing in return, so it was difficult at times to ask for more. Sometimes things fell through, but I never faulted anyone. That’s just part of volunteering — and thankfully, others always stepped up.”
On what makes it all worthwhile
What keeps Jahan going all these years wasn’t the systems or strategy — it was the people. “Volunteering lets you meet people you’d otherwise never cross paths with. You form strong bonds and become part of a very large extended family,” he explains.
Despite winning the Meritorious Platinum Award, Jahan remains modest. “I’m deeply humbled, but I don’t volunteer for recognition,” he says. “Everything I’ve achieved was only possible with the support of others.”
On his idea of the ultimate volunteer retreat
If Jahan were planning it, it wouldn’t involve strategy decks or simulations — just pure R&R. “If there were no budget constraints, I’d take everyone for dive certification in the Philippines or Indonesia over 4 to 5 days, then hit the racetrack for the weekend,” he shares. “Not sure if that’s everyone’s cup of tea though!”
On what every good volunteer team needs
Asked what he’d look for in a dream volunteer task force, his answer was simple: “Commitment. Volunteering may be optional, but it still makes an impact,” he stresses. “Once someone decides to commit and puts in the time, everything else tends to fall into place.”
On the one thing he wishes he could change
If Jahan could snap his fingers and fix one challenge faced by volunteers, it would be this: “I’d give us all more hours in a day. The biggest challenge is just having enough bandwidth to juggle everything.”
Which clubhouse activity is a favourite among HomeTeamNS volunteers? Who had to dive off a 10m-high platform in the spirit of volunteerism? Watch our HomeTeamNS Award winners answer these burning questions in this video.
Veteran volunteer DAC (NS) Lionel Chai’s journey with HomeTeamNS began in 1996, when he helped organise the inaugural REAL® Run at the Botanic Gardens — sparking a passion for service that continues to this day.
Now 58, Lionel has served across multiple committees, including the Balestier and Bukit Batok Executive Committees, the REAL® Run Organising Committee and the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors until this year.
On how HomeTeamNS has evolved
Having witnessed the organisation’s growth firsthand, Lionel is proud of how far it’s come. “As Singapore evolved, so did NS and HomeTeamNS,” he shares. “In the past 10 years, we’ve opened two new clubhouses, with updated facilities for NSmen and their families to enjoy. This is important, and I believe the NSmen involved should feel very proud.”
On defining team moments
Lionel fondly recalls the challenge of organising the first-ever REAL® Swim in 2016. “The Balestier team undertook to organise the inaugural meet, and we had to figure everything out — there was no blueprint or template to follow,” he says. “It brought the team together, and to this day, I count that as one of the most memorable memories.”
On the people who made it count
Among the friendships formed over the years, the Bukit Batok Executive Committee holds a special place in his heart. “Memories of attending meetings, planning events and even making a trip overseas together are extremely memorable,” he recalls. “It feels just like yesterday. Without them, would I have stayed on this journey for as long as I have? I wonder.”
Receiving the 25 Years Long Service Award was a milestone, but the journey means more to Lionel. “Frankly, I didn’t think I’d do this for a quarter of a century,” he reveals.” I’m tremendously thankful for those who have walked this long journey with me.”
On those who inspired him
While many have left a mark, Lionel pays special tribute to one former chairman. “Mr Lee Chee Peng was a great leader who brought the committee together. But really, every gentleman in that committee was outstanding in his own way,” he says.
On being part of something greater
From his earliest days, Lionel has been driven by a clear purpose. “Understanding NSmen’s aspirations and concerns is essential to serving well and effectively,” he emphasises. “The bond we’ve developed over time is the glue that binds us and motivates us to continue giving back to the association and, most importantly, to fellow NSmen.”
On what it takes to keep going
For Lionel, longevity in volunteering comes down to two key qualities: Ability and willingness. “Add to that a strong conviction to serve, and you’ll find a way to manage your time and commitments,” he notes.
On his volunteering journey… as a movie
Asked to imagine his journey as a film, Lionel doesn’t hesitate. “That would have to be A Few Good Men — not for the courtroom drama,” he jokes, “but to tell the story of the Bukit Batok Executive Committee, gentlemen from different services coming together with one clear goal: To serve fellow NSmen.”
On his version of a perfect day
After decades of dedicated service, Lionel’s idea of unwinding is refreshingly simple. “A quiet moment with a good cup of coffee. Resting the mind while sipping — that, to me, is quality life.”
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