{"id":46025,"date":"2025-06-12T16:05:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T08:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/?p=46025"},"modified":"2025-06-12T16:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T08:07:14","slug":"united-in-purpose-what-drives-a-life-of-service-copy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/united-in-purpose-what-drives-a-life-of-service-copy\/","title":{"rendered":"United in purpose: What drives a life of service"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Two HomeTeamNS Award winners reflect on their journey as volunteers and why serving their fellow NSmen remains the greatest reward.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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They\u2019ve helped launch major events, supported clubhouse operations and shaped the HomeTeamNS experience from the ground up.<\/p>

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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>

Here\u2019s how their journeys unfolded \u2014 and why giving back continues to mean so much to them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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LEADING THROUGH TECH AND TRUST: COL (NS) JAHAN DE SILVA<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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COL (NS) Jahan De Silva (left) receiving the Meritorious Platinum Award from Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, at the HomeTeamNS Awards 2025.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When COL (NS) Jahan De Silva agreed to his friend\u2019s request to volunteer with HomeTeamNS in 2017, he didn\u2019t expect to still be around nearly a decade later.<\/p>

A senior IT director by profession, the 45-year-old has been able to tap his expertise to support HomeTeamNS\u2019s 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.<\/p>

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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On his leadership style and approach to life<\/em><\/strong>
Jahan sees himself as more of a \u201cbig brother\u201d rather than a leader. \u201cI try my best to lead the team to solutions rather than provide them outright,\u201d he emphasises. \u201cSometimes they go in a different direction, and that\u2019s okay. I want them to have the freedom to make their own decisions \u2014 it helps them grow and take ownership.\u201d<\/p>

Outside of work, the self-declared gearhead draws an unexpected parallel between his car of choice and his attitude towards service. \u201cI\u2019m like my BMW F87 M2 \u2014 a performance car that can be driven daily and still keep up with many supercars,\u201d he says. \u201cFast and decisive when needed, but also able to sit back and relax when there\u2019s no need for speed.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Track day at Germany\u2019s N\u00fcrburgring in March 2022, where Jahan took the F87 M2 \u2014 the same model he drives back home \u2014 for a spin.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On going above and beyond
<\/em><\/strong>Jahan didn\u2019t hesitate to step outside his official role when he saw a gap that needed filling. \u201cHomeTeamNS needed a way to help its ops staff understand PDPA compliance and the importance of data protection,\u201d he recounts. \u201cSince I had experience running tabletop exercises \u2014 both in my day job and as a unit commander in NS \u2014 I agreed to lead the session, even though it was outside my official IT Chair role.\u201d<\/p>

On building clubhouses from the backend up
<\/em><\/strong>One of his proudest contributions was helping to bring new clubhouses online. \u201cI 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,\u201d he shares. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Jahan spotted on a walkabout checking on vendor works before his weekly on-site meeting during the construction of the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir clubhouse.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On the reality of volunteering
<\/em><\/strong>Managing a team of volunteers comes with its own set of challenges. \u201cVolunteers 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\u2019s just part of volunteering \u2014 and thankfully, others always stepped up.\u201d<\/p>

On what makes it all worthwhile<\/em><\/strong>
What keeps Jahan going all these years wasn\u2019t the systems or strategy \u2014 it was the people. \u201cVolunteering lets you meet people you\u2019d otherwise never cross paths with. You form strong bonds and become part of a very large extended family,\u201d he explains.<\/p>

Despite winning the Meritorious Platinum Award, Jahan remains modest. \u201cI\u2019m deeply humbled, but I don\u2019t volunteer for recognition,\u201d he says. \u201cEverything I\u2019ve achieved was only possible with the support of others.\u201d<\/p>

On his idea of the ultimate volunteer retreat
<\/em><\/strong>If Jahan were planning it, it wouldn\u2019t involve strategy decks or simulations \u2014 just pure R&R. \u201cIf there were no budget constraints, I\u2019d take everyone for dive certification in the Philippines or Indonesia over 4 to 5 days, then hit the racetrack for the weekend,\u201d he shares. \u201cNot sure if that\u2019s everyone\u2019s cup of tea though!\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Throwback to Jahan\u2019s 2011 dive in Bohol, where he looked perfectly at home among the seagrass.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On what every good volunteer team needs
<\/em><\/strong>Asked what he\u2019d look for in a dream volunteer task force, his answer was simple: \u201cCommitment. Volunteering may be optional, but it still makes an impact,\u201d he stresses. \u201cOnce someone decides to commit and puts in the time, everything else tends to fall into place.\u201d<\/p>

On the one thing he wishes he could change
<\/em><\/strong>If Jahan could snap his fingers and fix one challenge faced by volunteers, it would be this: \u201cI\u2019d give us all more hours in a day. The biggest challenge is just having enough bandwidth to juggle everything.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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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 <\/em>video<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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STEADFAST IN SERVICE AND SPIRIT: DAC (NS) LIONEL CHAI<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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DAC (NS) Lionel Chai (right) receiving the 25 Years Long Service Award from Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, and HomeTeamNS President, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, at the HomeTeamNS Awards 2025.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Veteran volunteer DAC (NS) Lionel Chai\u2019s journey with HomeTeamNS began in 1996, when he helped organise the inaugural REAL\u00ae Run at the Botanic Gardens \u2014 sparking a passion for service that continues to this day.<\/p>

Now 58, Lionel has served across multiple committees, including the Balestier and Bukit Batok Executive Committees, the REAL\u00ae Run Organising Committee and the HomeTeamNS Board of Governors until this year.<\/p>

On how HomeTeamNS has evolved<\/em><\/strong>
<\/strong>Having witnessed the organisation\u2019s growth firsthand, Lionel is proud of how far it\u2019s come. \u201cAs Singapore evolved, so did NS and HomeTeamNS,\u201d he shares. \u201cIn the past 10 years, we\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>

On defining team moments
<\/em><\/strong>Lionel fondly recalls the challenge of organising the first-ever REAL\u00ae Swim in 2016. \u201cThe Balestier team undertook to organise the inaugural meet, and we had to figure everything out \u2014 there was no blueprint or template to follow,\u201d he says. \u201cIt brought the team together, and to this day, I count that as one of the most memorable memories.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Lionel (left) during a briefing session at the first REAL\u00ae Swim on 20 August 2016.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On the people who made it count
<\/em><\/strong>Among the friendships formed over the years, the Bukit Batok Executive Committee holds a special place in his heart. \u201cMemories of attending meetings, planning events and even making a trip overseas together are extremely memorable,\u201d he recalls. \u201cIt feels just like yesterday. Without them, would I have stayed on this journey for as long as I have? I wonder.\u201d<\/p>

Receiving the 25 Years Long Service Award was a milestone, but the journey means more to Lionel. \u201cFrankly, I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d do this for a quarter of a century,\u201d he reveals.\u201d I\u2019m tremendously thankful for those who have walked this long journey with me.\u201d<\/p>

On those who inspired him
<\/em><\/strong>While many have left a mark, Lionel pays special tribute to one former chairman. \u201cMr 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>

On being part of something greater
<\/em><\/strong>From his earliest days, Lionel has been driven by a clear purpose. \u201cUnderstanding NSmen\u2019s aspirations and concerns is essential to serving well and effectively,\u201d he emphasises. \u201cThe bond we\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lionel (extreme right) with Chairman, HomeTeamNS Board of Governor, Mr K Shanmugam (third from left), President, HomeTeamNS, Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim (second from left), Vice-President, HomeTeamNS, Commissioner Eric Yap (extreme left), Ex Vice-President, HomeTeamNS, Mr Khoo Boon Hui (fourth from left), and fellow Home Team NSmen volunteers at the recent HomeTeamNS Awards.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On what it takes to keep going<\/em><\/strong>
<\/strong>For Lionel, longevity in volunteering comes down to two key qualities: Ability and willingness. \u201cAdd to that a strong conviction to serve, and you\u2019ll find a way to manage your time and commitments,\u201d he notes.<\/p>

On his volunteering journey\u2026 as a movie
<\/em><\/strong>Asked to imagine his journey as a film, Lionel doesn\u2019t hesitate. \u201cThat would have to be A Few Good Men<\/em> \u2014 not for the courtroom drama,\u201d he jokes, \u201cbut to tell the story of the Bukit Batok Executive Committee, gentlemen from different services coming together with one clear goal: To serve fellow NSmen.\u201d<\/p>

On his version of a perfect day<\/em><\/strong>
<\/strong>After decades of dedicated service, Lionel\u2019s idea of unwinding is refreshingly simple. \u201cA quiet moment with a good cup of coffee. Resting the mind while sipping \u2014 that, to me, is quality life.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Like our stories? Subscribe to our\u00a0Frontline Digital newsletters<\/a>\u00a0now! Simply download the\u00a0HomeTeamNS Mobile App<\/a>\u00a0and update your communication preference to \u2018Receive Digital Frontline Magazine\u2019, through the App Settings.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Two HomeTeamNS award winners reflect on their journey as volunteers and why serving their fellow NSmen remains the greatest reward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":45956,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spotlight","category-featured"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnited in purpose: What drives a life of service - Frontline<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Two HomeTeamNS award winners reflect on their journey as volunteers and why serving their fellow NSmen remains the greatest reward.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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