Month: February 2023

Home Team Volunteer Network: Giving and growing in 2022

Post author By Dennis
Post date February 20, 2023
No Comments on Home Team Volunteer Network: Giving and growing in 2022

Ms Carlyn Koo began volunteering with the Citizens on Patrol scheme at the start of the pandemic.

Home Team volunteers look back on their 2022 experiences with the Home Team Volunteer Network.

TEXT AND PHOTOS: HOME TEAM VOLUNTEER NETWORK

From helping to keep our streets safe, to learning about civil defence and helping to keep others safe from drugs, these Home Team Volunteer Network (HTVN) volunteers reflect on how the easing of restrictions has made their work more rewarding and fulfilling.

CARLYN KOO, CITIZENS ON PATROL VOLUNTEER

Carlyn enrolled in the Citizens on Patrol (COP) scheme when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Consequently, due to safe-distancing measures, physical interactions were limited — so she was especially thrilled when COP’s patrols resumed after a temporary suspension for several months.

“Volunteering in 2022 was exciting! It felt great to be back and giving back to my community and neighbourhood,” she shared.

NUR ALYSHA, 16^thBATCH CADET LIEUTENANT, NATIONAL CIVIL DEFENCE CADET CORPS (NCDCC)

Alysha’s immense relief at the easing of restrictions is understandable. She said: “I did not get to experience some of the in-person courses such as Unit Drill Instructor and the practical components of the Specialisation Course.

“Due to Covid-19, some of the in-person courses were suspended, but now that the restrictions have eased, I was given the opportunity to join the planning committee for the Urban Adventure Civil Defence Skills Challenge 2022. I am so excited and thrilled to be a part of this!”

Alysha finds her volunteering experience eye-opening and meaningful, as she gets to expand her knowledge in hard skills such as foot drills and soft skills like critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills.

JEREMY CHUA HAN XIANG, ANTI-DRUG ADVOCATE (ADA), ANTI-DRUG ABUSE ADVOCACY NETWORK (A3 NETWORK) SCHEME

Jeremy’s volunteering experiences in 2022 proved to be enriching, as he better understood the importance of ADA’s work in supporting and promoting Singapore’s anti-drug cause.

“Through our training, exposure and activities, we better appreciate the work we do in the community to keep our families safe from the harmful effects of drug abuse,” he said.

Find out more how you can make a difference in your community. Volunteer with the Home Team Volunteer Network today!

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.

Shape Up Featured

Fitness Workz Garage: A unique fitness experience

Post author By Dennis
Post date February 17, 2023
No Comments on Fitness Workz Garage: A unique fitness experience

Crossfit enthusiasts rejoice – Fitness Workz Garage, your new home-away-from-home gym awaits at Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse.

TEXT: NICHOLAS JACOB

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

Located at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir is Fitness Workz Garage – a new-age gym built to meet the diverse fitness needs of Home Team NSmen and their loved ones.

Designed as a crossfit haven, the gym also boasts a full complement of fitness equipment and exercise spaces to cater to everyday workout requirements. Here’s what sets Fitness Workz Garage apart from other Fitness Workz gyms across HomeTeamNS clubhouses.

STATE-OF-THE-ART, ALL-PURPOSE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Like any good gym, Fitness Workz Garage not only has the basics of gym tech down – it goes above and beyond to cater to cross-fitters, body-weight exercise enthusiasts, and those who incorporate functional training into their workouts.

Step inside and be greeted by the sight of rows lined with machines including brand-new treadmills, squat racks, a bench press machine and a leg press machine for the ideal mix of cardio and strength equipment. The gym also features popular alternative training gear like a monkey bar, rope pull and battle rope.

The highlight of the gym, however, is the CrossFit zone outfitted with an octagon training frame and a unique free weights zone.

CROSSFIT FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ZONE

A welcome and familiar sight for any crossfit lover, the functional training zone situated at the heart of the gym is exclusive to Fitness Workz Garage at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir.

The wide, open area is outfitted for some serious functional training, allowing gym-goers the best space possible to practice Olympic lifts, calisthenics and full-body movement exercises like kettlebell training and slam-ball work.

This area boasts the multi-functional octagon training frame rig – specially made for Fitness Workz Garage – that no other Fitness Workz gyms carry. The structure’s attachments include battle ropes, a punching bag and a cross core system and can be used by multiple users.

BOOTY-BUILDING AT THE FREE WEIGHT ZONE

While most other HomeTeamNS Fitness Workz gyms feature a free weight zone, there’s a few new toys at Fitness Workz Garage – both designed to deliver the ultimate posterior workout.

The hack squat machine is an ideal tool to build your glutes, maximising your training by enabling a wider range of movement for the glutes.

The zone also includes the Booty Builder: A weight-loaded hip-thrust machine that allow users to specifically target their glutes, instead of having to build up the station individually.

THE CARDIO ZONE: A RUNNER’S DREAM

Apart from treadmills Fitness Workz Garage’s cardio zone is equipped with cutting-edge equipment that will satisfy cardio savants of any calibre. Best of all, the treadmills face Bedok Reservoir – how’s that for a gym with a view?

Complementing the treadmills are Assault Runners – a premium self-operated treadmill powered by a user’s own stride, which are intended to help you meet and exceed your fitness goals while burning more calories. Notably, at Fitness Workz Garage, runners can enjoy a luxurious view of the reservoir as they get their mileage in.

Also noteworthy is the ski machine, which allows users to work their legs, core, and arms in a smooth, continuous motion.

SPIN CLASSES AT THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE STUDIO

To cap it off, Fitness Workz Garage is the only gym that conducts spin classes at the high-performance studio. The gym offers the CruTV spin bicycle, equipped with a high-definition touchscreen so a user can easily keep track of his or her progress

Another eight spin bikes are also available in the High Performance Studio (HPS) for group classes. Additionally, virtual classes will also be conducted in the HPS on a daily basis for gym users to follow a training program without the need of a physical spinning instructor so members enjoy flexible, fun fitness options.

Ready to join the Fitness Workz Garage community? Check out our website for more information on the rates and other cool amenities.

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.

Club Buzz

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir: Where the indoors and outdoors meet

Post author By Dennis
Post date February 17, 2023
No Comments on HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir: Where the indoors and outdoors meet

Live it up on the waterfront, at this new venue nestled in Bedok Reservoir Park whose facilities and activities are augmented by seamless digital solutions.

TEXT: EMMY ALIM

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

NSman SUPT (NS) Jason Lim had been looking for a special venue for his family to celebrate the year-end holidays, and eventually, he found just the place. “I had a Christmas party at the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir,” said SUPT (NS) Lim. “It was beautiful – it overlooks the reservoir and I couldn’t ask for a better location,” he added. The waterfront experience is something you can’t find anywhere else, said SUPT (NS) Lim, who is the volunteer Chairman of the Branding and Publicity Committee of HomeTeamNS.

Situated by the reservoir, the design of HomeTeamNS’ newest clubhouse flows from the outside in, carrying with it nature’s sought-after qualities of light and airy spaces.

Inside, each of its five storeys is packed with activities and facilities, most of which offer front-row seats to unobstructed views of the reservoir that transport you far away from the crowds.

WONDERS ON THE WATERFRONT

At the official opening of the clubhouse on 4 January, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, said the clubhouse’s uniqueness as a waterfront haven was a vision more than six years in the making. “I specifically wanted a waterfront. This is going to be one-of-a- kind venue – I don’t think it can be replicated in terms of location,” said Mr Shanmugam.

Bedok Reservoir was the clear choice among the locations considered for the new clubhouse because of the exclusive view and the large area for development. Its location is also close to a big segment of HomeTeamNS members living in the east who can enjoy kayaking and dragon boating here. And the water sport options don’t end when the boats are docked. Just a few steps in, a wet obstacle rope course and Singapore’s longest indoor waterslide – all 114m of it – are ready for action at the three-storey Aqua Adventure, as is the six-lane 50m infinity pool overlooking the reservoir.

A BLUEPRINT FOR GREEN

With such a unique vantage as part of the water and greenery of the reservoir park, HomeTeamNS is making sure it minimises any harm to its natural surroundings. The clubhouse has earned itself the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum certification – the highest sustainability standard for buildings – for its features that maximise energy efficiency and water conservation. “This includes the use of eco-friendly materials and systems, energy-efficient light fittings, use of solar photovoltaic panels, and a ‘blue & green’ roof to harness natural resources such as solar power and rainfall,” explained Ms Agnes Eu, Chief Executive of HomeTeamNS.

THE DIGITAL CLUBHOUSE EXPERIENCE

“We have moved beyond providing a traditional brick-and-mortar clubhouse experience for members,” said Ms Eu. In fact, the experience starts even before you reach the clubhouse.

The HomeTeamNS Mobile App offers members access to a range of services like entering the reservoir-view Members Lounge and booking any of the 10 two-storey waterfront or garden-facing villas. The app also allows keyless access to the spacious three-bedroom villas – ranging from 144sqm to 157sqm in size – that are designed for large gatherings, with roof balconies and sheltered BBQ patios.

The latest tech will also help NSmen and their families level up for a multi-level obstacle course at Action Motion where the gamifier system lets players go up against each other in real-time through the leaderboard. The course has some serious digital cred, incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) bouldering walls and trampoline.

FOR NSMEN BY NSMEN

The 14,500sqm clubhouse was designed for Home Team NSmen by the people who know exactly what they want and need – their fellow NSmen. Mr Muhamad Azfar Bin Ramli, Chairman of the Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse Executive Committee, explained: “We wanted to provide a meeting place in the eastern region of Singapore for Home Team NSmen to host their cohesion activities, so that they may build and strengthen the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that they have forged during their experience serving NS together.”

SUPT (NS) Jason Lim understands this only too well. “In the midst of serving National Service it’s things like the Bedok Reservoir clubhouse that show the organisation is giving back to us as well – they’re giving us something nobody else has access to or the privilege of using,” he said.

Noting that with four HomeTeamNS clubhouses to choose from – Balestier, Bedok Reservoir, Bukit Batok and Khatib – Mr Lim said each one is unique in its own right for NSmen to use.”Go to the clubhouse based on the activity that you’re interested in,” Mr Lim advised fellow HomeTeam NSmen. “For the Bedok Reservoir clubhouse, it’s the water activities.”

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.

Food Featured

What to eat at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

Post author By Ben
Post date February 10, 2023
No Comments on What to eat at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

Fuel up on everything from traditional Singaporean breakfasts to Chong Qing specialities and Indonesian delights between activities at the sprawling new clubhouse.

Fuel up at the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir clubhouse on everything from traditional Singaporean breakfasts to Chong Qing specialities and Indonesian delights.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

You’ve read all about the exciting array of facilities at the newly-opened clubhouse. Perhaps a weekend staycation at one of its beautifully designed waterfront villas has already been pencilled into your calendar.

But, if you also happen to be a foodie worth his salt, it’s time to map out your meals for a weekend escape at the clubhouse. There are multifarious choices available, whether you’re an early bird looking for a family-friendly breakfast or a night owl chatting with friends over supper. From kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs at Fun Toast to fast food fixes at Burger King, we’ve got your main meals covered.

BREAKFAST

Fun Toast

Rise and shine with an authentic Singaporean breakfast of kopi and teh, along with charcoal-grilled kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs at Fun Toast. Founded in 1941, the local chain prides itself on its signature Yuan Yang soft bun – a fluffy, freshly-baked bun slathered with homemade kaya butter and lightly toasted.

If you’re anticipating a busy day ahead, Fun Toast also offers more substantial local favourites such as mee siam, curry chicken, chee cheong fun and soy sauce chicken. And for those who are bored with the usual kopi-o (black coffee with sugar) or teh-c (tea with sugar and evaporated milk), check out their old-school red cane leaf iced drink topped with crunchy bits of water chestnut. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15 per cent discounts, for ala-carte food items only (excluding toast).

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#01-01

Daily: 07.30am – 08.30pm

Burger King (Halal)

Stash away that dismal looking cereal box and spark joy in your little ones with breakfast at Burger King. For the most important meal of the day, take your pick of your beloved Burger King creations – how fast can you say, ‘Mushroom Swiss’? – sandwiched between flaky golden croissants. And nothing says, ‘fun weekend food’ quite like a breakfast platter stacked with warm pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, sitting cheek-by-jowl with toasty tater tots and a succulent sausage. HomeTeamNS members enjoy selected value meals at exclusive prices, as well as a complimentary soft serve cone.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#01-02

Daily: 08.00am – 10.00pm

LUNCH

Sri Bistari (Halal)

A familiar favourite among HomeTeamNS members, Sri Bistari – a halal eatery formerly known as D.U.I.T at the now-defunct HomeTeamNS Sembawang – is well known for its nasi ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken with rice). Online reviews say that the juicy chicken is truly sedap (delicious) and the chilli so fragrant, you’ll want more rice to eat it with.

But if you’re not in the mood for fried chicken, Sri Bistari offers options such as grilled sotong (squid), stingray and prawns, as well as Western dishes like black pepper sirloin steak and fish and chips. Sweeten the experience with a warm Belgian waffle topped with your choice of gelato. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10 per cent discounts off their purchases.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#02-01

Daily: 11.00am – 11.00pm

Sum Dim Sum

For those who want to avoid a mid-day food coma, head over to Sum Dim Sum, a local brand started in 2019 that specialises in handmade dim sum. Its wide variety of light bites, noodles and soups cater to both young and old.

Chef’s recommendations include freshly-made har gow (steamed prawn dumplings), the signature hot and spicy dumplings, golden custard buns and signature pandan crispy pork buns. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15 per cent discounts.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#02-02

Mon-Fri: 11.30am – 03.00pm, 05.00pm to 10.30pm

Sat & Sun: 10.30am to 03.00pm, 05.00pm to 10.30pm

DINNER

Xiao Mu Deng

As the sun sets and the temperature dips, it’s time for a comforting steamboat dinner with family and friends at Xiao Mu Deng. The restaurant pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Chong Qing – a region in China synonymous with mala, a popular spice mix characterised by its tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Besides mala steamboat, sample the restaurant’s hometown specialities such as the fish-flavoured pork rice bowl, green pepper fat intestines and pig ear in red oil.

While sitting back contentedly around steaming bowls of soup, be sure to take a closer look at your surroundings. The restaurant’s interior, decked out in rustic wooden furniture, recalls the south-west China of yore. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15 per cent discounts.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#01-03

Mon-Thur: 3pm – 11pm

Fri-Sun, & Public Holiday: 11am – 11pm

SUPPER

7-Eleven

If you’re in the dark about 7-Eleven’s sheer variety of cooked food, snack and beverage options, you clearly haven’t been watching enough TikTok, where Gen Z has been busy showing their love for the round-the-clock convenience store.

There’s more than just potato chips or biscuits to look forward to at 7-11 these days: It also has onigiri (Japanese rice balls) in flavours such as grilled salmon and unagi (grilled eel), instant meals such as butter chicken biryani, kimchi fried rice, and Thai basil chicken, and desserts not limited to soft-serve ice cream. If you’re feeling hunger pangs during your villa stay, you might be surprised by what you’d find at 7-Eleven.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#01-05

Daily: 07.00am – 11.00pm

George’s Bar

George’s Bar is a Balinese-style hideout that boasts homemade snacks, a Western-style grill and an impressive variety of alcoholic beverages from all over the world slung at what it calls ‘MAD prices’ – perfect for a night out with friends.

It serves standout dishes such as black pepper tenderloin steak, beer battered fish and chips and the Georges burger. For finger food to accompany your beer, you can’t go wrong with chili cheese fries or calamari skewers.

The self-dubbed ‘friendliest neighbourhood bar’ is certainly popular, with six outlets island-wide and counting. With its mission to turn strangers into friends, George’s Bar will have you capping your day at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir with a smile – and a full belly. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 20 per cent discounts.

Location and Operating Hours

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

900 Bedok North Rd, Singapore 479994

#01-04

Mon-Fri: 03:00pm – 10.30pm

Sat, Sun, Eve of Public Holiday & Public Holiday: 08.30am – 10.30pm

Technology In The Force

Help from new technology, guided by core principles

Post author By Dennis
Post date February 10, 2023
No Comments on Help from new technology, guided by core principles

DAC (NS) Shah (back row, middle) and some members of his key appointment holders and responsibility appointment holders team, during a weapons handling training session at TransCom Base last year.

TransCom NS Commander DAC (NS) Mohammad Nurizham Shah; and SC/CPL Ryan Lui, an Assistant Ops Field Instructor with TransCom, share their thoughts on how technology has increased the effectiveness of servicemen even as it shapes how they interact with the public.

PHOTOS: DAC (NS) SHAH AND SC/CPL RYAN LUI

In over 25 years of service, DAC (NS) Mohammad Nurizham Shah Bin Abdullah has experienced and witnessed plenty of change within the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the environment it operates in.

As the National Service (NS) Commander of Transcom, DAC (NS) Shah works with fellow NS Key Appointment Holders and their regular counterparts to ensure that NSmen are equipped with the skills needed to protect Singapore’s Public Transport System. While technology has increased the effectiveness of TransCom officers, certain tenets – like the SPF’s core values of courage, loyalty, integrity and fairness – remain unchanged and form the bedrock of how full-time officers and NSmen perform their duties.

FUTUREPROOFING SECURITY OPERATIONS WITH TECHNOLOGY

Technology has helped offset the dual challenge of a declining birth rate – which translates to a smaller pool of NSFs – and a rapidly expanding MRT network. Singapore’s current rail network is about 200km in length, but this will be extended to about 360km by 2030 with the completion of new routes, like the Thomson-East Coast line and Cross Island line.

Apart from more advanced weapons and training aids, TransCom leverages technology to increase the effectiveness of its officers. “Technology such as CCTV cameras and data analytics will enhance policing efforts in solving and preventing crime,” says DAC (NS) Shah.

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

While technology has been a force multiplier, it has – in the form of social media and mobile devices – also changed how servicemen interact with the public. This, according to DAC (NS) Shah, has presented new challenges to servicemen today, compared to when he was an NSF himself. “This intense public scrutiny in crowded places is something which TransCom officers have to deal with every day,” he says. “They are often on foot patrol, and unlike conventional ground officers, cannot return to the patrol car while on duty.”

The prevalence of mobile devices, social media accounts and excellent mobile broadband coverage mean that anyone has the ability to become a content provider. However, content without context can create unnecessary complications. “We do have commuters taking videos of policeman at work and circulating them on social media,” DAC (NS) Shah shares. “Most of the videos only show part of the incident and may be taken out of context. Therefore, we always advise the public to refrain from uploading or re-sharing such videos.” He adds that SPF’s Facebook page provides updates to the public on the actual scenario in an incident. “We understand the pressure faced by our officers and have assured them that as long as they carry out their duties professionally, we will always be there to defend them against any allegations.” he stresses.

DUTIFUL DILIGENCE

This commitment to duty is a value that SC/CPL Ryan Lui Ching Yiu is very familiar with. As an Assistant Ops Field Instructor, he assists full-time officers to train TransCom officers in police contact tactics, weapon handling and first responder training.

He is also deployed to patrol the MRT network, especially during major events such as the National Day Parade and New Year’s celebrations “NS has taught me to be responsible and also to complete all task that have been assigned to me, as this may have a direct or indirect impact on others,” says SC/CPL Lui. “This has clearly been outlined within my work as a police officer from managing my administrative work as a trainer to handling incidents within the MRT system as a patrol officer,” he adds. “Everyone, myself included, is accountable for our actions, decisions and behaviour, so we take our work seriously.”

HOW TRANSCOM IS PARTNERING THE PUBLIC

The Public Transport Security Command’s (TransCom) Riders-On-Watch (ROW) initiative encourages commuters to help create a safer environment for all, by sharing latest crime information affecting the public transport system with ROW volunteers. Aside from keeping an eye out for suspicious activities, the SPF hopes that ROW volunteers will share the information with their family and friends helping to create a more informed community.

People

Happenings

Lifestyle

About

People

Happenings

Lifestyle

Stay Updated

Download Today

People

Happenings

Lifestyle

People

Happenings

Lifestyle

Stay Updated

Download Today

Home