Month: April 2024

Celebrating Mother’s Day: A guide to delighting every mum

Post author By Ben
Post date April 29, 2024
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Discover the perfect venues to tailor the celebrations according to your mum’s unique personality.

A tradition celebrated in over 40 countries around the globe, Mother’s Day is dedicated to honouring the phenomenal women in our lives. While customs and dates may vary — with Eastern Europe marking the occasion on 8 March, France on the last Sunday of May and Singapore on the second Sunday of May — the essence of the occasion remains the same. It’s about showing appreciation for the endless love and sacrifices our mothers have made.

To express our gratitude and love, we often treat our mothers to a day of celebration with meals and gifts. This year, why not make 12 May extra special by choosing activities that align with her unique interests?

THE ARTISTIC MUM

She likes: Expressing herself through creative outlets
Take her to: An art jamming session or bespoke perfume workshop

Imagine a day where “no rules, no boundaries, no stress” is the mantra. This is exactly the promise of Splat Paint House, an art jamming studio where your mum can unleash her creativity — and possibly create a spontaneous masterpiece worthy of adorning your home’s walls.

Or, if she has a refined sense of smell, whisk her away to Sentosa’s Scentopia for a perfume workshop. There, she can blend her signature fragrance, starting with a perfume personality test and culminating in a bespoke scent that embodies her essence.

THE FOODIE MUM

She likes: Trying diverse cuisines
Take her on: An immersive gastronomic journey or to an indulgent seafood feast

Treat Mum to a dining experience where storytelling and food intertwine. Absurdities offers a multiverse adventure, where each dish is part of a larger narrative. Participants move between rooms set in a variety of surreal environments — think: dining in a jet plane, a mysterious apothecary and a desert caravan tent.

Alternatively, splurge on a feast of fresh seafood delights at Orchid Live Seafood at HomeTeamNS Khatib. Renowned for its signature lobster porridge made from succulent Southern Australian lobsters and South African abalone braised over two days in a premium broth. The restaurant also offers 10% off for HomeTeamNS members.

THE EXPLORER MUM

She likes: Embarking on new adventures and experiences
Take her to: Rediscover her inner child or on a unique walking tour

For the mum with a zest for discovery, Jewel Changi Airport Canopy Park makes for an enchanting playground — yes, even for adults. Go on the giant slides, explore a mirror maze, or clamber onto giant nets amid the lush greenery. Mix and match your preferred attractions with up to 25% off for HomeTeamNS members.

If she prefers a blend of history and art, the audio-guided walking trail at Jalan Besar by New World’s End merges storytelling with immersive art installations, offering a multi-sensory experience that’ll transport her back to the vibrant 1960s.

THE SPORTY MUM

She likes: Staying active and challenging herself physically
Take her to: Unleash her competitive side

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s Action Motion is an adrenaline-fuelled haven for sporty mums. With multiple gamified zones that include climbing walls and agility nets to test her mettle, it’s the ideal spot for the whole family to get in on the competition.

There are also family-friendly thrills to be found at Laser Quest at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, an exhilarating arena for laser tag battles. A set of three games will last 30 minutes, allowing your mum to temporarily set aside her maternal role for some playful strategising.

THE NATURE-LOVING MUM

She likes: Getting up close to nature
Take her to: Breakfast in the wild or a tranquil staycation

For mums who find peace in the embrace of nature, a day at Mandai Wildlife Reserve promises to be a relaxing retreat. Begin the day with breakfast at the Singapore Zoo, followed by explorations at River Wonders and the Night Safari. HomeTeamNS members get 40% off tickets on weekdays and 10% off from Fridays to Sundays.

Equally relaxing is a staycation at East Villa at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, surrounded by a serene, forested park and its waters. Enjoy a dip in the clubhouse’s infinity pool and a delicious meal at Sum Dim Sum or Sri Bistari after. Between the scenic views and soothing sounds of nature, Mum will feel rejuvenated in no time.

THE MULTIFACETED MUM

She likes: Excelling in her career while balancing motherhood
Take her to: Craft a personalised card holder or give her a hair makeover

Mums juggling career and family deserve recognition, so show your appreciation by treating her to a workshop by Bynd Artisan, the makers of beautiful leather items. A soft leather card holder is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to her professional life.

Perhaps to help her stay stylish and confident at work, gift her a hair glow-up session with Black Hair Salon. HomeTeamNS members are entitled to discounts of up to 15% as well as a complimentary membership for receipts over $200. It’s thoughtful gestures like these that will leave your mum feeling refreshed and ready to tackle her dual roles with renewed vigour.

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.

In The Force

How a leap of faith led to this volunteer’s profound personal growth

Post author By Ben
Post date April 26, 2024
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Mr Avinash Mishra’s story goes beyond traditional volunteerism, embodying the essence of resilience, breaking societal barriers and nurturing an inclusive society.

This month, we shine a spotlight on Mr Avinash Mishra, a beacon of change and hope through his volunteer work with the Yellow Ribbon Project.

Mr Avinash Mishra’s foray into volunteering with the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) in December 2021 marked a pivotal moment — that of stepping out of his comfort zone.

As someone deeply entrenched in the corporate world, the Programme Manager with Microsoft took a leap of faith into uncharted territory and embarked on a mission to support current inmates and ex-offenders within the Singapore’s prison system. This bold move initiated a transformative journey for him — one with many challenges that tested his resilience, but ultimately led to profound growth.

Connecting with individuals of diverse background is one of those game-changing moments in Mr Mishra’s volunteering journey.

He recalls a PowerPoint training session he conducted, which focused on presentation and storytelling. “Older inmates around the ages of 50-55, for example, often shared profound reflections on topics like the importance of family and health, while the younger inmates approached these topics more lightly,” he shares. “I’ve also seen inmates with computer skills enrich the class, turning it into a peer-teaching experience, as well as someone who had never used a mouse before. This diversity in backgrounds and skills really highlights the broad spectrum of individuals within our society, and I respect that.”

His journey with YRP not only expanded his horizon and tested his limits, but also strengthened his commitment to fostering an inclusive society that extends beyond mere second chances.

Mr Mishra (top row, second from right) during a Home Team Volunteer Network webinar in 2022, hosted by YRP. Hear from him as he shares his experience at the webinar.

EXPANDING HIS HORIZONS

Despite the 46-year-old’s initial uncertainty and discomfort, his volunteerism has yielded immeasurable rewards. Through his dedicated involvement in digital literacy workshops, community events and befriending programmes, he has positively impacted many lives and empowered countless individuals to pursue a brighter future.

Today, Mr Mishra’s journey has transcended beyond mere participation, evolving into a voyage of self-discovery by allowing him to push the boundaries of his preconceived notions and cultivate a richer sense of empathy and connection.

Reflecting on his experiences, Mr Mishra shares: “Before volunteering within the prison system, I was apprehensive, expecting to meet hardened criminals and tough individuals. But I quickly learnt that inmates are much like anyone else you’d meet in life, with humour and talents like drawing or music, that go beyond the stereotypical image of prison life.”

He credits YRP for its crucial role in supporting ex-inmates with second chances and aiding their reintegration into society. Through awards, befriending services and art showcases, YRP helps these individuals feel valued again.

“At a YRP exhibition at Gardens by the Bay in November 2022, I was heartened by the positive public response to inmates’ and ex-inmates’ art and stories. One ex-inmate I’d worked with even shared his progress on LinkedIn recently, highlighting how individuals regain confidence and strive for excellence with YRP’s support. This experience has been a powerful reminder of the human capacity for change and the impact of offering a supportive community,” he adds.

CELEBRATING THE HEART OF VOLUNTEERISM

Mr Mishra’s story serves as an inspiring beacon for volunteers nationwide. His efforts have not only enriched the lives he has touched, but also redefined his own perspectives on volunteerism.

“Volunteering has been a humbling experience that allowed me to better understand people’s problems and understand how privileged some of us are,” he shares. “It has also taught me the value of humility and the importance of lifting others as we rise, reinforcing the collective progress of our society.”

A VISION FOR A UNITED TOMORROW

The father of one remains steadfast in his dedication to community service, and dreams of a future where active volunteerism breaks down barriers, unites diverse communities and cultivates a spirit of empathy and inclusion.

Through his ongoing work with YRP, Mr Mishra seeks to encourage others to embrace the unfamiliar, challenge conventional norms and embark on their own transformative journeys of volunteerism. He shares: “Volunteering with prisoners or former inmates presents its challenges. Progress is slow and sometimes invisible, as inmates work through a lengthy process of rehabilitation, potentially leading volunteers to feel a deep emotional connection or exhaustion.”

Mr Mishra highlights the hurdles faced by ex-offenders, such as societal stigma, which complicates their job search and may inadvertently push them back towards criminal activities. Nonetheless, he emphasises that for those determined to effect long-term change and capable of handling emotional challenges, this type of volunteer work can be immensely satisfying and play a crucial role in enhancing Singapore’s safety in the long run.

Mr Mishra with his wife and son during a family outing.

Sharing his advice with prospective volunteers, Mr Mishra says: “Volunteering requires self-motivation, and family support is critical.” He adds that it is vital for whoever is considering it to ensure that they strike the right balance between personal and volunteering commitments. “The initial steps may be challenging, but once you’ve established your footing, you’ll find a rewarding road ahead.”

Join the Home Team Volunteer Network and make a difference in your community today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about our 11 different volunteer schemes and how you can contribute.

Club Buzz Featured

HomeTeamNS: 19 years of community, courage and camaraderie

Post author By Ben
Post date April 24, 2024
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As HomeTeamNS celebrates its 19^th anniversary, Frontline traces the organisation’s transformative journey and its commitment to serving the Home Team community.

Close Up

Total defence in every sense of the word

Post author By Ben
Post date April 19, 2024
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LTC (NS) Wong during an SCDF promotion ceremony in 2011, when he was promoted to the rank of MAJ.

LTC (NS) William Wong reflects on 40 years of total defence and what it means for Singapore.

TEXT: KEENAN PEREIRA

PHOTOS: LTC (NS) WILLIAM WONG

Four decades on, the term “total defence” is more important than ever, according to LTC (NS) William Wong. “In recent times, there have been no lack of examples to drive home the message of being crisis-ready, be it for a natural disaster or national emergencies,” says the 45-year-old.

One need not look further than the COVID-19 pandemic to observe how the six pillars of Total Defence safeguard the nation. He adds: “To me, Total Defence is about every Singaporean coming together to play their different roles and protect what matters most to us.”

Ensuring Singapore’s readiness for crises and disruptions is the responsibility of agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), where LTC (NS) Wong started his career and continues to serve as an NSman.

“Many naturally associate SCDF with firefighting and emergency medical services,” he shares. “But beyond that, there is a huge team of passionate and committed SCDF officers who are involved in other aspects of contingency planning – such as the operational standby for the annual National Day Parade or key events like the biennale Singapore Airshow – to ensure that Singaporeans will be protected against a wide spectrum of potential threats.”

A LIFELONG COMMITMENT

LTC (NS) Wong is one such officer. He began his journey at Central Fire Station in 2004 as a regular officer, before being posted to the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) unit as a Rota Commander in 2008. “My responsibility was to ensure the team’s readiness at all times. And when we were out responding to emergencies, I would lead them and look out for their safety,” he recounts.

During his time with SCDF, LTC (NS) Wong also had a posting with the Civil Defence Academy, where he had opportunities to share his experience with local and overseas trainees. These rotations helped him to lay the foundation for a successful career in emergency preparedness.

Today, LTC (NS) Wong serves as the Deputy Director of a division within the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), focusing on crisis planning for maritime incidents such as ferry mishaps and oil spills, as well as addressing emerging risks related to climate change and the adoption of green fuels.

Reflecting on his current role, he believes that he is contributing to the Economic Defence pillar. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learnt that it was important for the maritime sector to enhance the resiliency of global supply chains,” he explains.

He credits much of his success to his time in SCDF, which has given him the confidence and expertise to manage difficult situations.

“As a Key Appointment Holder, we will naturally take on more roles and responsibilities. Although I started off as very operational and hands-on, my role gradually transitioned to strategic-planning over time – from curating the yearly In-Camp Training (ICT) programme and mission exercise planning to leadership succession planning for our NS officers.”

– LTC (NS) William Wong on his NS journey

NURTURING TOMORROW’S GUARDIANS

Beyond preparing him for a civilian career, SCDF was also where LTC (NS) Wong met his wife, LTC Carolyn Low. Recalling their shared journey, he says, “We were working in the same fire station with good food in the vicinity. One day, I asked her out for dinner and the rest is history.”

The couple have five children, aged between five and 12. Total Defence is a concept that LTC (NS) Wong has strived to instil in them from an early age. He also actively involves his children in grassroots activities such as the Community Resilience Day or Safety & Security Days within his constituency, to imbue these values in them.

“I hope that emergency preparedness will become second nature to them as they grow up,” he explains. “Skills such as first aid, firefighting and CPR – are important as they can make the difference between life and death. If my children can help to save lives, I would be very proud of them!”

From left to right: LTC Tan Jee Piau, Head of the Community Engagement Branch in the 2nd SCDF Division; LTC (NS) Wong; Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and MP for Tampines GRC; COL Bob Tan, Deputy Director of the Volunteer and Community Partnership Department at HQ SCDF; and Community Emergency and Engagement committee member Avery Hoo during Community Resilience Day in May last year.

COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF DEFENCE

As the Deputy Unit Commander of Battalion HQ, LTC (NS) Wong oversees the ICT programme for over 200 NSmen. He impresses upon his children that the community plays a key role in emergency preparedness. “I feel that SCDF’s vision of making Singapore a nation of lifesavers is a worthwhile pursuit,” he observes. “To have more responders on the ground, to be able to render assistance to people around us, to bounce back quickly from a crisis, and hopefully be more resilient.”

To support this vision, he also serves as the chair of his constituency’s Community Emergency and Engagement (C2E) committee. C2Es are community emergency preparedness units formed within each constituency to help strengthen community resilience through exercises in operational readiness.

In addition to his civilian and NSman roles, LTC (NS) Wong is also an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President of Singapore. How does he juggle numerous commitments, including his five children, his career, community involvement, on top of his NS responsibilities?

LTC (NS) Wong explains that as with most things, time management and prioritisation are key. “I am very fortunate to have strong family support to help with my children whenever the need arises,” he says. “At my workplace, I am supported by colleagues and superiors who are understanding and flexible. In my ICT unit, the officers and men are cohesive and committed, and we are bound by the common mission of making our time at ICT count. And at the end of the day, we want to go home, safe and sound.”

In The Force

A Closer Look: Policing In The Digital Age

Post author By Ben
Post date April 17, 2024
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A PolCam installed at a HDB block.

Discover how Assistant Watch Officers utilise PolCam to keep Singapore safe.

PHOTOS: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

TEXT: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE, SOH YING JIE

TEXT: DOMINIC DASS

The Police Operations Command Centre (POCC) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) plays an essential role in maintaining continuous frontline police operations throughout the nation. Central to its success is the sophisticated Police Camera (PolCam) system, which is crucial for real-time crime management and for elevating operational insight as revealed in this SPF Police Life Magazine article.

Since the first installation in April 2012, PolCam has been instrumental in solving over 7,500 crime cases, contributing to safer neighbourhoods across Singapore. With more than 90,000 installed across the island’s public spaces, PolCam not only bolsters the POCC’s capabilities in managing incidents as they occur, but also heightens situational awareness.

Looking ahead, the SPF plans to expand PolCam coverage across more locations island-wide, such as commercial, entertainment, and recreational areas with high footfall and crowd congregation, as well as other common areas in residential estates. Over 200,000 PolCam will be deployed by mid-2030s to enhance public safety and security and aid in Police’s investigations.

VIGILANCE BEHIND THE SCREEN

The success of the POCC is closely linked to the commitment of full-time Police National Service officers, particularly the Assistant Watch Officers (AWOs). These attentive officers function as the SPF’s eyes and ears, diligently overseeing the PolCam system.

Special Constable Sergeant (SC/Sgt) Abdul Raafiq, who serves as an AWO, explains their critical role: “We use PolCam to conduct ‘virtual patrolling’ by trawling through live footage to search for any suspicious activities, persons, or commotion. If we spot something concerning, we’ll alert our Watch Officers to dispatch officers to the location.”

In addition to their surveillance duties, AWOs handle other critical responsibilities “We also manage calls on the Police Hotline (1800-255-0000) and generate reports from 995 calls to the Singapore Civil Defence Force when police intervention is needed, like in traffic accidents,” shares SC/Sgt Raafiq.

FROM KNOWLEDGE TO COMMAND

AWOs undergo a comprehensive training programme encompassing theoretical lessons and practical sessions. SC/Sgt Raafiq elaborates on their training journey, “We start with several weeks of theory lessons and training conducted by our Training Officer. This deep dive covers the PolCam system, its capabilities, and all relevant Police procedures.”

Following their theoretical training, AWOs engage in a week-long intensive field training under the mentorship of experienced AWOs. This phase allows them to apply their learned knowledge to real-life scenarios, preparing them to work independently, while still receiving support and guidance from their seniors.

SYNERGY IN SURVEILLANCE

Beyond monitoring through PolCam, AWOs leverage video analytics to aid police operations. “This helps to expedite the search for missing persons or suspects,” explains Special Constable Corporal (SC/Cpl) Bryan Lam.

AWOs like SC/Cpl Lam find their role both challenging and rewarding. “Serving as an AWO in the POCC has been an eye-opening and fulfilling National Service experience,” he says. “By tapping on the PolCam system, we can better support our officers on the ground and better contribute to the safety of the community.”

SC/Sgt Raafiq reflects on the unique aspects of being an AWO. “We work in a high-tempo environment 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of Singapore,” he says, adding that the role has helped him develop his patience, attention to detail, and mental resilience. “Most importantly, witnessing the impact of our work has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose!”

To thank our Home Team Officers for their contributions to the safety and security of Singapore and Singaporeans, eligible Home Team officers, national servicemen, and those serving in the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) and Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit (CDAU), will be given a complimentary one-year HomeTeamNS membership from mid-March 2024. They can also sign their family members up for a complimentary one-year family membership, for them to enjoy the same perks and benefits. Click here and here for details.

THE ARTISTIC MUM

THE FOODIE MUM

THE EXPLORER MUM

THE SPORTY MUM

THE NATURE-LOVING MUM

THE MULTIFACETED MUM

EXPANDING HIS HORIZONS

CELEBRATING THE HEART OF VOLUNTEERISM

A VISION FOR A UNITED TOMORROW

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