NS IPPT Taskforce frontrunners SGT (2) (NS) Muhammad Syarif Bin Mohamad Yasin (left) and DSP (NS) Luqman Nulhakim bin Abdul Manan (right).
A group of SPF NSmen share how their professional skills and passion for fitness led them to develop initiatives that support fellow NSmen and NSFs in passing their IPPT.
The annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) can often be a source of stress for many NSmen who struggle to keep up with their fitness. To make this experience less daunting, the NS IPPT Taskforce was established in March this year, aiming to improve the overall IPPT programme for Singapore Police Force (SPF) NSmen. The team is focused on supporting NSmen throughout their National Service (NS) journey, from the first recall to the 10th cycle, by creating fitness initiatives and leveraging technology to optimise resources and communications.
One of the four team leaders of the IPPT Taskforce, DSP (NS) Luqman Nulhakim bin Abdul Manan — who is also the NS Head of Operations (PCG) (KAH) — is an exercise physiologist in his civilian role, with extensive experience in creating fitness programmes tailored to individual health needs. Using his expertise, he ensures that all NS IPPT Taskforce initiatives are rooted in sports science.
“We’ve noticed a decline in fitness levels among NSmen,” Luqman shared. “Balancing desk-bound jobs, unhealthy food options, and busy schedules can make it hard for NSmen to prioritise fitness.” His goal is to shift the mindset around fitness by fostering proactive fitness habits among NSmen and encouraging a more health-conscious culture within the force.
“I can address the time management challenges NSmen face when balancing training with work and family responsibilities, ensuring they know that the IPPT initiatives are here to support them, not burden them,” he added.
NSmen participating in a workout session, following instructions from the VFT series.
BRINGING FITNESS TO YOUR SCREEN
One major obstacle to fitness training is access to skilled personnel. The NS IPPT Taskforce addressed this by introducing Video Fitness Training (VFT), a video series focused on exercises that help improve IPPT performance and develop functional strength required in policing.
“The great thing about VFT is that units don’t need a full-fledged physical instructor for each session. It’s all in the video, and the Training Management Staff who can be a NSman can easily lead the session,” explained Luqman. The workouts are time-based, allowing participants to adjust the intensity to match their fitness levels.
DSP (NS) Luqman Nulhakim bin Abdul Manan leading an NSFIT Conducting and Safety Officer Course, which enables trained officers to be the Training Management Staff (TMS) for running the VFT.
MAKING FITNESS TRAINING SAFE AND EASY TO IMPLEMENT
The NSFIT Conducting and Safety Officer Course (NSCO Course) is a half-day program curated in consultation with the SPF Training Capability and Development Department (TCDD) to equip Training Management Staff (TMS) with the knowledge and skills to safely run Video Fitness Training (VFT) sessions. The course covers essential topics such as the SPF training system, risk assessment and management, adherence to SOPs and TSRs, and basic exercise principles. Since its inception, 11 courses have been conducted, training 306 officers across SPF units as of November 2024. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the course’s impact on enhancing safety awareness and expanding participants’ knowledge. Moving forward, a “Train-the-Trainer” initiative is planned to enable units to independently train and refresh their TMS pool.
Units who have trialled the VFT have reported that it is easy to implement, with many NSmen incorporating these exercises into their own workout routines outside of ICT. “One NSman shared that VFT made him realise he didn’t need a gym full of equipment to stay fit. That’s exactly the mindset shift we wanted,” recounted Luqman.
SUPT (NS) Abdul Haireel bin Abdul Haleem, another NS IPPT Taskforce member, leveraged on his experience as NS Head of Training to pilot the VFT programme in selected divisions, paving the way for SPF-wide implementation by January 2025. His role as NS Head Manpower, Admin, Logistics (‘J’ Division) (KAH), also gave him valuable insights into ensuring resources like equipment and personnel are available to support these IPPT programmes.
“The flexibility and autonomy of these video sessions allow officers to train at their own pace after receiving guidance,” said Haireel. Though initial technical challenges arose, solutions were developed in collaboration with platform developers, making VFT more adaptable to individual fitness levels.
The NS IPPT Taskforce aims to expand the VFT programme further, exploring progress tracking, personalised feedback, and gamification features to keep participants motivated.
While it’s crucial for SPF NSmen to be fit and agile to respond to emergencies, apprehend suspects, and ensure public safety, Haireel highlighted that there are broader benefits to encouraging higher IPPT pass rates. “Fitness builds mental resilience and camaraderie, which not only enhances overall well-being but also boosts operational effectiveness within the SPF,” he said.
SUPT (NS) Abdul Haireel bin Abdul Haleem (second row, first from left) and DSP (NS) Luqman Nulhakim bin Abdul Manan (first row, centre) with trainers from the Jurong Division on the VFT programme.
HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE IPPT ADMINISTRATION
SGT (2) (NS) Muhammad Syarif Bin Mohamad Yasin, a communications and engagement officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), helped streamline the IPPT process by leading the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search tool and working with the SPF’s Service Delivery Department to update the IPPT FAQ on the SPF website.
“The new FAQ and the AI search tool make it much easier for NSmen to access IPPT-related information,” explained Syarif. These updates, integrated into the SPF chatbot, provide quick access to details about IPPT, NS FIT sessions, Order Form 264, and other frequently asked questions.
Other new features include the introduction of financial penalties for missed or unused IPPT and NS FIT slots to streamline administration and boost participation rates. Additionally, popular runs like the HomeTeamNS REAL® Run and Yellow Ribbon Run are now recognised as NS FIT sessions, providing more flexibility and encouraging greater fitness engagement by the units.
Syarif, who has worked in the Contact Centre NS — now redesignated as Communications and Engagement — for nearly five years, understands the importance of providing practical solutions that meet NSmen’s needs. He also hopes that the IPPT Taskforce’s updates will help foster a stronger fitness culture among SPF NSmen. “Encouraging a consistent fitness routine aligns with SPF’s commitment to caring for the well-being of its officers, who play a vital role in delivering service excellence, fighting crime, and engaging the community,” he said.
DSP (NS) Luqman Nulhakim bin Abdul Manan (left) and SGT (2) (NS) Muhammad Syarif Bin Mohamad Yasin (right) behind the scenes of the NS IPPT Taskforce.
WALKING THE FITNESS TALK
The three NSmen in the Taskforce aren’t just encouraging fitness — they’re living it. Haireel, whose day job requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina, runs and does strength training and team sports, while following a balanced diet and ensuring he has enough rest and recovery.
Syarif frequents Fitness Workz gyms at HomeTeamNS clubhouses and enjoys taking part in MHA’s Community of Interest physical activities like hiking. “These offer a nice balance between structured workouts and more relaxed, fun exercises, keeping me physically and mentally healthy,” he said, adding that such activities also foster camaraderie with his colleagues.
Luqman also leads by example, emphasising that fitness goes beyond IPPT — “it’s about improving quality of life”. “For instance, push-ups and sit-ups assess musculoskeletal strength, while the 2.4 km run measures cardiovascular fitness,” he said. “By linking these exercises to overall health, we hope NSmen view fitness as an essential part of life, not just something for IPPT.”
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