It’s been over a year since Singapore reported its first COVID-19 case. After a period of tough but necessary measures, we are now seeing some semblance of normalcy. More activities have resumed and a number of businesses can accommodate more people. But we are still a long way from full recovery.

Until then, let us remain adaptable as we go about our daily lives, including leisure pursuits. While there may be pastimes that we still cannot enjoy during this pandemic period, we can still learn to embrace other activities. And when we set our hearts on trying something, the outcome can often be very fulfilling.

Take the case of SC/CPL Thoufiq Ahamed — he may only be 25 years old, but his love for cinema has seen him write, direct and produce his own films. Read his story here. Likewise, MAJ (NS) Dr Toh Lim Kai and SUPT (NS) Terence Choo took up running to stay in shape. Today, running has developed into a passion and both are part of the HomeTeamNS REAL® Run Committee, inspiring others to lead a healthy lifestyle. Even for HTVN volunteers — anti-drug advocate Lim Zi Fei and Civil Defence Lionheater Club leader Teo Jia Cheng— what started out as a community service has become a full-fledged pursuit for both. If you are looking for a substitute hobby to try this year, find out our six recommendations here. As you enjoy them, remember to stay safe and stay well.

Hope you had a good start to 2021. The events of the past year were unprecedented, given the catastrophic toll of COVID-19 on countries and people across the world. Yet in these dark times, the courage, resilience, leadership and unity displayed by our people have shone through. Take the case of ASP (NS) Ang Zichao. Despite being grounded during the Circuit Breaker period, the flight attendant maintained a positive mindset and took the opportunity to forge closer family ties, help distribute hand sanitisers and upgrade his skills.

Also in our first Frontline issue of the year: we help you live well in the new normal with tips on how to shop safely online and how to keep to your fitness resolutions; as well as highlight restaurants that offer you a chance to savour flavours from around the world without having to travel. We also highlight six fun activities you can do to rekindle old ties with your NS buddies.

Our COVID-19  fight is far from over, however. Let us not be complacent and instead, continue to observe safety measures, especially during this festive season. On behalf of everyone at HomeTeamNS, we wish you and your family a happy and prosperous Year of the Ox.

2020 will be remembered for different reasons – and foremost among these is how Singaporeans have stayed #SGUnited and #SGTogether in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.. Through continued vigilance, resilience and adaptability, our nation has been able to take the road of safely reopening activities, albeit via small, measured steps. This is indeed cause for rejoicing.

Speaking of rejoicing, enjoy the holiday festivities – healthily and safely – by following our guide on how to Feast without Guilt, as well as family-friendly ways to bid the year farewell in Goodbye 2020.

This year is especially meaningful for HomeTeamNS, as we mark our 15th anniversary. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Home Team NSmen, past and present, for doing your part in keeping our homes secure and safe. And to all families, our heartfelt appreciation for supporting your husband, brother, and/or son in their service to the nation.

There is another group of people we want to acknowledge – our HomeTeamNS staff. For the past one-and-a-half decades, they have been the bedrock of our association’s success. In The People that Makes Great Company, a quartet of long-serving staff share their memorable experiences of working at our clubhouses. Do say “hi” the next time you meet them.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy 2021.

As with all aspects of life, this year’s National Day celebrations will be notably different from the past due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptions it has created. But even so, our love for Singapore remains undiminished. In this issue, we present creative ways of showing your patriotism at home, as well as introduce some must-try local dishes for a hearty festive meal at our Clubhouses’ eateries.

We also take a trip down memory lane with a retired SCDF Warrant Officer (2), as he fondly calls his participation in past National Day Parades.

Above all, we want to celebrate the strong Singapore spirit that has united the country and its people during this unprecedented time, DSP (NS) Farhan Abdullah Bin Shaiful Bahri, who works as an SIA flight attendant, may have been temporarily grounded, but he is using his service skills to care for patients at the Singapore General Hospital. Likewise, SCDF’s SGT (NSF) Esa Lim has maintained a positive attitude despite a hectic shift-based schedule, in his current task to safeguard our country against the pandemic.

To these two individuals and the many unsung heroes among us, we salute you!

The past months have been challenging times. Pre-emptive measures against COVID-19, such as safe distancing, working from home and travel restrictions, have dramatically transformed the way we live. But even as the nation grapples with the pandemic, acts of courage have been witnessed on many fronts.

Take for example, LTA (NS) Muhammad Azrie Bin Razale from the SCDF’s Special Rescue Unit, and SPF’s SCSGT (1) Nur Hazeem Bin Abdul Nasser, who have both gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the community during this difficult period.

It may be some time before the situation improves, but with individuals like these in our midst, we are assured that no one is fighting the COVID-19 battle alone.

To help our members adapt to the ‘new normal’, we have included tips on exercising, ordering your meals and working remotely in this issue. We hope you find them useful and put you in good stead for the days ahead. Stay safe and united!