COL (NS) Tan Yeow Tiong had never really expected to be as involved in SAFRA Yishun as he is today. After all, he started his journey at SAFRA as a patron. His time at 2PDF as Platoon Commander and eventually Officer Commanding, however, has never left his thoughts, as he recalls the many achievements his unit had scored as a result of their unique comradery. And, as many would agree, it is not easy to find a close-knit community where everyone is brought together by a shared cause.
As Chairman of SAFRA Yishun’s Executive Committee since 2019, Yeow Tiong wants to emulate this sense of solidarity, with SAFRA being the platform for NSmen and their loved ones to build new friendships that have lasted as long as his own with his brothers-in-arms. We sat with him to discuss his vision for SAFRA Yishun as well as its role in an ever-changing social landscape.
A formidable negotiator
There is definitely more to COL (NS) Tan Yeow Tiong than meets the eye.
Beneath his humble and gregarious demeanour hides his penchant for nuanced tact. It comes as no surprise, given his extensive experience as an operations and logistics leader at both Sony and Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS). For years, he spent hours in meeting rooms, engaged in heated discussions over huge projects that demand international cooperation and consensus. Today, as the Chairperson of SAFRA Yishun’s Executive Committee, he leverages on this invaluable skill to bring in vendors and stakeholders who are as passionate as him in transforming SAFRA Yishun into a multi-generational clubhouse that seeks to elevate the ever-changing Singapore way of life.
So how does he do it?
Often, when Yeow Tiong talks about the future awaiting SAFRA Yishun, he underscores his use of the word everyone. “Every patron of SAFRA Yishun has a unique and distinct lifestyle. The last thing I want is for SAFRA Yishun to alienate anyone simply because we aren’t willing to grow alongside our members,” he shares, continuing that “In order to reach out to a contemporary crowd, we need to accommodate a diverse set of inclinations, from both young and old NSmen.”
In theory, this sounds entirely feasible. Realistically, it is a significantly huge undertaking, especially when he took on the mantle just as Singapore was recovering from the devastating Covid-19 epidemic in July 2021. “It was a lot of work just trying to get our current vendors on board during and after Covid-19, let alone sourcing for new ones that may be more in tune with SAFRA Yishun’s future goal,” he elaborated. He was adamant however, in helping the club realise its potential. After all, it already has all the great makings of an amazing recreational clubhouse – a beautiful resort-inspired pool, a rock-climbing adventure zone and a unique country club-like ambience. All it needed was a dash of contemporary flair, and someone like Yeow Tiong to sell it.
Game on!
One promising industry that has seen outstanding growth both locally and internationally is online gaming, better known as e-Sports. Yeow Tiong knew that he needed to strike while the iron is hot. “To cultivate a clubhouse that caters to our younger audience, it is inevitable that we recognise the widespread prevalence of video games. A long time ago, gaming had a notorious bad rep. That ostensibly has changed,” he admits. In fact, YouGov’s research data reveals that almost three-quarters of the country plays video or mobile games.
He worked closely alongside SAFRA Yishun’s team to introduce gamification into the clubhouse’s core DNA, from the inception of its Tech Club to introducing e-Sport tournaments and viewing parties for both young and old gaming enthusiasts. SAFRA Yishun hosted its first Tech Conference earlier in 2024, which showcased some of the industry’s latest and most hyped developments. With Yeow Tiong’s guidance, SAFRA Yishun has also partnered with brands such as Mastercard to further augment SAFRA Yishun’s game-centric offerings.
“This is a conscious move to rebrand SAFRA Yishun as the clubhouse for all ages. We want our members to find a second home here before they even embark on their National Service so that we can celebrate their many milestones alongside them,” he explains.
And this is only one of the many novelties that SAFRA Yishun has to offer today. Already, it houses Singapore’s largest Air Rifle Indoor Shooting Range, as well as the well-received BMT Kids Camp (BMTCE) where children partake in a military-inspired camp filled with camp songs and outdoor activities.
“I was actually inspired by my own interactions with my son. We don’t talk as often as I like, but after he started his National Service, things changed! He started asking me for advice, and we exchanged our military and, eventually, life stories. At SAFRA Yishun, we ultimately want to create shared experiences so that fathers and sons can have that bridge to continue supporting and uplifting one another,” he says.
The work never stops
Frequent patrons of SAFRA Yishun should have spotted some of its improvements already. The main lobby has been expanded and furnished with air-conditioning. There is a new function room at Level 2, new lifts have been installed, and more. “We want to see more NSmen and families gather here to enjoy what SAFRA Yishun has to offer, and we need the facilities and space to accommodate this vision,” Yeow Tiong shares.
As he heartily dug into his steak and lobster bisque at Eatzi Gourmet Steakhouse & Bistro, Yeow Tiong ended his interview with this – “Ultimately, both my EC members and I are here because we believe in unity as the strength of National Service, and with that unity comes cohesion and commitment as its backbone. We want to serve our NS community in the best way possible, as our predecessors have for me.”
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