As we approach the finale of another year-long act and head towards 2025, it’s time that we close the curtains, take a bow and toast to another eventful performance. The year 2024, like its predecessors, came with its fair share of highs and lows, shaking up the mundane with quirky twists and bumps along the way.
In this introspective edition of NSmen Share, we speak to four servicemen about their reflections on 2024 and hopes for 2025!
“It’s hard to believe it’s going to be 2025 already. It’s harder to accept that I’m reaching 30. Cue the existential crisis!
Interestingly, this year is the very first time my unit was activated during our manning period. It was definitely a novel experience. Still, it was nice to see my platoon mates again. On that note, I do hope to meet up with my military buddies more often – there are so many observations and experiences that are exclusive to us that no one else can truly relate to. From our eccentric Encik to the endearing cookhouse auntie, we share so many memories that remind us of our more youthful, and perhaps, more naive forms of ourselves.
So much has happened – I graduated, found a job, secured myself a Build-To-Order (BTO) unit, travelled the world (well, at least a fifth of it) and made new friends. It feels like the train is finally leaving the station and going full steam ahead. I’m still unsure about the next destination, but I’m excited about what’s to come!”
– CPL (NS) Po Tat Hoi, Driver
“Great news (for me, at least)! I am so close to completing my ICT cycles that I can feel it!
That said, I am going to miss the ‘good ole days’ for sure – the comradery shared by brothers in arms, novel insights learnt from our vocational exercises. Heck, I might even miss the food from the cookhouse! National Service, with all its quirks, does make life more interesting, a nice contrast to our everyday metropolitan lifestyle.
2024 is definitely far from a peaceful one, though I mean it in the most positive way possible. The chaos is essentially a result of the spontaneity of my job as a videographer, where so often we work with so many different artistic directions, scripts and expectations that the work is never the same! I’m really excited about the opportunities that present themselves next year, whether it’s a new project or new people to work together with.”
– 2SG (NS) Lim Zhi Wei, Infantry , 2PDF
“New Year, new opportunities!
It just so happened that my unit organised a surprise cohesion celebration at SAFRA just recently. It was almost our way of commemorating the end of the year with our platoon mates in a get-together that reminds us of the earlier periods of our military service, where we enjoyed and experienced everything as a team. In a way, it reminds us how moments like these fade away so quickly. Until now, it’s hard to believe that it has been close to 9 years since I was that fresh recruit filled with trepidation as I stepped foot onto Pulau Tekong for the very first time. No matter my misgivings, National Service is undoubtedly an out-of-this-world experience that money cannot buy.
There are still so many things on my to-do list! 2025 will be the year I dedicate more time to my personal pursuits – whether it’s my hobbies, my wanderlust and perhaps, even new opportunities to grow. Basically, it will be a year that is focused on the pursuit of personal happiness. I mean, isn’t that why we work so hard?”
– CPL (NS) Tan Jia Wei, Transport, MCSSB
“Having just concluded another In-Camp Training (ICT) exercise, I realised how quickly time passes. We are all so occupied with our personal and professional lives that we in many ways, forget to look back at all we have managed to overcome. I’m glad that I at least had the opportunity to celebrate my first Christmas with my other half this year!
Another piece of good news to share – I just got a military promotion! I really couldn’t have done it without my friends in camp. In 2025, I hope that I can better improve the ICT experience for my batchmates. After all, what’s training without a bit of fun?”
– 1SG (NS) Shannon Yeo, MT Warrant, MCSSB
Main photo: SPH Media Trust
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