It is likely that LTC (NS) Andy Tan knows every nook and cranny of this soaring multi-purpose club. As we walked through the grounds of SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, he would often direct us towards a point of interest, and preface his sharing with “Did you know…?”
Some fun facts that he shared with us: Did you know that the entire club is structured to capitalise on the environment’s natural breeze? Did you know that SAFRA Choa Chu Kang is the first clubhouse to harvest rainwater from rooftop collection points that are stored for irrigation purposes? And best of all – did you know that the clubhouse has clinched top accolades in the World Design Awards 2023 for Sports Design Built and Corporate Interior Built?
Together with his development committee made up of volunteers, Andy has transformed a conceptual blueprint into a recreational gem beloved by many. Currently the Chairman of SAFRA Choa Chu Kang’s Executive Committee (EC), he shares with us his volunteering journey and how it led to his eventual contributions to the club’s developments.
Pragmatism turned passion
His story harks back to 21 years ago. Andy, who had just turned 30, was at a pivotal point of his life. Having just started his creative consultant firm, he was working tirelessly to make his mark in the world. “It was the very beginning of my professional career, and I had just started learning the ropes, not just of the creative industry, but also of the various milestones I wanted to attain,” he recalls, “I was planning to start a family. I was going through multiple NS courses to pick up new skills. It was a fledging period of unknowns when I had to commit my time to various aspects.”
When the opportunity came up for him to volunteer with SAFRA’s EC, he took it, though not for reasons that are fully altruistic. “To be honest, my initial foray into volunteerism was not inspired by some lofty desire to ‘give back’. In retrospect, I wasn’t mature enough to understand its purpose,” he admits, “Then, it was really more of an opportunity to learn more, to understand the world on a more macro level, to expand my social network.”
As he continued his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, Andy began to see and understand the significance of SAFRA’s objectives since its inception. He established a camaraderie with his fellow volunteers that has endured to this day, and a profound appreciation for volunteerism that will likely last a lifetime. “In a nutshell, it was a journey that began from the head, and continued its way into my heart,” he summarises, emphasising how “SAFRA was the party that gave me more than what I gave them.”
Indeed, a decade later, he was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the development of SAFRA Choa Chu Kang – an opportunity and experience for which he remains deeply grateful.
Vibrant, energetic, timeless
A lot of ideation actually goes into the establishment of a new club, a sentiment that Andy understands more than most. “Ultimately, we want SAFRA Choa Chu Kang to be both timeless and timely. Not only do we want this new home to be accommodative of the immediate wants of NSmen and their families, but we also have to consider their long-term desires,” he reflects.
Eventually, they settled on Energy as its driving theme. “The pursuit of fitness and wellness is universal and timeless. It is important and relevant for all ages. There really is no better foundation that better reflects our community’s everlasting resonance with an active lifestyle,” he shares, adding how its current theme – Energising Our Lives – shaped the club’s thematic blueprint. And it shows – SAFRA Choa Chu Kang houses a running track spanning 150m, an expansive Futsal court, a towering rock-climbing gym as well as various fitness-centric enrichment centres. These new additions are also coupled with SAFRA’s first sheltered swimming pool and EnergyOne Gym’s largest fitness studio.
That said, the lifeblood of every SAFRA club is still its community of impassioned members. Andy hopes to leverage on this unity to cultivate the SAFRA Choa Chu Kang as a social melting pot made up of a wide variety of shared interests. “We pondered a lot on how we can better support and grow our existing list of Interest Groups (IG),” he recounted, “they are trend-focused, dynamic and more importantly, spearheaded by passionate volunteers.”
If anything, its Running Club is testament to the club’s potential as a social hub, with hundreds of avid runners being part of a brotherhood that is made possible by the connectivity that SAFRA Choa Chu Kang provides. And this is merely a microcosm of SAFRA’s incredibly vast network! So many, from gardening enthusiasts and karaoke aficionados to foodies and e-sports fans, are looking to involve themselves in a social group with shared interests. “As long as there is interest and demand, we will be more than happy to consider it!” Andy reassures.
The work never stops at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang
SAFRA Choa Chu Kang has seen record-breaking numbers, with more than 700,000 visitors stepping into SAFRA’s 7th club during its soft launch in June 2023. Evidently, Andy and his team have done a remarkable job positioning the club as the West’s primary recreational gem.
Still, his and his EC’s work is not done. “We are exploring ways to increase awareness for our enrichment and leisure offerings. We have coding and robotic workshops, academic enrichment centres, martial art classes and so much more!” he shares.
Additionally, he is also processing the influx of requests by visitors. “There have been requests to extend the opening hours of our gym studio. Interestingly, we have observed a sizeable late-night crowd. Our futsal court, as well as most of our dining and leisure establishments now have extended operating hours,” he reveals, “in fact, right now, there are already plans to position our club as a late-night gathering spot!”
Guarding our commitment to NSmen
With everything set in motion, Andy is finally afforded the luxury of retrospection. “Yes, I was a little crazy to stretch myself with the extra task of volunteering at a relatively young age, especially when I already had plenty on my plate,” he admits. That said, he has no regrets, and plenty of joyous memories. “Witnessing how the club was built brick by brick, having grown from a mere concept to a fully-realised hub, it’s truly surreal and extremely gratifying,” he introspects.
The military is only as strong as its soldiers. Similarly, the club is only as energised as its members. An NS commander himself, Andy understands that leadership is all about a willingness to nurture, guide and empower. And with SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, he continues his legacy of service.
As we wrapped up our time together, he made sure to leave me with three parting lines of advice that he would share with the next person who takes over the helm: “Possess the heart to understand the needs and views of our NSmen. Be bold enough to stand for things you believe in. And have the guts to do things right.”
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