If you watched the Düsseldorf Military Tattoo 2024 held in Germany last September and marvelled at the performers’ costumes, you have Jeremy Jiang to thank. As a wardrobe designer and stylist at the Music & Drama Company (MDC), it is his job to design apparel and provide visual styling for live performances and video productions by MDC. 

Jeremy is living his passion. As a teenager, he envisioned a career “that blends creativity with storytelling”. 

“I create detailed visual proposals to conceptualise looks that align with the project’s narrative, functionality, and aesthetic vision,” he says, describing his role at MDC. 

“I also manage a team to ensure smooth execution and effective collaboration, and I source fabrics and materials from trusted vendors known for their quality and variety, carefully selecting each piece to enhance the overall look and feel of the final designs.”

A fashion dream come true

Jeremy’s interest in fashion began when he was in his teens. He was inspired by how clothing could tell stories, express a person’s individuality, and honour cultural heritage. He realised that he had a deep desire to create meaningful designs that seamlessly merged tradition with modernity. 

“I believe that fashion has the power to serve as a platform for self-expression and inclusivity, and I’m passionate about using it to create a positive impact,” he adds. 

Jeremy is also a mentor to young designers from various fashion academies, a role that he enjoys and takes seriously. 

“Mentorship is a deeply personal and meaningful endeavour for me, as it offers me a chance to give back to the fashion industry and contribute to shaping Singapore’s fashion and art scene.” he explains. 

“I support young designers by encouraging creative exploration and equipping them with practical skills such as project management, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of preserving our multicultural heritage.”

Over the years, Jeremy’s role as a designer has evolved and, in the near future, he sees himself further expanding into academic research and engaging in collaborative projects.

Costumes help tell a story

It’s easy to take the costumes in a performance for granted, but Jeremy says that they bring characters and narratives to life and make them visually compelling. Additionally, they convey cultural and contextual elements, enhance the storyline, and help performers fully embody their roles.

But there’s a lot more to costume design than meets the eye, as Jeremy explains. 

“Preparation involves months of careful planning, from conceptualising designs and sourcing materials to fittings and coordinating with a team. Staying organised requires detailed schedules, regular team check-ins, and a robust inventory system to track every element. Collaboration and communication are key to ensuring a smooth production process.”

Although his job can sometimes be high-pressure and involve tight deadlines and logistical hurdles, Jeremy shares that he gets a rush when he sees the performers in his designs and he receives positive feedback from both the performers and the audience. 

“Hearing compliments like ‘Your designs made us feel confident and authentic’ or ‘The costumes brought the story to life’ make the effort truly rewarding,” he says. 

Outside of work, Jeremy finds joy and stress-relief in illustrating. He’s also deeply interested in cultural research and likes exploring traditional arts and crafts. Spending quality time with friends also helps him unwind.

Jeremy looks up to designers like Demna Gvasalia and Iris van Herpen for their boundary-pushing creativity and their skill in weaving philosophical elements into fashion. And he says that some of his favourite costumes ever were from the musical The Lion King, as they left him in awe with their “innovation and cultural depth”. 

Proud of what he does

Jeremy was the Principal Costume Designer for the Düsseldorf Military Tattoo 2024, a job that he says was an honour and a rewarding creative challenge. 

His aim with the designs was to tell a cohesive story of unity and diversity through colours, patterns, and fabrics that resonated with Singapore’s multiracial society.

One challenge he encountered at the time was designing costumes that allowed for quick and seamless changes during the performances. 

Collaborating closely with the dancers and creative director Andy Cai, he came up with a way to integrate quick wardrobe changes into the choreography. 

“It was a team effort and required multiple fittings and experimental rehearsals to perfect the functionality of the costumes,” Jeremy explains. 

“The wardrobe concept was thoughtfully designed to incorporate two distinct looks within a single cohesive ensemble for each dancer while enhancing the performance.”

Jeremy has also designed costumes for the MDC HOMEGROWN music festival and SAFRA Beer Music Play 2024. He says that he feels good knowing that his work helps to support the goals and ideals of our NSmen. 

“I take pride in contributing to stories that celebrate the resilience, camaraderie, and identity of NSmen. It’s fulfilling to witness how my work adds to the narrative, creating a visual and emotional connection for the audience.” 

Read more about the team of talents who work with Jeremy at MDC, including senior sound designer Guo Ningru and dancers Jeslyn Yang and Cosmas Hoo. 

Follow MDC socials for the latest updates: Instagram @musicanddramacompany, TikTok @musicandramacomp, Facebook @musicanddramacompany and YouTube @musicdramacompany

Main photo: NAFA/Nefful International

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The post The Man Behind MDC’s Visual Styling On What Fuels His Designs appeared first on eNSMAN.

Did you know that SAFRA has a clubhouse in Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD)? Known as SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street, this recreational hub has everything that you would expect of a SAFRA clubhouse, with an abundance of food and entertainment offerings open to both SAFRA members and the public.

The twist? It also has a vibrant nightlife scene that no other SAFRA club has seen before! Especially with its latest unveiling of not one, but two brand new eateries as well as an upcoming cocktail lounge, this location has plenty of exciting developments in store. 

Compelling as it is intriguing, we simply had to learn more about this place. We speak to Kennie Liu, managing director of SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street about its origin story, his inspiration behind some of the clubhouses’ latest ventures, and his personal aspirations. 

Celebrating both the nostalgic and contemporary

There really is no better spokesperson for SAFRA’s enigmatic 8th clubhouse – SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street – than Kennie Liu, the heart of this urban entertainment hub. Fuelled by a passion for recreational hospitality, Kennie is determined to see this clubhouse become the go-to social space for city dwellers and NSmen seeking a vibrant nightlife scene that is both wholesome and thrilling.

“Unlike other SAFRA locations, which are often found in residential areas, our clubhouse is situated at the heart of the city’s nightlife and business hubs,” he says. “We cater to a pretty wide group, from working professionals to families and even tourists.” 

While SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street has seen multiple iterations and rebranding efforts over the years, its live music performances on its fifth floor have always been their mainstays, embodying the conviviality that the clubhouse wants to be known for.

To Kennie, it was a no-brainer to integrate music into its primary offerings. “Music seemed like the perfect way to foster the vibrant atmosphere that we envisioned. But it’s more than that; it’s about forming that emotional connection between the performers and our guests, whether it’s through sing-alongs or enthusiastic crowd engagement.”  

That said, the last thing that Kennie wanted for this integrated recreational centre was to be known for only one thing. He wished to create a multifaceted space, a social hub that could cater to a myriad of preferences and inclinations. “Ultimately, we want to set ourselves apart by offering a distinctive blend of heritage, modern entertainment and community engagement,” Kennie stresses. 

An ambitious feat for sure, but he might have just figured out an ingenious way of achieving this balance. “It’s all about our tapping into familiar cultural touchpoints that resonate with all Singaporeans. Simple moments, such as savouring a cup of kopi with friends, are the simple joys that connect us. And we hope to recreate these experiences for our visitors,” he shares. 

Hence, the recent opening of its latest ventures, JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop (聚味老南洋咖啡店) and Er Dang Jia Lala Pot ( 二当家啦啦煲), heritage-driven conceptual eateries that in his words, “reflect a desire for nostalgia and comfort, especially as people seek familiar and authentic dining experiences in a fast-paced, modern world.” 

This commitment to preserving our cultural roots is evident – the coffee beans used in JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop are roasted over charcoal, just as coffeeshops of the past did, and the setting of its newest hotpot dining outlet, Er Dang Jia Lala Pot is themed after the casual family meals at home, serving up a variety of stewed broths for a piping hot time.

A bumpy ride

It definitely hasn’t been a walk in the park for Kennie. 

Soon after taking over the reins in 2020, he found himself stuck in a deep trench that was Covid-19. Business disruption and imposed pandemic restrictions left his financials in the red. In an attempt to reinvigorate the club’s offerings, Kennie dedicated three floors to an e-Sports gaming space, only to be faced with a lacklustre reception.

He wasn’t a quitter, though. Kennie was determined to revamp the clubhouse once more with new and creative culinary and entertainment concepts to stay afloat. And thankfully, as the impact of Covid-19 began to die down and the F&B industry began recovering, Kennie and SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street have finally gotten their heads above water. 

When asked about the drive that kept him in the race, Kennie replied, “the entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs, and success rarely comes overnight. What separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest is their ability to persevere through adversity and keep pushing forward when things get tough.”  

Though, if you knew the life he lived before his time here, it is understandable how this stoic form of discipline came about. Initially poised to be a Sergeant during his National Service, his go-getter attitude and determination led him to a rare invitation to the prestigious Officer Cadet School, where he served as a Second Lieutenant. Later, he was promoted to Captain in 2007 and was entrusted the role of Company Commander during his reservist duties.

After many stints of leadership, Kennie understands full well that true leadership is not about issuing mandates. It’s about “rolling up your sleeves”, doing the work while inspiring those around you to do the same. It seems like his military experience has primed him for this challenge, for as Kennie emphasises, “we are trained to think on our feet and adapt to unexpected challenges. The ability to stay composed under pressure has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey.” 

Through his many successes and failures, Kennie understands that he cannot do it alone. “Just like in the army, where each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission, in business, the success of an organisation depends on how well the team works together,” he introspects. 

Kennie hopes to emulate this unique comradery here, at SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street, by creating a “welcoming environment where families, friends and NSmen can relax and enjoy themselves.” Crystal Fairy, their upcoming cocktail lounge, will add to their existing social offerings with an elegant and upscale setting for NSmen to unwind after a long day. 

“Ultimately, we hope that SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street can be a place for NSmen to celebrate milestones and create lasting memories with those who have walked the same path,” he reiterates. 

A love for life and fun

When asked the question, “What would you have liked to be if you were not an entrepreneur?,” Kennie gave a really unexpected response: “I would love to be a gamer, specifically, a professional gamer who gets paid to play games.” 

It does paint a very different picture of him, and SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street as an extension. Kennie truly enjoys bringing people together, for he believes that nothing beats the experience of spending time with loved ones. With this in mind, he is unafraid to push the boundaries of traditional clubhouse offerings to create an entertainment destination that is unlike any other in Singapore. 

If you’re looking for a succinct description of this clubhouse, its mantra sums it up nicely: Let’s Gather – Eat, Sing, Play, Fun (吃歌玩乐). 

Read our review of JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop at safra.sg/juwei-old-nanyang-coffee-shop-a-nostalgic-medley-of-wok-hei-kopi/

Additionally, check out our overview of some of SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street’s offerings at safra.sg/safra-29-carpenter-street-is-a-late-night-hidden-gem/

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street’s MD Kennie Liu: “Let’s Eat, Sing & Play!”  appeared first on eNSMAN.

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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Guo Ningru is the talented senior sound designer at the Music & Drama Company (MDC) behind many productions, and is part of the team behind the Music & Drama Company (MDC) 50^th anniversary concert, the recent RSAF filmlet “I have Control”, and the HOMEGROWN music festival.

Working mainly behind the scenes, her job involves working with the creative vision, producing sound elements and musical pieces, editing and mixing tracks, and creating soundscapes and custom sound effects. It is her responsibility to help establish the mood and tone of a production, communicate the story, and create an immersive experience for the audience. 

Ningru brings more than 15 years of experience to her current role within the Music Production department at the Music & Drama Company (MDC). 

Growing up with music

Ningru has loved music since she was a child. When she was in school, she played the piano and sang in the choir – two extra-curricular activities that sparked her interest in the craft.   

“Then, after finishing my A-Levels, I found myself uninterested in a conventional career path and decided to pursue something more creative while continuing my education,” she adds. “I discovered LASALLE’s Technical Theatre Arts programme, which felt like the perfect blend of arts and science.”

In 2016, Ningru received the National Arts Scholarship from the National Arts Council. She later furthered her education at the University of California Irvine, where she pursued a Masters in Fine Arts in Sound Design. She graduated from the course in 2019. 

An unconventional career path

Sound design is not a career many people are even aware of, let alone would pursue. Ningru says that she wouldn’t have known such a profession existed, either, had she not started out in technical theatre. 

“Many people associate a career in sound with roles like sound engineering or music production,” she points out. 

“I see sound design as an additional layer when added to music and performances. It bridges the gap between song numbers, adds context to the narrative and ties the musical journey together, creating a more immersive experience.” 

Besides her love for music, it’s her passion for creating – and the creative process itself – that drew Ningru to her profession. Another motivator was her desire to “be in control of everything”. 

“It intrigues me to be able to see a performance come together in that magical moment, where the storyline, the performers, costumes, choreography, and technical design combine to create a cohesive and encompassing production.”

Ningru’s job is an intricate blend of creative artistry and technical expertise. She works with a range of equipment, like microphones, headphones, speakers, mixing consoles, outboard hardware, and a variety of computer hardware and software and plugins, but she adds that her ears are probably the most important “tool” of them all. 

Hard work always pays off

Working on a production, especially a big one, can be challenging and often involve tight deadlines, long hours and late nights. However, Ningru says that when she sees and hears the results of her hard work, she feels immense satisfaction. 

She explains that the pre-production process consists of a range of steps. 

“At MDC, we usually start with the conceptual discussions with the creative team and producer, then we come up with the music arrangements, and eventually go into recording, mixing and post production. We may also have to create soundscapes to complement the tracks or bridge between moments in the production. After which final edits are made and sequenced for the content to be ready for the show.”

Since joining MDC, Ningru has been the project lead for the National Day Observance Ceremony (NDOC) 2024, designed for various short films, and was part of the Music Production team for MDC50 Concert, HOMEGROWN and other productions. She was most recently involved as project lead for an immersive audio showcase that combined the cutting edge L-ISA Immersive Audio Technology with the brilliant talents of the MDC NSFs, creative team, performers, and the Show Production team.

She enjoyed being a part of these productions, especially since they were created in appreciation for, and in support of, our NSmen. 

“I was honoured to put my talent and skills behind these important events, knowing that my efforts, no matter how small, played a meaningful role and contributed to the bigger picture,” she says.  

While her job at MDC is challenging, Ningru says that it’s always manageable, thanks to her colleagues in the Music Production department.

“They’re a great team and we all share the load. We take turns handling the big tasks and always support one another when faced with strict deadlines.”

To help her de-stress and balance the demands of her job, she tends to her garden and indulges her other love – coffee.  

Ningru feels especially satisfied when people tell her that her work made a positive impact on their enjoyment of their performance. 

“It makes all our hard work worthwhile, and it feels so rewarding to hear that we helped make the production sound great,” she says. 

“When a show looks and sounds ‘correct’ and leaves an emotional impact, we know we have done something right.”

Follow MDC socials for the latest updates: Instagram @musicanddramacompany, TikTok @musicandramacomp, Facebook @musicanddramacompany and YouTube @musicdramacompany

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The post She Uses Music And Sound To Make The Story Come Alive appeared first on eNSMAN.

It’s wonderful how Christmas seems to make everything a tad jollier! Can you feel the Christmas spirit in the air?

But it’s not just about the Christmas ornaments and lights, and the abundance of festive log cakes and turkey; it’s about the gatherings and catching up with friends and family, and the love, joy and good vibes in the air that is almost palpable.

We speak to four of our friends who are looking forward to Christmas, to learn how they intend to celebrate in our uniquely Singaporean fashion! 

It might be cliché, but Christmas is really all about family. 

We spend so much of our time invested in our professional obligations that time slips away, leaving me especially introspective as we reach the conclusion of yet another year. 

My holidays will seem unexciting to most, but there is no other way I would rather spend them. Watching Christmas specials with my family as we gobble down a heartwarming KFC feast (not sure why, but KFC is reminiscent of the Yuletide season for us) – an indulgence in the simplicity of the precious moments when we put aside our phones for familial banter and chats. 

To all who are reading this: Have a wondrous Christmas and a joyful New Year! 

– CPL (NS) Woo Kiah Kien, MCSSB, Technician 

I’m actually really excited as this is the first Christmas season that I am spending with my beloved partner. Like many of us, I find myself so caught up with work and essentially, the hustle of everyday life that moments of reprieve like this one must be deeply savoured. There will be food, games and gifts shared between my partner, me and of course, my family.

Interestingly, I had the experience of being the Duty Sergeant during the Christmas season years ago. The Cookhouse had prepared a festive menu that was really special, and because many enjoyed an early bookout during the eve of the holidays, there was this indescribable solace that was so comforting to me and my military colleagues. Time seemed to move slower then. 

– 1SGT (NS) Shannon Yeo, MCSSB, MT Warrant 

Still need Christmas gift ideas? Here is our list for the techie in your life.

The festive holiday has a special meaning to my family, as it is more than just the food and companionship. It is a season of unity and giving.

Both my son and brother, who are currently situated overseas, are coming back home to celebrate Christmas together. I’m filled with joy to reunite with the people whom I love the most, especially given how preoccupied we have been with our never-ending list of responsibilities. 

This reunion will be an especially joyful one as we toast to my brother’s engagement to his lovely partner, who will soon join our ranks! He managed to find love at 62 – can you believe it? My family and I are just so happy for him, and we look forward to welcoming them this Christmas holiday! 

– COL (NS) Toh Han Li, Chairman, SAFRA Jurong Executive Committee

I love the various gift exchanges that I have with my groups of friends! It’s not just the act of receiving, but rather, the meticulous pursuit of the perfect gift befitting the comradery and friendship that we have shared for so many years. We rarely express appreciation for those who matter, and it is these gift exchanges that convey the gratitude that has been left unspoken.

That said, I am a huge collector of electronic gadgets of all kinds and hopefully, my friends know this when getting my gift (take the hint!). Jokes aside, I am really content knowing that regardless of our schedules, my friends and I will find the time to meet up during this festive holiday to reminisce and celebrate the many memories and moments that we have shared together. 

– LCPL (NS) Louis Low, MCSSB, Battalion HQ

It’s not too late to book that Christmas feast with your loved ones – from lavish buffets to leisurely afternoon teas, here are our suggestions!

Main photo: SPH Media Trust

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The post Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Our Lion City For Christmas Joy! appeared first on eNSMAN.

One of SAFRA’s most visited clubs with over 100,000 monthly visitors, SAFRA Toa Payoh has long been a standing testament of its timelessness and adaptability. After all, it isn’t easy for a clubhouse to remain as contemporary as it is today for over 49 years since it was first opened in 1975, making it SAFRA’s oldest clubhouse. 

Unbeknownst to many, it is actually the generations of dedicated volunteers who have been driving some of SAFRA’s most pivotal developments behind the scene. They contribute their time, efforts and skills unconditionally, stirred by a personal mission to support our NSmen as best as they can. 

COL (NS) Roysten Lee Chee Chow, Chairman of SAFRA Toa Payoh’s Executive Committee since 2023, understands exactly what volunteerism entails, having been part of SAFRA since 2016. “At SAFRA, we all contribute because we believe in the potential and strength of our National Servicemen,” he shares. He envisions SAFRA Toa Payoh as a multifaceted recreational destination for all, and hopes to cement its reputation as the premier family-friendly lifestyle hub. 

We sat with him to discuss his personal motivations as an advocate for volunteerism, his plans for SAFRA Toa Payoh as well as insights for our future generation of volunteers and leaders.

Opportunities knock twice, so make sure to open the door!

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) scholar, Roysten was once a diligent undergraduate at National University of Singapore (NUS) equipped with big dreams, and bigger ambitions. He then trudged the fields, weathering unpredictable terrain alongside an elite formation of Guard soldiers; then took part in Army training policy formulation for 8 years, before venturing overseas to discover a life outside of our little red dot.

Upon his return, he was given the opportunity to contribute to Marina Bay Sands’ early developments as a founding team member. When he was invited to be part of an upcoming SAFRA Development Project then, he declined. “I had just returned to Singapore, and I was afraid I couldn’t juggle the workload. I told them at that time, “If there is another opportunity to work with SAFRA, I would gladly volunteer. But not that day,” he shared. 

That opportunity soon came in 2016, when Roysten was once again offered the opportunity to volunteer at SAFRA, which he happily accepted to become part of SAFRA Toa Payoh’s Executive Committee. After all, SAFRA had already been an integral part of his life, given that he would send his children for swimming lessons while he visited SAFRA’s various dining outlets.

“If anything, SAFRA embodies the authenticity of shared experiences and quality relationships that we can also find during our National Service. We go through so much together as team members and friends, from the planning and executing of SAFRA events to cohesion sessions that we organise for our volunteers,” he introspects. 

To Roysten, volunteering at SAFRA is his way of making the difference he has aimed for since his early days as an undergraduate. “I value everyone in our SAFRA family who has sacrificed their time and energy to help our community achieve new milestones and share unforgettable memories. This endeavour gives me a lot of personal satisfaction,” he shares. 

Collaboration is key

Leadership isn’t always a linear road. 

The Executive Committee would frequently find themselves at odds with challenges that they would need to navigate tactfully, a great example being the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Roysten was no stranger to such disruptions. “I oversee Marina Bay Sands’ Crisis Management and Business Continuity portfolio, so dealing with uncertainty and interruptions are my forte. In my line of work, it is important that we cultivate quality relationships because often, positive collaborations are necessary for us to rise above adversity. That’s the same ethos I followed when I was Vice-Chairman and now, Chairman,” he says. 

Just as he took over as Chairman in 2023, he found himself in quite a predicament when the Toa Payoh Integrated Development (TPID) project was announced. While this district-wide initiative would introduce an array of contemporary facilities such as a new sports centre and polyclinic for its residents, it would also close various sporting facilities until 2030, including the swimming pool at SAFRA Toa Payoh. “The swimming pool is especially popular amongst residents, so understandably, we received many requests for us to keep it open,” he recalls. 

It was a conundrum for this newly instated Chairman. SAFRA Toa Payoh was an important lifestyle hub for the district, so he wanted to support the developments necessary for the TPID, but he also wanted to ensure that the interests of SAFRA members were protected.

Roysten chose to do what he does best – collaborate. “The EC and SAFRA Club Management team came together to really scrutinise the pool’s visiting statistics. Who are frequent visitors of the pool and at what time is it most crowded? Armed with facts and figures, we devised a win-win scenario in which we could accede to requests on a case-by-case basis without compromising the experience of our SAFRA members,” he shares.  

“Beyond our lifestyle offerings, it is crucial to remember that we are part of a community. Our events are catered for SAFRA members, but that doesn’t mean that members of the public are not welcome. SAFRA Toa Payoh should be inclusive, so that we retain our multi-generational qualities and appeal,” he shares. 

He has already identified some prevalent lifestyle trends that he hopes SAFRA Toa Payoh can embrace in time to come. One of them is fitness and active living, which guides the upgrading works of its EnergyOne gym studio. Community engagement and social impact are two other pillars that Roysten wants SAFRA Toa Payoh to continue supporting, with events such as “Let’s Gift For A Reason” for participants to engage in active volunteerism and charity work. There are also facilities catered for hobbyists, such as its Photo Studio Room and Darkroom, to which members of SAFRA’s Content Creator Club can book for their exclusive use. 

Of course, the work doesn’t stop there. Roysten is set on uplifting SAFRA Toa Payoh’s aesthetics with more vibrant visuals and colours, with eye-catching motifs to encapsulate the clubhouse’s vivacious personality. This joins a long to-do list for SAFRA Toa Payoh, which includes an updated vendor mix and a revitalised swimming pool. 

A strong advocate for the next generation of leaders

Ultimately, SAFRA Toa Payoh is meant to represent the aspirations, goals, and needs of its primary audience – NSmen and their families. In his vision, Roysten hopes for SAFRA Toa Payoh to better accommodate some of the experiential and exploratory desires of our youth, so that they can gather as many life lessons as they can to prepare for the obstacles of the future.

Having gone through a considerably eventful journey himself, Roysten has some parting advice for our younger readers:

“Reach out, speak to people, read widely and continuously upskill to improve yourselves. The market will always be volatile and unpredictable, but what you have is time on your side. Seize opportunities to try new things, be ready to take some hard knocks and keep bouncing back. Things may not always go according to plan, but that isn’t always a bad thing.”

As Dory says in Finding Nemo, just keep swimming! 

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The post SAFRA Toa Payoh’s EC Chairman Roysten Lee Upholds SAFRA’s Tradition Of Giving Back appeared first on eNSMAN.