Since the introduction of military conscription in 1967, generation after generation of soldiers has gone on to take on other roles, both professional and domestic. Many eventually settled down to become fathers, some with sons now putting on the uniform to serve, just as they once did. And as they would know, fatherhood, similar to national service, is a rite of passage in its own right. 

We asked our veteran soldiers and dads to give their retrospective take on fatherhood and how it relates to their time in National Service. 

Fatherhood and Soldiering may come with different arenas, but their demand is all the same. Both require sacrifice. 

As a young recruit back then, I recall lamenting over how unfortunate it was that I would have to invest two years in an obligatory venture that I could otherwise spend on something I thought was more fruitful. Thankfully, my time in the army was more rewarding than I envisioned it to be – I made a few lifelong mates and now have interesting anecdotes to share during house parties. Similarly, fatherhood stripped away most of the free time I would have had prior to the birth of my children. There will be sleepless nights. There will be a lot of mess. And there will be plenty of frustrations to go about. 

However, there are certain intangible moments that make it all worth it. Until today, I reminisce over the first time I held a rifle, threw my cap up in the sky during my POP and some of the more outlandish encounters I had with my platoon mates. As for my children, I am blessed to have been there when they took their first steps, when they first called me “papa” and when they would throw question after question at me as they navigate the novelties of life. 

Sure, time is finite but there are certain experiences, like military service and fatherhood, that cannot be truly described in words unless experienced first-hand. So yeah, they require sacrifice, but it does come with perks and rewards that are priceless and unforgettable. 

LT Samuel Yeh , Air Defence Captain

If anything, the army teaches (perhaps “force” might be a better word here) us to learn how to improvise when things don’t go according to plan. And during my service, it is normal for us to always expect the unexpected. Meeting point is at this location? Oh, the road is blocked. Jungle navigation exercise? It’s raining. Do we need to radio HQ? The signal set is suddenly not working. We learnt to deal with the circumstances instead of complaining about it.

This attitude translated to my role as a father. We want the best for our kids. But things do come up out of the blue! They need new books for the semester – okay we’ll spend less next month. They get sick – alright, one of us will have to take leave from work. They get in trouble at school – sure, we’ll figure it out. Fatherhood, just like NS, is essentially an unscripted movie with countless problems that need solving.

CPL Chong Teng Yeu, 6th Division Commando

I like to think of NS as a ‘coming-of-age’ experience. It reshapes how we view the world at large and the goals we have set for ourselves. Fatherhood presents a similar maturity – we re-evaluate our finances, our priorities and our hopes for the kid. 

Both are some of life’s more unique milestones that open up opportunities for us to reassess and reorient, kind of how we all grow as the world shifts around us with changes aplenty. Honestly, I find both NS and fatherhood just as terrifying as they are exciting!

CPL Jacky Po, Infantry

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With many of us having just celebrated Mother’s Day this month, the unconditional love and countless contributions of our family’s matriarch should still remain fresh in our minds. Now, how do these qualities fare in the military, when we juxtapose their qualities with the demands of our military force? It would be interesting to explore an alternate reality where we see our mums in green!

We posed this very question to 4 National Servicemen: What vocation would best fit your mum if she were in the army and why? 

For sure, if she was in the army, she would be the perfect medic. 

When I was in Secondary school, I dislocated my shoulder during badminton practice and spent a pretty extensive period of time in between the hospital and home rest. It was awful – shoulders were sore (duh), the environment felt bleak and life became really mundane. 

My mum really went out of the way to take care of me, nagging me to take my medicine, preparing nourishing meals specially to aid my recovery and really, keeping me company on days when it got really bad. Her love and compassion is a continuing theme for her, never having stopped doing her very best to protect us – my brother, me, my dad, all of us. 

If she were ever enlisted, you will not find a better and more selfless medic on the ground! She’ll probably fuss over you regardless of how many times you tell her you’re fine, and then prepare a heartwarming bowl of porridge for you after. 

CFC (NS) Po Tat Sang, 3AMB, Armor

I can only imagine – my mum in the army. Good luck to anyone that dares to get in her way. 

Having earned a reputation (some might say notoriety) for her doggedness, my mum has seen and been through way too much to ever back down – an attribute that has contributed to the many well-deserved successes that she enjoys today. She has never taken ‘no’ as an acceptable response and is willing to give anything her best, even when I at times feel it’s unnecessary (to be fair, she has made me eat my words more times than I would care to admit). 

My mum may be the most resolute person you would meet, and she might rub some the wrong way, but she is also the most loving person I know 

She would be the Infantry officer that everyone fears to encounter during training, but can reliably depend on in crucial moments. After all, what better way to forge ahead (infantry motto) than with a fiery spirit like hers?

3SG (NS) Sean Yee, Signals Training School, Signals 

Intelligence officer! Or maybe a logistic officer. 

Coming to Singapore with nothing but two young boys who depend entirely on her, she really had the odds stacked against her. It’s amazing how her hunger for success and a grit for hard work had driven her to build what is essentially one of Singapore’s largest construction empires. All on her own. 

No one I have ever met has come close to possessing the world-class resourcefulness that has guided my mum through uncharted waters, of which she navigates every single day. 

And isn’t that essentially what we ask of our intelligence or logistical personnel? To make sense of the unprecedented conundrums that demand unorthodox solutions? 

REC (NS) Arthur Leong, Tekong 

Probably an unconventional answer but I think she’d do great in the recruitment office!

When life goes by as quickly as it does in Singapore, it is rare that I get a chance to really think about where I’m headed. And when I do, it can get really overwhelming. Am I doing things right? Am I doing enough?

Thankfully, I can always count on my mum for her grounded reassurance and sound advice. She somehow always finds a way to dispute the ceaseless intrusive thoughts with a refreshing optimism that I really need during moments like these. She always listens with intent, never judges and reiterates an unwavering faith in a better future.

She’ll thrive in the army’s recruitment office not because she’s a pesky salesperson, but rather, she empathises with the uncertainties of young people like myself who would mostly likely find themselves contemplating about the future, whether in the military or anywhere else. And really, this kind of compassion is something we could use more of in the army. 

3SG (NS) Huang Mao Han, 701SIR MSC, Logistics

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Having taken over the reins as Executive Director of So Drama!  Entertainment last year, Melvin Kuek is especially excited to continue its legacy of immersive storytelling by uplifting the National Service chronicles with a digital flair. 

He is no stranger to interactive creativity, having spent over 25 years in the integrated marketing and advertising space, and is unafraid to utilise the capabilities of modern technological breakthroughs to engage, socialise and entertain our local audiences. 

We speak to Melvin to gain insight into how So Drama!  plans to carve out a space in an already saturated digital world by capitalising on production augmentations and artificial intelligence. 

A digital landscape that never sleeps

The impacts of widescale digitisation have prevailed on such a massive scale that its influence is apparent in the smallest details of our lives. Just the mobile phone alone has transformed into a social powerhouse – a virtual oasis brimming with an abundance of content-sharing and community-building platforms. 

“It is clear that media habits have changed significantly over the last 10 to 15 years,” shares Melvin, “In fact, it has been reported by Statista just last year that Singapore’s smartphone penetration share is close to 97%.” 

This unprecedented shift in our social behavior has fuelled an increased demand for content that matters, according to Melvin. “Like all other creators and platforms, we are in pursuit of content that sticks and most importantly, engages,” he emphasises, reinforcing a need to “remain agile and on the pulse of new trends and interest waves as they happen.” Readers’ and viewers’ attention is now a limited commodity that creators have to fight tooth and nail for.

Tapping into the metaverse

To satisfy public demand for transformative content, So Drama!  has in its arsenal cutting-edge videography tools such as Motion Capture, Drones and Virtual Set systems to radically reinvent conventional approaches to content ideation, creation and execution. These digital augmentations are the metaphorical keys they need to gain access to a trove of experiential possibilities. 

In fact, a great illustration of its potential happened during the National Day Observance Ceremony (NDOC) in 2024, when So Drama!  incorporated motion capture technologies to bring to life a multimedia production featuring SODA, So Drama! ’s virtual girl-band, performing alongside their artists. “With easy access to these very modern production capabilities, my team can optimise typical production processes such as lead times, cost efficiency as well as narrative flexibility,” he stresses, “we can even recreate ultra-realistic settings in post treatment as opposed to filming them physically.”  

Artificial Intelligence (AI), as an operational enhancement, is also another avenue that So Drama!  is currently learning and exploring.  Already, the team has begun integrating software applications such as Midjourney, Figma, Magic Studio, Runway and many others to further reinforce their creative offerings. 

“I definitely think that AI is the future. While I disagree with the popular narrative that it will “take over our jobs”, there is no doubt that many roles that we know today will be intertwined with an increasing reliance on AI,” Melvin contemplates, making known that So Drama!  is also experimenting with AI agents to improve employee experience and streamline day-to-day functions. 

Regardless, beyond today’s over-reaching discourse that is centred around these novel computational additions, Melvin understands that the heart that drives engaging content stems from a sincere commitment to organic audience interactions. Crediting his predecessor, Philip Koh, who served as So Drama! ’s executive director since 2017, for his openness and dedication to technological experimentation, Melvin is determined to continue the “very strong blueprint” that Philip has set out to drive social engagement in a manner that is authentic, relatable and most importantly, interactive.  

A storyteller inspired by National Service

It is Melvin’s vision for So Drama!  to deliver fun, bite-sized narratives reflecting our National Servicemen’s more light-hearted moments, incorporating themes like their comradery and unity and their shared love for our Lion City. In time, he hopes that So Drama! ’s various platforms can become communal melting pots that National Servicemen of all ages and backgrounds can rely on as support systems and virtual social hubs. 

“Our primary intent is to showcase National Service as not an obligatory process, but a coming-of-age journey that can be potentially life-changing. People who perhaps, have a defensive or negative view of it do so because they just don’t have that clarity,” he says.

Ironically, Melvin can relate to this cynicism better than most, having spent most of his time in National Service chasing the carrot on the stick. A signaler at HQ2SIB, he recalls an overwhelming desire to return to civilian life and school, being “more focused on counting down the time to ORD”. 

His appreciation for his military journey came later. “Beyond combat skills and vocation training, the discipline instilled during NS definitely helped me cope better with stress and pressure in my studies and career.” Some of his closest friends today were from the very brigade that he served alongside with. “It’s true when they say that the friends and connections you make in NS shape your life,” he muses, “One of my former mates that I met during my reservist duties actually became my business partner!”

Already, So Drama! is full steam ahead with its pipeline for this year. Just recently, Melvin and his team delivered HOMEGROWN, a musical spectacle featuring a collaboration between MDC talents and local artistes like lullaboy and Jean Seizure. And So Drama! shows no sign of slowing down, with similar events planned for the rest of the year.

Its digital lifestyle magazine, Pioneer, has been further curated to better appeal to today’s servicemen while the Music and Drama Company (MDC) continues to explore new frontiers to enliven its Basic Military Training (BMT) performances for recruits. The CAMOKAKIS app, which currently houses the digital streams for POWER 98 and 88.3JIA, is undergoing a significant UX/UI revamp with gamification and audience engagement at its heart.

Melvin concludes, “The NS journey is undeniably a cornerstone of the Singapore success story, and we hope to continue in our mission to convey its significance to everyone.”  

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From his time as a performing “recruit” at the Music & Drama Company (MDC) to his eventual transition into production, Kevin Brendan has always been steered by his penchant for storytelling that reflects the experiences of everyday people. Today, he hopes to continue our generational legacy of military comradeship with this very flair.

We speak to Kevin to learn more about his unconventional National Service vocation, his creative drive and the plans he has in store for the new season of Recruits’ Night.

Singing and dancing to the beat of Singapore’s drum

Instead of the quintessential No. 4 uniform, Kevin Brendan found himself in the spotlight as an artiste when he enlisted in 2018. As part of his duties, he was to perform in various thematic productions for our soldiers. “I did everything from singing, acting and dancing to even hosting. Whether it was the National Day Parade, NDOC at MINDEF or the many Recruits’ Night shows at Tekong, the experiences were really rewarding,” he shares. 

While he did not get to march in the fields, Kevin worked tirelessly to keep up his infectious enthusiasm and upbeat stage presence for troops looking for a bit of reprieve from the everyday. And it is through these organic interactions with our military that he continues to empower his vocation as a storyteller, artist and performer. 

“Small things, such as the little phrases we picked up from the various ethnicities when we were NSFs, resonated deeply with me. It is moments like these which drive my creative pursuits,” he introspects. 

Sure, he may not have been the conventional soldier, but Kevin carried a huge responsibility. Our soldiers deserve that positive reinforcement to remind them of the significance of their service to our nation, of the people that depend on them and of the many chronicles of National Service that make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Sometimes, shedding light on the little things – both good and bad – allow us to relate to experiences that we may not have ourselves. Sometimes, it’s simply about making someone laugh, because we can all use a good laugh now and then,” he shares. 

Unsurprisingly, he joined the company as a full-time singer after completing his National Service in 2020. “I love how the MDC transforms everyday narratives into magical and thought-provoking experiences!” he remarks, “I’m grateful that at MDC, we can educate, entertain and uplift others simply by doing what we love.” 

Recruits’ Night, reimagined

When Kevin was given the opportunity to work as a producer in 2023, he had the opportunity to spearhead some notable military milestones, such as the National Day Observance Ceremony in 2023, as well as a collaborative performance coined “The Singapura Express” for Exercise Wallaby in Australia. “These projects were opportunities that I could only dream of,” he muses. Just recently, he has been granted another pivotal artistic venture to oversee – Recruits’ Night. 

“We’re so excited for the upcoming season! We have a whole new set of music, costumes and staging in store. As a big fan of musical theatre, you can bet there’ll be a touch of drama in my shows,” he hypes. While he wasn’t ready to share the specifics, he did promise that “it’s definitely going to be a night to remember!” 

Celebrating SG60

In addition to his current role as producer, Kevin will also be involved in the various upcoming SG60-themed festivities. Its theme – Building Our Singapore Together – is especially fitting seeing how his own experiences in MDC have shown him how narratives can truly come alive when communities come together for a shared cause. “I believe we can celebrate each other more by creating more spaces for local artists to exchange the many stories that make up the uniquely Singaporean way of life,” he shares.

Just as SG60 is a cumulative celebration of a generational legacy built on a shared vision for success, Kevin today is a product of the many successes, failures, joys and pains that have now defined him as a performer and a patriot. “I used to understand success as being at the right place, at the right time. As I grew older, I realised that you also have to prime yourself for these opportunities,” he admits, “we can’t just sit around waiting for our dreams to come true.”

For the National Servicemen who do not fit the conventional military frame and are navigating how they can contribute while still being themselves, he leaves us with some wisdom – “Trust that either way, it’s still your time, your life and your skills. Whatever it is you’re doing, as long as you are able to find fulfilment from it, you’re not going to need to fit in any mould.” 

Read more about the team of talents who work with Kevin Brendan at MDC, including senior lead technician Nur Amirah and producer Melissa Aslam.

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

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COL (NS) Toh Han Li at SAFRA Jurong has always been a man of action, but above all else, duty. 

A recipient of the Long Service Medal and Meritorious Service Award (Bronze), Han Li has been a strong advocate for National Servicemen and has contributed to our military command team. As Chairman of SAFRA Jurong’s Executive Committee, he now plays a key role in shaping the club’s offerings for members.

We caught up with this SAFRA volunteer to learn about his volunteering and NS journey, as well as take a retrospective look at SAFRA Jurong since it first opened its doors in 2009.

Leading a uniquely Singaporean brotherhood

Whether it is the animated army-specific colloquialisms, the many nights spent under the stars in the jungles or the rigorous physical training, National Service is undeniably a melting pot where people of vastly different backgrounds can find common ground through shared experiences. 

“National Service really is a rare microcosm of Singapore that beautifully illustrates the vibrancy of our many communities. It expands our social bubble, allowing people to venture beyond their typical circles and social groups,” Han Li remarks. 

Having taken over the reins of SAFRA Jurong’s Executive Committee in 2023, he strives to continue this legacy of community-building while preserving SAFRA’s enduring appreciation for our military front and back lines. “SAFRA is built upon a social foundation that values the connections, interactions and unity that are  born out of our soldier’s commitment to our nation’s defense,” he shares, “That has been our mission since SAFRA’s inception 52 years ago and it is still our mission today.” 

Alongside many of SAFRA’s stakeholders, Han Li and his executive committee have been exploring ways to enhance the club’s offerings, a diverse and modern mix of vendors to better serve members. “We continuously look at refreshing our spaces and introducing new experiences for our members to enjoy,” he shared.

A social fiesta at SAFRA Jurong

SAFRA Jurong has always found creative ways to best emulate its tagline – Playground at The Canopy – with frequent casual get-togethers, thematic festivals and exhilarating races.

“Just recently, we hosted an appreciation lunch for our volunteers. Piping hot food fresh from the BBQ pits, live music and shared banter under the stars – how much better can it get than this?” Han Li reminisces. And this is no rare occurrence. A beloved watering hole in the west side of our little red dot, SAFRA Jurong is constantly buzzing with activity, as observed by Han Li himself. 

And one cannot discuss SAFRA Jurong without mentioning its flagship event – SAFRA Sprint Kids. Always incorporating creative and exciting themes, from military-inspired courses to ninja challenges, this annual event tests young participants on speed, dexterity, and endurance. Parents can also join in the fun, providing both physical and emotional support as they race alongside their children.

“I fondly remember serving as the starter for the event, waving the flag as the children set off. It was heartwarming to watch parents enthusiastically cheering their children on as they navigated SOC-inspired stations like the Rubble and Stepping Tyres,” he recalls. 

SAFRA Sprint Kids joins an already extensive catalogue of festivities and workshops that are designed to accommodate the needs of National Servicemen and SAFRA members, of which Han Li acknowledges to be ‘evolving’. From its Little Explorer activity series for NSmen with young families to the Neon Night Fest for nightlife revellers, SAFRA Jurong has been working round the clock with Han Li to give not just National Servicemen, but their loved ones and friends a year-round fiesta of events and activities.

“It is important that we never stop exploring new ways to stay relevant, all the while reaching out to a wide-ranging array of communities that make up our military,” he emphasises, “Pickleball is the hottest sport at the moment, and members love to play on our court and mingle with fellow pickleball enthusiasts (Find out how to book a court here)!”

A man who loves food and his community

Prior to his induction into the SAFRA family in 2017, Han Li was already a huge fan of its culinary offerings. And he could go on for days about the various food spots housed in this recreational hub. “If you’re looking for something more continental, the steak at Jack’s Place is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Of course, for something with a spicy kick, Springleaf Prata has some of the most whimsical adaptations of the conventional prata. Oh, and every foodie has to visit Rasa Istimewa at least once if they enjoy good ol’ classic zichar – plus, it’s halal too! As for food outside the club…” Han Li effuses. 

It is evident during our conversation that it is more than just food for him; it’s the shared experiences that it brings to the table. “Our job here stems from a real passion to serve the community. And just like food and our time in National Service, a community thrives when it’s cultivated in an environment that proactively fosters collaborations!” he reflects.

As our time together was coming to an end, Han Li wanted to end our interview with a message for our readers, “While the perks and deals that we offer here at SAFRA are really attractive, our hope is to transform SAFRA Jurong into a space where fellow National Servicemen and their families can strengthen existing bonds while forging new ones. I hope to see you here soon!” 

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SAFRA has always been an unwavering advocate for our National Servicemen. That said, it is important that we extend this appreciation to individuals who go the extra mile at SAFRA to make every patron’s visit a happy and memorable one. 

Following the recently-concluded 2024 Excellent Service Awards (EXSA) that recognises individuals who have delivered exceptional service, NSMan chats with two extraordinary award recipients from SAFRA: Senior Lifeguard Kevin Lim from SAFRA Yishun, and Senior Customer Services Officer Jumadie Bin Yaacob from SAFRA Punggol, who both received the prestigious EXSA Star Award. 

Senior Lifeguard Kevin Lim – Huge heart, bigger smile

Upon first meeting Senior Lifeguard Kevin Lim, it is clear to us why he is a recipient of this award. He approached the entire team with a wide grin, gave each of us a firm, welcoming handshake, and made it a point to remember all our names.

Kevin has always been a standing testament of the power of a sincere smile and a welcoming demeanour. “It is important to me that SAFRA swimmers and patrons alike enjoy an experience that is both positive and of course, safe!” says the lifeguard of 15 years and counting. 

Do not let his carefree countenance fool you; the job is a huge responsibility that demands unceasing vigilance and proactive responsiveness. Every single day, Kevin keeps a watchful eye for potential hazards and ever-changing water conditions, never letting his guard down for a single moment. “It is with this focused approach that I can respond swiftly if anything comes up,” he reflects. 

For this veteran lifeguard, this need for prudence and alertness is, really, part and parcel of a regular day, for he has embraced his job’s more solemn duties. “As a lifeguard, its about dedicating ourselves to the safety and well-being of others, no matter the circumstances,” he shares, continuing that “it is about putting others’ needs first and being accountable for your actions, both in everyday situations and when an emergency arises.” 

And according to Kevin, these aforementioned emergencies can manifest in more ways than one. “A couple surprised me one day when they approached me, distraught and panicking. They could not find their 5-year-old child!” he recounted, “They had left him in the shower room to wash up, only to find out that he was missing shortly after.”

Time was of the essence, and immediately, he activated his team as well as SAFRA’s security officials to assist in the search. Having found out that the family lived near the club, he instructed his search party to scrutinise video surveillance tapes while Kevin retraced their usual route that led them home. “We found him at his apartment block waiting at its void deck, thankfully, no worse for wear,” he recalled.   

The intensity of his role notwithstanding, there are joyful moments that make it all worthwhile. The playful banter he shares with members, and the community of swimmers that he considers a second family – these make up the heart that fuels his passion for the job. “Over the years, many of the members have become friends. It is also heartwarming to watch their children grow up, from guiding them through their first dip into the water to becoming the confident swimmers they are today!” he muses. 

A husband and father himself, Kevin understands how support and love from family can go a long way. “Thank you all for always being there for me, through the ups and downs. Your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful for everything. I’m fortunate to have such a strong and supportive family.”

Senior Customer Services Officer Jumadie Bin Yaacob – Compassionate, committed and calm

This isn’t the first time that this ever-jovial go-getter has been recognised for his effervescence. In 2022, he received his first EXSA, with his professional motto being “always make sure to smile.” Two years later, he’s still smiling, brighter and wider than ever, especially after bagging his 2024 EXSA Star Award! 

This time however, he pairs his bubbly countenance with a refreshing air of confidence and readiness that can only be cultivated through experience. “I always try to stay focused on the bigger picture. This accolade is a reflection of the work I’ve put in, but it’s also a reminder that there’s always room for growth and improvement,” he emphasises as he introspects on his eight years at SAFRA. 

While a great smile goes a long way, Jumadie knows that composure and poise give that extra push. “The very first interaction with the club members and patrons is crucial because it sets the tone for our relationship. The impression should not just convey warmth, but also a reliable sense of professionalism,” he shares. “I want them to walk away knowing that our interaction as well as the experiences it brings matters a lot to me.”

To this EXSA recipient, service is a rich blend of empathy, attentiveness, reliability and perhaps, even a hint of spontaneity! He fondly remembers a unique occurrence that happened last year, when a mother reported a lost mobile phone to a club security guard. As she was making the report, she mentioned that it was her daughter’s birthday that day and they were supposed to head for a dinner appointment. The security staff collaborated with Jumadie to present a cake, and together, serenaded the member’s daughter with a rendition of Happy Birthday. Jumadie shares a letter of appreciation written by the mother who expressed her gratitude for the SAFRA Punggol team: “Thank you for creating this special moment for my daughter! The staff has just been amazing, celebrating her birthday and making the most out of what was otherwise, a very unfortunate day!”

While Jumadie has always proven himself to be an excellent team member, he recently had the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills. “I had the chance to lead a team whose objective was to improve customer satisfaction at our clubhouse. I’m thankful for my network of colleagues and mentors who have encouraged me to stay positive when faced with difficult situations,” he shares. 

So, what lies in the future for Jumadie? Following his stint as a group leader, he hopes to take on more responsibilities as a leader and mentor. “I want to volunteer for more leadership roles in upcoming initiatives, and maybe even attend a leadership development workshop to expand my existing skill set,” he muses, hopeful for a more vibrant year ahead.  

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