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A Year That Brought Us Together: Celebrating SAFRA’s 2025 Highlights

We look back at a great year and look forward to more exciting events in 2026!
by Sean Tan 31 December 2025
eNSman 2025 A Look Back featured image

2025 was a defining year for SAFRA — one that reaffirmed its role as far more than a network of clubhouses. Across Singapore, SAFRA continued to evolve as a vibrant lifestyle and community platform where NSmen, their families and the wider public came together to stay active, feel appreciated and build meaningful connections.  

As Singapore continues to strengthen its Total Defence, SAFRA plays a vital role beyond the uniform — building Social Defence by fostering strong bonds, Psychological Defence through resilience and well-being initiatives, and Digital Defence by keeping communities connected, all through bringing NSmen, their families and the wider community together via meaningful, inclusive and forward-looking experiences. 

From purpose-driven sporting events and large-scale engagement platforms to everyday lifestyle perks, national celebrations and future-forward developments, SAFRA’s 2025 journey was marked by progress, inclusivity and heart.  

As the year draws to a close, we look back at some of the key moments and milestones that shaped SAFRA in 2025. 

Swim For Hope at SAFRA Jurong
 Beneficiaries of SAFRA Swim For Hope being presented the donation at BE@SAFRA. (Photo: SAFRA)

Moving With Purpose: Sports and Fitness That Matter 

Staying active has always been central to SAFRA’s mission, and in 2025, sports took on an even deeper sense of purpose. One of the standout events of the year was SAFRA Swim For Hope, which brought swimmers together to push their limits while supporting a meaningful cause.  

The event demonstrated how sport can unite people across ages and abilities in a shared effort to give back to the community. This year, Swim For Hope rallied 5,800 swimmers who participated in the event to help raise $300,000 for the beneficiaries.  

Beyond flagship events, community programmes such as Futsal Kakis and the upcoming SAFRA FitX Fitness Festival 2026 continued to thrive, welcoming participants regardless of skill level, gender or age. From futsal and pickleball courts to skating rinks, swimming pools and gyms, SAFRA made movement accessible, social and enjoyable — encouraging members to stay active together. 

BE At SAFRA
Fun activities for members and their kids at BE@SAFRA events held across all the SAFRA clubs. (Photo: SAFRA)

BE@SAFRA: Connecting People, Ideas and Possibilities 

A key milestone in 2025 was BE@SAFRA, SAFRA’s flagship engagement platform that brought together partners, stakeholders and the SAFRA community under one roof. Through interactive showcases, exhibits and conversations, the event highlighted SAFRA’s expanding role as a connector bridging lifestyle, leisure, service appreciation and community engagement. 

BE@SAFRA also offered a strong signal of SAFRA’s future direction, showcasing how the organisation continues to innovate and stay relevant to the evolving needs of NSmen and their families. 

Appreciating NSmen Video Competition featured image

Appreciating NSmen: Recognition That Resonates 

Recognising and appreciating NSmen remained at the heart of SAFRA’s initiatives throughout 2025. The Appreciating NSmen Deals campaign stood out as a key highlight, offering exclusive dining, lifestyle and entertainment deals that allowed NSmen and their families to enjoy tangible rewards for their service. 

Adding a creative and personal dimension to the campaign was the Appreciating NSmen Video Competition, which invited the community to share heartfelt, meaningful and inspiring stories about NSmen via creative video shorts. The campaign not only celebrated service, but also amplified voices from the ground, reminding Singaporeans that behind every uniform is a story worth telling. 

These initiatives reinforced SAFRA’s commitment to honouring NSmen in ways that are authentic, relevant and heartfelt. 

AGM Bond-Free Education Scheme recipients
The recipients of the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme being honoured at the AGM held at SAFRA Toa Payoh on 9 November 2025. (Photo: SAFRA) 

Celebrating NSmen and Strengthening Trust 

Recognition also took shape through platforms that strengthened engagement and transparency. The SAFRA Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at SAFRA Toa Payoh on 9 November 2025, provided members with insights into SAFRA’s governance, achievements and future plans. Beyond its formal agenda, the AGM served as a touchpoint for trust, reaffirming SAFRA’s accountability and commitment to member-centric growth. 

Complementing this were year-long initiatives such as SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme, which helps provide opportunities for SAFRA members to upgrade themselves educationally, and the SAFRA Membership Grand Draw, which injected excitement and appreciation into the membership journey to reaffirm to NSmen that their contributions continue to be valued. 

Mr Desmond Choo at SAFRA Jurong meeting families
Mr Desmond Choo (in red), Minister of State for Defence and President of SAFRA, meeting NSmen and their families at SAFRA Jurong. (Photo: SAFRA) 

A Glimpse Into The Future: SAFRA Jurong’s Refresh 

One of the most anticipated announcements of the year was the reveal of the SAFRA Jurong refresh. The upcoming transformation signals SAFRA’s continued investment in creating modern, future-ready spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles. 

With enhanced facilities, refreshed social spaces and improved amenities on the horizon, the SAFRA Jurong refresh reflects SAFRA’s long-term commitment to growth, relevance and community-building. 

SAFRA Diaper Dash
Families cheering their toddlers on in the annual Diaper Dash event. (Photo: SAFRA) 

Family Time, Festive Moments and Shared Joy 

Family bonding took centre stage in 2025, with SAFRA curating a rich calendar of family-friendly festivals, school holiday programmes and festive celebrations. Clubhouses came alive with immersive themed events, hands-on workshops and outdoor activities that brought families together across generations. 

Whether it’s SAFRA’s key events like Diaper Dash, Deepavali or Halloween celebrations at the clubs, bringing the toy collecting communities together for Vintage Market held at SAFRA Mount Faber or the year-end Soundbyte bash, these moments reinforced SAFRA’s role as a trusted community hub, a place where memories are made, relationships are strengthened and time together is cherished. 


SAFRA@CMPB serves up delicious but restaurant-quality food at affordable prices, like the Asian breakfast menu which costs only $3 per dish. (Photo: SAFRA)

Food That Brings People Together 

Food remained a powerful connector within the SAFRA community. A major highlight was the opening of SAFRA@CMPB, which introduced new dining concepts by Cafe4You and social spaces at the Central Manpower Base, enhancing the overall experience for NSmen and their families. 

Another crowd favourite was Hawker Discount Day, which celebrated Singapore’s hawker culture while giving members extra savings at participating stalls. Alongside festive buffets, curated dining experiences and year-round F&B promotions, SAFRA continued to turn everyday meals into meaningful moments of connection. 

Hawker Discount Day coupon
Members can enjoy $5 off their favourite local food at different hawker centres around the island on Hawker Discount Day. (Photo: SAFRA) 

In 2025, SAFRA also partnered with food brands McDonald's, Old Chang Kee. Canadian 2-For-1 Pizza, Messy Patty and Polar Puffs and Cakes to deliver 16,825 snacks to SAF camps and SAFRA clubs. This effort brought joy and appreciation to our national servicemen across the community.  

Appreciating NSmen Food Trucks
The Appreciating NSmen Food Truck campaign brought smiles to our national servicemen across the country. (Photo: SAFRA)

Entertainment Perks That Delight 

Beyond food and fitness, SAFRA delivered lifestyle perks that added joy to everyday life. The 1-for-1 Weekend Movie Tickets promotion was among the most popular, encouraging members to relax, unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. 

These exclusive benefits underscored SAFRA’s commitment to enhancing members’ lifestyles with experiences that are both enjoyable and rewarding. 

SG60 National Day Bayfront celebrations
Catching the iconic flyover at the SAFRA SG60 National Day Bayfront celebrations held at the Bayfront Event Space at Marina Bay. (Photo: SAFRA) 

SAFRA On The National Stage: SG60 Celebrations 

2025 also marked a meaningful national milestone as SAFRA took part in the SG60 National Day Bayfront celebrations. Joining Singaporeans in commemorating 60 years of independence, SAFRA’s participation reflected its deep-rooted connection to national service, community and shared identity. 

The presence of SAFRA at the Bayfront celebrations symbolised its ongoing role in honouring service, strengthening national unity and celebrating the collective spirit that defines Singapore. 

SAFRA SG60 Bayfront National Day Celebrations
Attendees at the SAFRA SG60 Bayfront National Day celebration enjoying the vibrant and entertaining event. (Photo: SAFRA)

Wellness Beyond The Physical 

In 2025, SAFRA continued to expand its focus on holistic well-being. Beyond physical fitness, programmes and content increasingly addressed mental resilience, balance and recovery by offering members practical ways to care for both body and mind amid busy lives. 

Through workshops, talks and wellness-focused features, SAFRA reinforced its role as a supportive partner in members’ everyday well-being journeys. 

A Community That Grows Together 

At the heart of SAFRA’s 2025 story were its people. Across sports courts, event spaces and digital platforms, SAFRA nurtured a modern kampong spirit rooted in inclusivity, mutual respect and shared experiences. 

Through eNSMAN and the SAFRA app, member stories, event highlights and lifestyle features kept the community connected, informed and inspired — strengthening the sense of belonging that defines SAFRA. 

Soundbyte at SAFRA Mount Faber
Revellers enjoying the night dancing away at the year-end Soundbyte event held at SAFRA Mount Faber. (Photo: SAFRA)

Looking Ahead With Confidence 

As SAFRA closes out 2025, the year stands as a testament to the power of community-driven experiences. With milestones such as SAFRA Swim For Hope, BE@SAFRA, the Appreciating NSmen Deals campaign and Video Competition, the AGM, the opening of SAFRA@CMPB, Hawker Discount Day, the 1-for-1 movie tickets promotion, SAFRA’s participation in the SG60 National Day Bayfront celebrations, and the announcement of the SAFRA Jurong refresh, 2025 marked both celebration and progress. 

Looking ahead, SAFRA remains committed to evolving with its members by creating spaces, experiences and opportunities that bring people together, support well-being and honour the spirit of service. If 2025 was any indication, the future of SAFRA is one built on connection, care and community. 

Join us as we step into an even more exciting 2026!  

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