Saluting the dedication of our officer-dads.
By: Domnic Dass
This Father’s Day, Police Life hears from Operationally Ready Police National Service (PNS) officers who are fathers, as they share how they balance their NS, work and fatherly responsibilities!
Deputy Superintendent of Police (NS) Paul Lim Zhiwei
NS 3rd Division Commander, Protective Security Command (ProCom)
What is your current NS appointment and what responsibilities does the role entail?
I’m an NS Division Commander in ProCom. My role centres around motivating and leading the Division to be the best in ProCom – in terms of either operational excellence, fitness, training and manpower or other administrative or logistics matters.
Being an NS Commander is very much like being a father. I have to lead by example, set the right tone and instil the right processes. It isn't much different from being a father at home to my children!
Tell us more about yourself and your family.
In my day job, I’m currently working as a Chief Commodity Pricing Analyst with a global price reporting agency for the Asia Pacific. I lead a team of pricing analysts who analyse price patterns and market behaviours of key commodities such as iron ore, lithium and steel, and how they affect costs of downstream industries such as steelmaking and electric vehicles.
I’ve been married for eight years now. I have a four-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. My job requires me to travel frequently so I'm happiest when I’m back home and am spending time with my family.
My PNS officers are also like family to me, and I do my best to interact with every single one of them and get to know them personally. Most of them just want to be recognised as individuals who are doing their best in their NS duties, so it’s important for them to be acknowledged by the Commander. I feel a sense of achievement when my PNS officers return for their duties at ProCom and give their best.
What’s your proudest moment as a father so far?
Seeing my children grow up with the right values and attitudes, thinking on their feet, and respecting people around them.
It’s very much like leading an NS division – when officers improve, show that they’re motivated and know what to do in challenging situations, it makes me proud. I know that I’m working with capable officers in ProCom.
What are some of your challenges as a working dad with NS duties, and how do you deal with them?
I need to juggle my time between work, family and my NS duties, while taking a strategic approach to what I want to do. But I enjoy these challenges as they give me a different perspective on how I can achieve my goals.
I try to approach my roles with a positive attitude and enthusiasm, so I don't find it tiring to juggle being both a father and PNS officer. In fact, my children get very excited whenever they see me in uniform!
How has your NS journey been and why is it important to you?
My NS journey has been extremely enriching, and I always enjoy doing my Operationally Ready NS cycles. It has also been transformative, and I think my positive NS experiences have shaped my attitude and beliefs, making me a better father and leader.
Any advice for other dads out there?
Treasure your spouses! They’re the ones holding the fort at home when you're on duty. Give them a nice treat whenever you can, and they’ll appreciate it.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (NS) Muhammad Rahimi Bin Buhari
Deputy Officer Commanding (DOC) of PNSmen Public Order Troop Reservist Kilo-Alpha, Special Operations Command (SOC)
Share with us your NS roles and responsibilities.
I’m currently the DOC of a PNSmen Public Order Troop in the SOC. My responsibilities include ensuring my troopers are ready to fulfil their duties during their deployment cycle, coordinating training schedules and managing administrative matters for the unit.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I'm currently working as a Senior Project Engineer for a local IT infrastructure cabling company, where my day-to-day job involves project planning, scheduling, monitoring progress and preparing reports as well as putting up assessments.
I’ve been married for less than two years now. My wife and I just had our first child, a baby boy!
What are some of your challenges as a working dad with NS duties, and how do you deal with them?
Getting up in the middle of the night and going to bed later are all new experiences that take some getting used to. So, I’m still trying to find the best balance for myself.
How has your NS journey been, and why is it important to you?
My NS experience has been both interesting and rewarding. There have been numerous pivotal moments along the way that have moulded my growth and development, first as an individual and trooper, then as a leader, and finally as a mentor.
I was initially posted to Pulau Tekong to undergo Basic Military Training. After that, I was posted to the Home Team Academy to undergo Officer Cadet Training with the Police. I was subsequently posted to the SOC as a Trooper. As a trooper, I was taught to be resilient and selfless. My NS experience has made me into a holistic leader and mentor.
What are you looking forward to in the next phase of parenthood?
Cherishing the time I have with my son and watching him grow.
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