A celebration to remember
This year's NDP marks first full-scale parade at Padang since 2019, and President Halimah's last as head of state
By Kok Yufeng, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2023
It was a National Day Parade (NDP) of firsts and lasts as the Padang came alive on Wednesday with light, sound and colour to mark Singapore’s 58th year of independence.
There was a concert-like atmosphere at the annual birthday bash as a 27,000-strong crowd sang along to old and new local tunes.
Their LED-equipped drumsticks lit up the stands as they thumped to the beat with drum kits that came with each NDP funpack.
Many arrived at the Padang well before the festivities kicked off at 5.35pm.
Undeterred by the sweltering heat and enhanced security measures, which included checks on individuals and vehicles, thousands more gathered at nearby Marina Bay.
Some arrived as early as 3pm – about three hours before the party started.
They were well prepared with phones and cameras to capture the experience, including the 10-minute fireworks display at the end of the two-hour parade.
With “Onward As One” as this year’s theme, it was the first time that full-scale NDP celebrations were held at the Padang since 2019, after the Marina Bay floating platform had its swansong parade in 2022.
The floating platform has hosted 11 NDPs since 2007. It will be replaced by NS Square, a permanent structure expected to be completed by end-2026, whereupon it will be the primary venue for future parades.
Wednesday was also the first time since 2019 that the parade and ceremony segment of the NDP featured full-scale physical marching contingents, comprising 1,700 participants from the military, civil defence, youth uniformed groups, and various social and economic groups.
Making its inaugural NDP appearance was the Digital and Intelligence Service, the fourth arm of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), which formed one of five guard of honour contingents.
It was also the last NDP for President Halimah Yacob as head of state – her six-year term as president ends on Sept 13.
She received a rousing welcome when she arrived, shortly after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and later inspected the marching contingents commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Ragumaran Davindran – the first army supply officer to be given the role.
A 21-gun presidential salute was fired from 25-pounder artillery guns stationed on military rafts near Merlion Park, and a video montage of Madam Halimah’s past NDP involvements as president was later shown as the crowd waved their national flags in tribute.
Before her arrival, NDP attendees were entertained by hosts Joakim Gomez, Hazelle Teo, Eswari Gunasagar and Fauzie Laily, who kept spirits high with games and several rounds of the Padang Wave before the parade went live at 6pm.
Deyi Secondary School’s marching band, decked out in bright pink uniforms, had the crowd at the edge of their seats as 16-year-old drum major Caspar Ho executed a flawless series of mace throws.
Moments later, spectators watched in awe as eight Red Lion parachutists made freefalls from a height of about 3km – all landing safely to resounding cheers.
Then came the marching-in of the 34 parade contingents, the state flag fly-past and a bomb burst manoeuvre performed by a group of F-16D+ fighter jets in a soaring salute to the nation.
There was still more aerial action to come as the Republic of Singapore Air Force put on a thrilling display to commemorate its 55th anniversary. A highlight was a new cross turn and vertical climb stunt to signify progress and prosperity for the nation.
Another addition to 2023’s NDP was the Total Defence Parade, which involved 650 participants.
With six large, colourful floats modelled after everyday objects such as an umbrella and a barbell – each representing a pillar of Total Defence – the new segment gave a fresh, whimsical spin to the national defence concept.
This was accompanied by a drive-past of military and civil defence assets from the SAF, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
As night fell and the show segment of the parade got under way, another unique – if unseen – aspect of 2023’s parade filled the air.
During the show’s second act, titled Our Strength, a subtle floral fragrance with a woody undertone emanated through the stands at the Padang, evoking the scent of a flowering Tembusu tree.
The smell was specially created to accompany a blossoming flower dance by the Soka Gakkai Singapore Women’s Division and local dance troupe Dance Inspiration.
Those watching at home were given an augmented viewing experience, with each of the NDP show’s four acts featuring themed floor projections and 3D effects.
At the show’s climax, fireworks erupted over the Padang as screens showed an animated golden lion leaping skywards, symbolising Singapore’s youth leading the future of the country.
An energetic rendition of this year’s theme song Shine Your Light and a medley of past NDP songs followed, before everyone recited the national pledge and sang the National Anthem.
Ms Mira Lee, 28, who works in the events industry, said it was nice to see fellow Singaporeans out in full force despite the hot weather.
“Plenty of work has clearly gone into this to showcase some of Singapore’s best, and I am grateful for the show they put on,” she added.
Ms Joey Lim, 31, who last attended an NDP two decades ago, said she especially enjoyed the show segment because it was vibrant and colourful.
“The parade was just as great as last time, and I hope I can attend it every year,” said the administrative worker, who came with her family. “It has been a memorable day for me.”
Public housing schemes to be adjusted, help for older workers with insufficient CPF savings: PM Lee
By Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 8 Aug 2023
Public housing schemes will be adjusted to keep them fair and inclusive for all, and ensure flats remain accessible and affordable for Singaporeans of all income groups.
There will also be extra help for some older workers who have not built up enough Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings for retirement, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday.
He added that he will share more on these two areas at the National Day Rally on Aug 20.
In his National Day message filmed at SkyOasis@Dawson in Queenstown, PM Lee said that one major aspiration of Singaporeans is to have good and affordable housing.
He noted that Queenstown is one of Singapore’s oldest towns, with some of the first Singapore Improvement Trust flats built there back in the 1950s.
After rejuvenation of the estate began about 15 years ago, Dawson is now one of the most attractive Housing Board estates, a shining example of the Singapore housing story, said PM Lee.
“Decade after decade, the Government has invested heavily to build affordable, accessible and high-quality HDB flats for millions of Singaporeans,” he added.
So far, HDB has been building flats in mature and non-mature estates. But as it continues to develop more public housing, fewer and fewer undeveloped sites are left to build new estates.
Existing non-mature estates are also steadily maturing with improving transport links and amenities, said PM Lee.
“So in time to come, more and more new HDB flats will be built in existing estates, like here in Dawson. Such flats will naturally be in greater demand. Their launch prices and resale prices will reflect that.
“But even amidst this changing landscape, we must still ensure public housing is accessible and affordable for Singaporeans of all income groups.”
Housing schemes have to be fair and inclusive to all, he said, reiterating that this is his Government’s commitment to Singaporeans.
While the Government refreshes its approach to public housing, it is also making special efforts to adapt HDB estates and flats to serve a rapidly ageing population, he noted.
Currently, nearly one in five Singaporeans is aged 65 and above. By 2030, this will be one in four.
Estates will have more visible signage and designs, as well as more pedestrian-friendly zones and rest points. Community spaces will also be improved, with more active ageing centres built, said PM Lee.
Apart from these, another aspect of preparing for old age is CPF savings, he added.
The CPF system has been progressively enhanced, with targeted assistance for lower-income workers.
“But some older workers now in their 50s and early 60s still have not built up enough CPF savings for retirement, and can do with some extra help,” he said.
“The Government, though, can only be part of the solution. Each of us also has to do our part to stay healthy and well. Better health is better wealth.”
PM Lee also gave an update on Forward Singapore, noting that housing and ageing are among the issues that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the fourth-generation team are working on as part of the national engagement exercise.
“But the Forward Singapore agenda covers much more: how to equip our people with the skills to learn and succeed throughout life; how to better care for the vulnerable amongst us; and how to deepen our solidarity and Singapore spirit,” he said.
The exercise is ongoing, with a report to be released later this year.
Good government, trust and integrity
PM Lee noted that there had been a series of recent cases involving ministers and MPs.
He said: “Some have asked what these incidents say about the Government. My answer is this: Such issues come up from time to time.
“When they do, we deal with them properly and transparently. That is what we have always done; and that’s what we have done this time too.”
These cases include allegations of preferential treatment in the rental of Ridout Road properties by two ministers, a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) probe into Transport Minister S. Iswaran, as well as the resignations of former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and former MP Cheng Li Hui over their affair.
In the Ridout Road case, the two ministers concerned were thoroughly investigated and completely exonerated. As for the CPIB probe, a formal investigation is ongoing.
“In all three cases, for the good of the country, we sought to do the right thing, protect the integrity of our system of government, and carry through everything that needed to be done,” said PM Lee.
He added: “Let there be no doubt: My Government is determined to keep our system free of corruption and wrongdoing.”
He said the Government would maintain its high standards of honesty, integrity and propriety, which Singaporeans and international partners have come to expect of it.
This is how it can preserve, protect and strengthen the trust that Singaporeans have in the Government and in the Singapore system.
“Trust is what enabled us to get through the last three years of the pandemic and emerge stronger. Trust is what allows political leaders to work closely with Singaporeans to deliver a better life for all. And trust will enable us to move forward safely in a troubled world,” said PM Lee.
He noted that often, when meeting foreign leaders, they tell him how impressed they are by Singapore. They admire the country’s ability to think long term, set ambitious goals and steadily achieve its aspirations.
“I tell them – this is only possible because the people and the Government work closely together. This is what gives Singapore the edge over others. This is what makes us exceptional. We must never let this bond weaken.”
‘These are emotions which you cannot control’: President Halimah Yacob bids farewell at NDP 2023
By Jean Iau, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2023
President Halimah Yacob presided over the National Day Parade (NDP) for the last time on Wednesday, concluding her sixth parade as the head of state.
She arrived at the Padang at about 6.50pm, to applause and cheers from the spectators.
Speaking to the media after the nation’s 58th birthday bash, Madam Halimah, 68, said she felt emotional while waving to the 27,000-strong crowd.
Her eyes welled up and her voice cracked as she said: “These are emotions which you cannot control.
“The terrible sense of sadness, but at the same time, a sense of inspiration when I looked around me and saw how people were standing together, celebrating as one.”
As Singapore’s eighth president, she presided over her first parade in 2018, having assumed office in September 2017.
In May 2023, she announced that she would not be seeking re-election when her term ends on Sept 13.
Asked what her top NDP moments were, Madam Halimah said it was hard to choose, but 2023’s parade is special because it is the first full-fledged parade since the Covid-19 pandemic. This parade’s interpretation of Total Defence as six large floats is also very relatable, as it uses everyday items to explain why each of the pillars matters.
She is also happy that the past six parades have seen more integration of persons with disabilities and their myriad talents, whether as performers or artists who contributed their artwork to adorn NDP packs in recent years.
Madam Halimah said that as the presiding officer of the NDP, she has interacted with many in disadvantaged communities “and it never fails to fascinate me, the kind of work they do, the talents that they have”.
“It’s wonderful as a country, on the most important day that we celebrate our nationhood, we integrate our people with disabilities, our disadvantaged communities,” she said.
“We bring them to the fore, we tell Singaporeans we are all in this together: not (just) those who can run the fastest, but everyone must run together as a team too.”
At Wednesday’s parade, four 25-pounder howitzer guns fired 21 times in salute as Madam Halimah reviewed the guard of honour contingents.
After inspecting the parade and interacting with some of the servicemen and women, she made a lap around the Padang in a ceremonial vehicle, to much fanfare.
A special video montage was played on the screens, showcasing her involvement in NDPs from 2018, including virtual events during Covid-19.
Madam Halimah wore a resolute expression as the parade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Ragumaran Davindran, received permission for the contingents to march off.
After the parade had concluded and the National Anthem had been sung, Madam Halimah joined some of the performers and artistes on the Padang and took wefies with them.
Speaking to reporters, she said the NDP always touches something inside each Singaporean.
“I think it’s not just me but everyone in Singapore, especially those who are in the audience, and there is a sense of purpose, unitedness as we celebrate our independence and achievements,” she said.
“Whenever you come to NDP, you always feel so inspired because, you know, there’re so many Singaporeans together, celebrating this really truly momentous day, which is our National Day. So it’s been truly wonderful.”
First-time NDP spectator Malti Bhardwaj, 48, thanked Madam Halimah for her contributions to Singapore.
The housewife told The Straits Times at the Padang: “She has made us all proud as a woman, being our first woman president.
“She has set the benchmark, and in the future, I hope we will have more women presidents like her.”
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