NDP 2025: Majulah Singapura

Singapore turns 60: Padang and Marina Bay dazzle in milestone celebration

By Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2025

In a grand celebration of Singapore’s diamond jubilee, tens of thousands flocked to the heart of the city-state on Aug 9 to mark the Republic’s 60th year of independence.

To allow more to soak in the pomp and pageantry of the birthday bash, parade organisers extended the celebrations beyond the Padang to Marina Bay, where about 200,000 people gathered.

At the bay, some spots were so popular that Merlion Park and the area in front of One Fullerton were closed by 4.38pm – an hour before the National Day Parade (NDP) kicked off at 5.40pm.

The earlier sweltering heat gave way to a passing drizzle shortly before the parade got under way.

Kicking off the milestone parade, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made a surprise appearance with his electric guitar in the pre-parade video Makin’ Our Way.

Another crowd pleaser came at 5.50pm, when seven naval divers leapt from an H225M medium-lift helicopter, descending about 1,830m into the bay – flippers first.

They were followed about five minutes later by seven Red Lions parachutists, whose much-awaited arrival at the Padang delighted the crowd.

Having the naval divers plop into the waters of Marina Bay enabled more people to get up close to the action outside the Padang, where the main parade took place.

Among the 27,000 spectators at the Padang were foreign guests such as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, who were seated close to Singapore’s Cabinet ministers in the VIP stand to witness the special event.

Besides the customary 21-gun salute for President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, spectators at the bay were also treated to a maritime vessel display, four water floats, a live performance by singer Benjamin Kheng on a floating stage, as well as vibrant light projections on The Fullerton Hotel and UOB Plaza.

NDP 2025, which involved about 6,000 participants across the pre-parade, parade and ceremony, mobile column and show segments, offered notable firsts.

For the first time in parade history, the parade and ceremony segment featured a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) guard-of-honour contingent, following public feedback.

It will be a permanent fixture of the guard-of-honour contingents in the years to come, joining four from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and one from the Singapore Police Force.

The Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps, to commemorate its 10th anniversary, also fielded a full contingent at the parade for the first time.

Eyes were turned skywards and necks craned as the Republic of Singapore Air Force put on eight aerial displays over the course of the night.

It began with the traditional State Flag fly-past. Later, fighter jet pilots pulled off a gravity-defying “bomb burst” manoeuvre, where the planes soared upwards before speeding off in various directions in a salute to the nation.

Integrating aerial fly-pasts into the mobile column had never been done until NDP 2025, where 22 aircraft flew over the Padang in four formations in a display of the RSAF’s aerial prowess.

While the mobile column demonstrated the Republic’s military might, some of the parade’s most poignant moments came in its final segment, beginning when Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Alex Chan appeared in a Leopard 2SG main battle tank with his 10-year-old son Keith.

The crowd then broke into cheers when some SAF and Home Team veterans were introduced – in a nod to the shared commitment to defence across generations.

Among them were 95-year-old retired Second Warrant Officer Booi Seow Kiat, who sailed on RSS Panglima, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first ship, and retired Senior Warrant Officer 1 Jimmy Tan, 66, who responded to the Hotel New World collapse in 1986 that killed 33.

It was on this note that the show segment kicked off, with singer-songwriter Charlie Lim and singer Kit Chan taking the stage to perform the parade’s theme song Here We Are.

As with most NDP shows, the artiste line-up was a mix of experienced hands and young talent.

Making its first appearance since NDP 2009 was local indie band Electrico, which performed that year’s parade theme song What Do You See.

Also returning to the show after a hiatus was Dick Lee, who last performed at NDP 2020, when an evening indoor concert was held in lieu of the usual outdoor show owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hoisted up in a basket attached to a floating balloon, he sang We Will Get There – the first National Day song he wrote, which was performed at the 2002 parade.

Representing a younger generation of artistes was singer-songwriter Linying, who performed original composition I Will Walk With You, while songstress Heema Izzati sang Lim’s Room At The Table.

Some of the night’s loudest cheers were reserved for Aldrich Jai Kishen, 31, one of five Singaporeans whose stories were told in a film screened in segments between the show’s four acts.

The film told of how Jai – a youth worker at Boys’ Town, where he was a resident – discovered a passion for drumming while in his teens that helped him to overcome a rough childhood.

Jai took to the stage for the show’s final act after the film concluded, performing an upbeat remix of Linying’s NDP 2021 theme song The Road Ahead, alongside Electrico vocalist Dave Tan.

In a Facebook post on Aug 9, President Tharman hailed Jai and others involved in the parade, saying “we have heroes all around the island”.

He cited Amelia Tan, nine, who was born with a rare condition resulting in her having speech and hearing difficulty. She did the sign language interpretation of the National Pledge towards the parade’s end.

“Such calm and composure, despite it being her first signing in public,” he said.

“As this year’s NDP song says, every voice is a story,” added the President. “We can all be heroes. Heroes in our own ways, in the story we write together.”

PM Wong said in a separate Facebook post that the parade was “a proud celebration of how far we’ve come – and a heartfelt tribute to the generations who built our nation”.

“As we mark SG60, we honour our past and look ahead to a new chapter. Our solidarity, resilience and unity will stand us in good stead for the road ahead,” he said.

“The best of our journey is yet to come.”

Rounding off the show was Kit Chan, who returned to the NDP stage for the first time since 2015 to belt out Home, the classic that she first performed at NDP 1998.

In a dazzling finale to NDP 2025, its theme – Majulah Singapura – were the last words sang as a kaleidoscope of fireworks illuminated the night sky at the close of the National Anthem.

Before long, rain fell over the Padang again, as President Tharman greeted performers prior to leaving the parade grounds.

Referring to the return of the drizzle as “showers of blessing”, show host Joakim Gomez said: “As we close this chapter to SG60, let’s move on into the next 60 years together. Relax – we will get there.”

The way we tell the Singapore Story needs a refresh: Tan Tai Yong

The country’s journey was woven into the personal lives of older Singaporeans. Younger citizens can’t relate to that.

By Tan Tai Yong, The Straits Times, 17 Aug 2024

Addressing the nation in front of the 19th century Sri Temasek building at the Istana, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong opened his National Day message by recounting how, in 1965, founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew had spent the night of Aug 8 there, just before formal separation from Malaysia, “consumed with worry over how to build a nation from scratch”. He added that the then Prime Minister and the founding leaders went on to overcome “enormous odds and laid the foundations” for the modern nation-state of Singapore.

The reference to history is a constant refrain at every National Day commemoration, when Singaporeans are reminded of the country’s journey from a small and vulnerable former colony to a thriving, successful nation-state.

Many older Singaporeans relate to the country’s journey of nation-building. They remember periods of labour unrest, urban poverty, ethnic conflicts, unstable times in Malaysia, and the domestic and international challenges following Singapore’s emergence as a new state. The Singapore Story is interwoven with their personal stories.

But for younger Singaporeans who did not live through these times, what does the Singapore Story mean? With each successive National Day, the events of Singapore’s early years will become more distant, and memories of the past will fade. History will be taught through our schools and public institutions, but a storytelling that does not resonate with personal memories and experiences runs the risk of raising scepticism, leading to a perception that official historical narratives and calls to remember our origin story are merely state-driven propaganda.

Engagements with history get further diluted when physical traces of the past start to vanish. Singapore’s rapid physical and social development since 1965 has challenged the different ways people remember and bind themselves to their community and country.

Herein lies the danger. A people that do not relate to their history will not fully appreciate the journey their country undertook, or why it adopted the values it did. Or why, in Singapore’s context, multiculturalism is such a key pillar, for example. It’s possible that such values will not be internalised and we may risk straying from them. That is why it is imperative that we imbibe our history and it strikes a chord with us, so that the values that the country upholds continue to be deeply and personally meaningful to us. At the same time, we need to understand the context of the decisions we took, so that we can adapt to changed circumstances instead of blindly mimicking past postures.

The future of our past

How, then, do we get the Singapore Story to resonate with younger Singaporeans and remain relevant for future generations?

At the ground-breaking of the Founders’ Memorial in June 2024, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong envisioned the Memorial as a space where Singaporeans can reflect on their ongoing nation-building journey, drawing on an understanding of our past and an appreciation of the “fundamental values and ideals” that set the long-term direction of Singapore.

His call to ensure that the Founders’ Memorial connects with future Singaporean generations presents an interesting task. It goes beyond recalling the words and deeds of Singapore’s founding fathers or knowing the history of those momentous years; it must engage younger Singaporeans who have only witnessed peace, stability and prosperity, and inspire them to understand the fundamental principles that define us as a society and country.

Singaporeans are not unfamiliar with the country’s history. The prevailing national narrative – the Singapore Story – features prominently within the educational curriculum, is recounted in biographies of political figures, showcased at National Day Parades, and exhibited across various national museums. With such frequent exposure, Singaporeans might believe they are fully knowledgeable about their country’s historical journey.

But merely knowing history might not be sufficient, as familiarity with events and personalities of the past does not necessarily make history personally relevant and meaningful. Beyond historical literacy – that is, knowing what happened – it is crucial to develop historical consciousness, which is the ability to make the past have meaning for us as individuals and as communities.

What does historical consciousness entail and how do we develop this in younger Singaporeans?

NDP 2024: Together, As One United People

A show of unity, as the Padang lights up for 59th National Day Parade

By Samuel Devaraj, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2024

Hands on their hearts, they stood and pledged themselves as one united people, while around them the lights shone in the city they had helped to build for their nation, 59 years young.

Their voices capped a night of pomp, spectacle and tradition, of hard work and creativity, as Singaporeans celebrated how far they had come together, regardless of race, language or religion.

Joining the audience of 27,000 who had gathered at the Padang were President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, attending the National Day Parade (NDP) for the first time in their new roles.

Some 7,500 others enjoyed the ceremony nearby at The Promontory @ Marina Bay, with official festivities spilling over to the open space near the Marina Bay Financial Centre for the first time.

To the theme of Together, As One United People, this year’s parade was a show of unity, with the crowd a sea of red and white against the backdrop of the city skyline at dusk.

The festivities kicked off at 5.30pm, when the hosts – radio deejay Joakim Gomez, host and media personality Sonia Chew, actor Ebi Shankara and actress Siti Khalijah – took to the stage to pump up the audience for the night to come.

The format was familiar, but as is the case every year, the excitement and anticipation of the audience were fresh.

The Red Lions parachute team of the Singapore Armed Forces raised the ante when they descended from the sky, among them two female parachutists taking part for the first time in an NDP at the Padang.

Their arrival heralded the start of the parade and ceremony segment, United We Stand, featuring 35 marching contingents and more than 2,100 participants, who had begun practising for this evening about four months ago.

After the last contingent was lined up on the field, the motorcades bearing first, PM Wong, and then President Tharman, arrived to loud cheers and applause.

Overhead, a Chinook carrying the nation’s flag was a stirring sight as it flew past the parade ground.

Five F-16 fighters then took to the sky for the salute to the nation, with the excited crowd matching the roar of the engines in arguably the most thrilling moment of the parade.

Consisting of four 25-pounder guns and personnel loaded on a raft, the presidential gun salute sailed around the Marina Basin, covering a 5.87km route, its longest ever.

Stopping near the Esplanade to fire 21 times as President Tharman inspected the contingents, the presidential gun salute is the nation’s highest honour.

The parade had other firsts. For the first time, to commemorate 40 years of Total Defence, a dynamic defence display was brought to the parade at the Padang.

Simulated attacks thwarted by man and machine from various sections of Singapore’s defence arsenal ensured the crowd’s attention never wavered from the Padang stage.

Amid a display filled with high-octane music and pyrotechnics, the contingents made their way through the spectator stands, while the excited audience took close-up photos.

Then, as night fell on the Padang, it was bathed in the glow of a concert arena as the LED wristbands given to each audience member lit up, marking the start of the show segment.

This segment featured 12 artistes and more than 3,000 performers, including singers Amni Musfirah and Shazza, multidisciplinary artist weish and cellist Olivia Chuang, who were among those performing at an NDP for the first time.

Celebrating the things that make Singapore, Singapore, the show paid tribute to the pioneer generation, ordinary workers, and the nation’s love of food.

But there were introspective moments too, in a poignant nod to individuals who go above and beyond to lift their communities.

And what is an NDP without a song? Singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng, of local band The Sam Willows fame, drew loud cheers and applause when he took to the stage and performed the NDP 2024 theme song, Not Alone, for which he wrote the lyrics.

As the night drew to a close, after the Pledge was recited and a rousing National Anthem sung, the audience was treated to a 360-degree fireworks experience.

Surrounded by fireworks launched from Marina Bay and the Padang, as well as from the nearby Adelphi building, spectators could be seen whipping out their phones for selfies.

With the Marina Bay skyline blazing brightly as the backdrop, those images would seal the memories of the NDP for years to come.

Watching the fireworks up close left first-time NDP spectator Ong Si Ni, 42, in awe.

While the university manager had seen the fireworks from nearby during a previous rehearsal, she told The Straits Times that it could not compare with being in the middle of the action at the Padang.

Ms Ong – who was at the parade with her friend’s mother, Ms Agnes Ho, 74, who works part-time at a food and beverage outlet – said her favourite part was the show segment where she could see performers dancing and enjoying themselves.

She added: “I am very happy that I came. I feel like I’m truly a Singaporean.”

National Day Message 2024: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong promises more support for families, help with employment setbacks

More support for families, help for Singaporeans facing employment setbacks: PM Wong

By Tham Yuen-C, Senior Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 9 Aug 2024

Families will get more support, and help will be given to Singaporeans who have met with setbacks in employment, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Aug 8 as he set out how the Government intends to work with the people to build a better Singapore.

PM Wong said he will share plans to boost social safety nets at the National Day Rally, which will be held on Aug 18.

In his first National Day message, PM Wong outlined three strategies to take Singapore forward: Forging new opportunities for the people, redoubling efforts to keep the cost of living stable and strengthening the system of social support.

Addressing the nation in front of Sri Temasek within the Istana grounds, he said the two-storey bungalow – where his temporary office is while the main building is renovated – was where founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his family spent the night of Aug 8, 1965.

Mr Lee had tossed and turned that night before Singapore’s formal separation from Malaysia and independence, consumed with worry over how to build a nation from scratch.

What keeps PM Wong awake at night are the challenges brought by developments such as the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, tensions between the United States and China, growing populism, economic nationalism and protectionism across the world, and politics turning vicious in many countries.

“These are powerful forces that shape our operating environment,” said Singapore’s fourth prime minister.

While Singapore has become a shining red dot on the global stage, the country cannot afford to cruise along and just rely on existing formulas, as the world has changed dramatically, he noted.

“We have to act with agility, foresight and gumption. We have to seek fresh solutions, and chart our own path to take Singapore forward.”

He devoted the rest of his message to the strategies to navigate this new world.

One of them is to strengthen social support, since there will be those who will find it hard to keep pace with the rapid changes, he said.

Singapore’s ageing population will require more help, and so will those who are “sandwiched”, having to look after children as well as elderly parents, he added.

This is why the Government is investing more in social infrastructure, including launching schemes to boost retirement adequacy and the pay of lower-wage workers, as well as initiatives like Healthier SG to take better care of seniors, he said.

“We intend to do more,” he added.

NDP 2023: Onward As One

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.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's 2023 National Day Message

Singapore National Day 2022

NDP 2022: A night of celebration at Singapore's first full parade since Covid-19 pandemic

By Clement Yong, The Straits Times, 9 Aug 2022

About 25,000 people gathered at the Marina Bay floating platform to mark Singapore's 57th birthday on Tuesday (Aug 9), in a show that recognised the hardships inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic and celebrated a return to relative normalcy.

A human sea of red and white sat elbow to elbow, joining in the Kallang Wave and soaking in the rat-a-tat of rifle salutes at the first ticketed National Day Parade in three years.

About the only thing that signalled how the pandemic is not over was some spectators wearing face masks. Parade organisers had "strongly encouraged" this but it was not mandatory.

This year's parade was a world of difference from 2020 and 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions reduced the NDP to symbolic affairs watched live by only small, safe-distanced audiences.

Last year's show even had to be postponed by two weeks following a resurgence of cases in the community.

Amid the noise of Tuesday's celebrations, a moment of hushed silence was, for many, the most poignant of the night.

At the start of the second act of the show directed by theatre veteran Adrian Pang, a single source of light emerged from the pitch-black stage.

There, standing alone, was singer-songwriter Aisyah Aziz. In a velvety voice, she sang a song of compassion: "Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear?... You can reach, reach out your hand."

The song, You Will Be Found, from American musical Dear Evan Hansen, launched a section of the show about the price exacted by the pandemic.

The theme of this year's NDP, Stronger Together Majulah, was chosen for the need to stick together during these tough times. It is embodied in the logo of two figures holding hands to build a caring and inclusive society.

The celebrations at the floating platform kicked off at about 5.30pm, with hosts Joakim Gomez, Sonia Chew, Siti Khalijah and Rishi Budhrani urging the crowd to wave their lights and flags and do the Kallang Roar.

Among those soaking in the atmosphere was housewife Normala Ahmad, 60. "I miss gathering and celebrating like this," she said. "Let's hope there are no more pandemics."

Teacher Ravindran Rajasekeran, 37, who was also watching at the platform, said: "During the pandemic, a lot of normal things we took for granted were restricted. It's good to see the parade back to normal."

At 6.30pm, 10 parachutists from the Red Lions descended in a spiral from the sky to cheers of delight.

The final parachutist landed heavily and was stretchered off.

In a Facebook post later, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng's condition was "currently stable, alert and conscious" and he was receiving medical attention.

This information was also conveyed to the spectators, who cheered in relief.

Immediately after came the land, sea and air Total Defence display.

The audience was informed on the big screen that "threatening personnel" were encroaching on Singapore's waters. This sparked a high-speed water chase, helicopters performing climbing manoeuvres close to the crowd, troopers raiding a "hijacked" public bus, and tanks firing into the distance.

Gripping and loud, this segment involved at least 50 vehicles from the air force, army, navy, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Last performed five years ago, a display combining such varied elements is unlikely to be seen again for a while.

This is the last parade to be held at the Marina Bay floating platform as it will be replaced by a permanent structure called NS Square, which will be ready by the end of 2026.

Next year's NDP will be held at the Padang.

In between the defence display, about 2,000 participants marched on stage for the parade, inspected by President Halimah Yacob.

This year is the 55th anniversary of national service, and the parade paid tribute to past and present national servicemen.

The event's master of ceremonies asked those in the audience who had served or were serving NS to stand to receive a salute. There was hesitance and abashed smiles among some men.

But there were those, like Mr Irwan Ramli, who immediately stood up, solemn and straight.

Mr Irwan, 42, who works in logistics operations, served in the Singapore Civil Defence Force. He said of his stint: "We saved lives and learnt a lot of new things every day."

His wife, logistics executive Norlie Ramli, 42, added: "I'm very proud of him for giving back to the country."

Celebrations returned to a high with former Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah's rendition of the theme song Stronger Together, culminating in the national anthem and pledge.

The celebrations struck a chord with Madam Chia Foong Lin, 67, a retiree, who said: "I hope there will be peace and harmony, both at home and in the region, for a long time."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's 2022 National Day Message

NDP 2021: Singapore’s National Day Parade to mark 56 years of independence

Heartfelt ode to the Singapore spirit

Scaled-down NDP a celebration of people's resilience amid the pandemic

By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 22 Aug 2021

Singapore held a scaled-down National Day Parade (NDP) yesterday, in a show that celebrated people's resilience in overcoming the challenges the pandemic threw at them.

About 600 people took to the Marina Bay floating platform yesterday evening, as an animated film drew parallels of how Singaporeans of different generations had overcome adversity over the years.

Initially meant to be held on National Day, the NDP was postponed as Singapore tightened Covid-19 restrictions for a month in July. Most measures have been relaxed, with people returning to their offices last week and eateries welcoming diners again, as the nation moves towards living with Covid-19 as an endemic disease.

Despite having just a handful of combined rehearsals, and only a third of the usual number of performers at the platform, the show helmed by creative director and film-maker Boo Junfeng went off without a hitch.

Earlier, men and women in uniform marched in with their trademark precision in the parade segment, which was reviewed by President Halimah Yacob. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other Cabinet ministers and MPs were among the 1,000 invited guests in attendance, along with "everyday heroes" who were invited as they had served on the front lines or as community volunteers.

Among them were healthcare workers, teachers, cleaners and social workers. Shortly after 7pm, the parade gave a salute to these heroes for keeping Singapore going during the pandemic.

Primary school teacher Noorshirin Musa, who is in her late 40s and was among those invited to attend the parade yesterday, said the pandemic has resulted in challenges for parents and students, as well as teachers. "It was a very tough time for all of us. But I'm glad that we have come back to a more normal life," she said.

This was the 10th NDP held at the platform since it was built in 2007. Strict Covid-19 precautions were taken to ensure the parade was possible. For instance, all participants had to be fully vaccinated and were required to undergo antigen rapid tests before each combined rehearsal.

The NDP took place after the authorities announced on Thursday that Singapore will move ahead with further easing of community measures, such as increasing the maximum size of events with live performances to 1,000 attendees, if they are all vaccinated.

The feature film in the four-act show told fictional and real-life stories of Singaporeans who persevered despite hardship, including the late medical social worker Daisy Vaithilingam, who established Singapore's first fostering scheme for children.

Performers from institutions such as the National University of Singapore and the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore joined the show virtually.

Team Singapore athletes, some of whom competed in the recent Tokyo Olympics, appeared near the finale. They included swimmer Joseph Schooling and fencer Kiria Tikanah.

The show culminated with singers Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shabir Tabare Alam and Shye-Anne Brown singing this year's theme song, The Road Ahead.

The audience joined in the chorus "we did it before, and we'll do it again", rounding off a night that encapsulated what it meant to adapt and thrive against the odds.