National Day Parade 2024

David Chua

PHOTO FEATURE | 66 IMAGES

The Padang once again hosts this year’s 59th National Day Parade (NDP) with the theme “Together, As One United People”. The theme highlights the collective strength of the nation’s people and underscores the importance of every citizen rallying together to share our future and uplift those around us, which essentially encapsulates the essence of our Nation’s success and resilience. This also reflects the spirit of inclusivity, community and trust that has enabled Singapore to overcome and flourish in the last 59 years despite the many challenges faced. This was exemplified at this year’s NDP, where despite a heavy shower just before the parade, all the chapters of the parade went off as planned without any hiccups.

NDP 2024 will also place the audience in a 360-degree immersive experience through twelve LED banners and four LED mobile cubes, Each spectator will also be wearing a LED wristband as they become part of the digital canvas in the seating gallery. In addition to fireworks from Marina Bay, pyrotechnics will also be launched from the Adelphi building timed to the show cues. At show centre, sparkulars, flame projectors, CO2 machines, low fog machines and mobile pyrotechnic boxes will enhance the celebratory mood.

PRE-PARADE

The pre-parade segment of NDP 2024 kicks off with hosts Joakim Gomez, Sonia Chew, Siti Khalijah, and Ebi Shankara welcoming the audience with a carnival-like opening. With skaters from Swift Skating Academy Singapore and gymnasts from the Singapore Gymnastics National Training Centre leading the front, the Yuying Secondary School Concert Band marches in with a rousing rendition of J.Lo’s ‘Let Get Loud’. Bringing up the rear are six giant 6m tall inflatable ballons portraying the familiar local mascots of August the Merlion, Sharity the Elephant, Singa the Kindness Lion, Becky Bunny, Nila the Sporty Liion and Captain Green, chaperoned by students from Valour Primary School and dancers from Seng Kang and Yuying Secondary Schools.

Once at show centre, the 73-strong band performed popular hit tunes such as Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘In The Stone’, Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake If Off’ and Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’, while the 220 students from Naval Base and Queensway Secondary School form the combined schools choir, leading the audience in singing a variety of songs. As the choir joins the dancers in forming the word “UNITED” on the ground, the inflatable mascots, skaters and gymnast complete the tableau depicting the energy and vitality of the young Singapore generation.

As the stage cleared, eight freefallers from the Red Lions, formerly known as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Parachute Team, jumped out of a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 Hercules at 5,000 feet to begin their Military Free Fall segment. From their first NDP jump in 1989, this is the Red Lion’s 35th year of NDP appearances, and they are always an annual crowd favourite. Among this year’s jumpers are the first-ever female Red Lion, Second Warrant Officer (WO2) Shirley Ng, and WO2 Sandy Wong.

Although the stage was wet and slippery from the earlier downpour, the entire team landed safely to the rapturous cheers from the Padang, bringing the pre-parade celebrations to an end.

CHAPTER 1: PARADE & CEREMONY – ‘UNITED WE STAND’

The Public Warning Siren signals the start of the Parade & Ceremony (P&C) segment, with the Military Tattoo taking centre stage. A total of 194 participants from the SAF Band, SAF Military Police Silent Precision Drill Squad, Music & Drama Company, National Cadet Corps (NCC) Command Band, NCC Precision Drill Squad, The Voice Company, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Concert Band and Yishun Town Secondary School Wind Orchestra, and Maris Stella High School took part, displaying their precise coordination and the vibrancy of the changing formations.

They are led by SAF Central Band’s Director of Music, Military Expert Five (ME5) Ignatius Wang, and Drum Major, Military Expert 2 (ME2) Muhammad Hafis Bin Amron. The tattoo theme celebrates the 40 years of Total Defence, and the six pillars of Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Digital and Psychological Defence. This year also marks the largest number of schools and organisations involved in the Military Tattoo-Combined Band performance.

A total of 35 marching contingents, including the Guard-of-Honour contingents, and contingents from the SAF, Home Team, Youth Uniformed Groups and, Social and Economic Groups. The Volunteer contingent, comprising of members of the SAF Volunteer Corps and Home Team Volunteer Network, returns again from their last appearance in 2019 to commemorate Total Defence 40 (TD40). They are led by Parade Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Cheong Soon Yong Roger, and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Mohamed Ayub Bin Abdul Kader.

NDP 2024 also marks the first appearances of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the parade, since taking up their respective offices. Also in attendance were former Presidents, Dr Tony Tan and Madam Halimah Yacob, and Emeritus Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong. Senior Minister and former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong was in attendance, where a special video tribute was broadcasted.

The familiar booms of the 21-Gun Presidential Gun Salute was carried out by men of the SAF Artillery and Combat Engineers formations with four 25-pounder guns onboard the Mobility 3rd Generation (M3G) rafts. The rafts this year also sailed round the Marina Basin to engage with spectators along the Marina Promontory and it marks the longest sail-past to date. The iconic State Flag Flypast once again brings the RSAF CH-47SD/F Chinook and AH-64D Apaches past the Padang, carrying the State Flag during the singing of the national anthem, followed by five F-16C/D Fighting Falcons performing a bomb-burst over the Padang in a Salute To The Nation.

A special TD40 Transformation segment features the SAF, Home Team, volunteer and youth uniformed contingents creating the “TD40” characters in show centre, showing the support for the past 40 years of Total Defence and the need for everyone’s part in it. These contingents then performed an Onward March at the Padang for the first time, marching up into the spectator stands to the applause and cheers of the audience.

CHAPTER 2: TOTAL DEFENCE 40 DYNAMIC DEFENCE DISPLAY – ‘TOGETHER, WE KEEP SINGAPORE STRONG’

In another first, the Dynamic Defence Display (D3) was performed at the Padang, covering St Andrew’s Road, the Padang show centre and the Marina Bayfront waters. The TD40 D3 features over 40 assets and more than 400 participants from the SAF, Home Team, PUB (Public Utilities Board), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and Singapore Red Cross Society.

As simulated air threats approached the Singapore airspace, the F-16s and SPYDER (Surface-to-Air PYthon-5 and DERby) scramble to engage them. On the Marina Bay, the Police Coast Guard 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft make their debut NDP appearance, intercepting the seaborne threats. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Naval Diving Unit (NDU) Boarding Team boards a simulated hostile commercial vessel at the Padang, supported by the RSAF’s AH-64D Apaches, and quickly interdicted the threats.

With further potential threats detected by the Digital and Intelligence Service (DSI), the Army’s HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) simulate a long-range precision strike. The Peacskeeper Protected Response Vehicles (PRVs) and Terrex Infantry Carriers (ICVs) arrive to unload their troops, showcasing the Army’s newest weapon, the Colt IAR (Infantry Automatic Rifle) LMG (Light Machine Gun), as they stack up and move into the spectator stands. The Leopard 2SG (L2SGs) Main Battle Tanks and Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) displayed their firepower with a coordinated firing demonstration, and the highly mobile Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) Mk II entered the Padang, showing their agility and deployability.

Confronting a suspicious vehicle threat, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Next-generation FRC (Fast Response Car) and Emergency Reponse Team (ERT) Vehicle intercepted and stabilised the situation. The Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) is then activated to dynamically breach a hijacked bus, and the SAF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team utilises the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to neutralise an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

In reponse to a worksite accident caused by a cyber attack on the power grid, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) deploys the 4th Generation Fire Bike and the Eletric Pump Ladder (E-PL), which makes its first NDP appearance. The DART Rescue Vehicle (DRV), 6th Generation Light Fire Attack Vehicle (LF6G) and 7th Generation Ambulance are also sent to assist in a complex rescue operation. The Unmanned Firefighting Machine (UFM) 3.0 counteracts the presence of toxic fumes by deploying a water curtain which can efficiently disperse and dilute the vapours to create a safe environment for responders to enter.

With water disruptions occuring due to the power outage, the debut appearance of the PUB’s Water Wagons demonstrate how they can supply affected areas with a bulk supply of clean potable water through these vehicles. Volunteers from the Singapore Red Cross assist the distressed with psychological first aid by deploying their Transporter vehicle to ferry the volunteers and essential logistics, in their inaugural D3 participation.

This year’s TD40 D3 showcase instills the confidence in Singaporeans and highlights the nation’s readiness to deal with crises and disruptions.

CHAPTER 3: TOGETHER, WE ACHIEVE

As Chapter 3 begins, 20 drummers from Martial House struck 59 beats, celebrating the 59th year of the Singapore’s independence. On the asymmetrical stage, Amni Musfirah emerges from a giant orchid as she performs her rendition of ‘Anggerik Singapura’ (The Orchids of Singapore), which emotes our forefathers wishes for a prosperous Singapore. Senior gentlemen from Strong Seniors subsequently “pull” a giant ship into the Padang, symbolising our early pioneers who built the nation with the hard work and strength. Shabir Sulthan takes to the ship bow for the Tamil song ‘Singai Naadu’, first released in 2012, which encourages pride, diversity and unity for all.

As the LED cubes move around the show centre displaying vibrant graphics and effects, performers from LASALLE College of the Arts, Republic Polytechnic and People’s Association dressed in period costumes to highlight the immigrants of the early years as they came to the island to seek their fortunes. Amni returns to close out this chapter as she and the Music & Drama Company (MDC) singers perform the NDP original composition ‘Hold Up The Sky’, written by Kaylene Tan and composed by Bang Wenfu, against a fiery backdrop of flames and fireworks.

CHAPTER 4: WE EMBRACE OUR DIVERSITY

Our nation’s unity is celebrated through its rich heritage of food in Chapter 4, as performers from Nanyang Junior College, Bendemeer Secondary School, CHIJ Katong Convent, Jurong West Secondary School and MDC recreate a kaleidoscopic ‘pasar malam’ (night market) at show centre, complete with giant representations of familiar local food favourites from Devil’s Curry to Kueh Lapis.

Against this backdrop, our local artistes and show hosts sing familiar local tunes of the 60s to 80s, with ‘Cha Shao Pau’ and ‘Xin Jia Po Pai’ by Joanna Dong, ‘Jangan Merayu’ by Siti Khalijah, ‘Andru Vanthathum’ by Ebi Shankara and shazza, ‘You’re The Boy’ by shazza, and ‘Fried Rice Paradise’ by all.

CHAPTER 5: WE UPLIFT ONE ANOTHER

Local cellist OIivia Chuang performs a heartfelt version of this year’s NDP Song ‘Not Alone’ as Chapter 5 puts the spotlight on selfless Singaporeans that devote their life to care, compassion and service to our community, through four featured inspiring stories of them.

The Voices of Singapore intergenerational choirs, led by conductor Darius Lim, perform Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ and Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’, as 700 performers from Soka Gakkai Singapore put on an elegant lighted performance with beautiful floral formations. The chapter closes with the song ‘Our Story’, the anthem of SG Enable, which was composed by Darius, advocating for the nurturing of inclusivity and supporting one another in our society.

CHAPTER 6: OUR FUTURE, WE CREATE

Encouraging Singaporeans to run boldy and take on the challenges of our shared future, multidisciplinary artiste, weish, performs ‘Horizon’, composed by her and Claude Glass, with dancers from MDC at the opening of Chapter 6. With lighted projections on the show centre and the facade of Former City Hall, the multimedia transitions evoke a sense of futurism, and transitions into the film ‘We The Citizens of Singapore’, paying tribute to Singaporeans.

Composed by himself and Evan Loh, Benjamin Kheng performs this year’s NDP theme song ‘Not Alone’, as the artistes and performers from the earlier chapters congregate into the show centre and sing the song en masse with the audience. As the fireworks explode over Marina Bay, shazza and Amni leads the crowd in singing past NDP theme songs ‘Tomorrow’s Here Today’ and ‘Home’.

FINALE

For the NDP 2024 finale, ambassadors from the Agency for Integrated Care Silver Generation Office lead the Padang in reciting the National Pledge, and Shabir sings a soulful rendition of ‘Majulah Singapura’ the National Anthem. Closing out NDP 2024 is the ever popular fireworks show with a singalong of some local favourite national songs as the celebrations draw to a close. As the nation celebrates our past and eagerly looks to tomorrow, we hold our breath to see what SG60 bring in 2025.

The MAphotoSG team has enjoyed capturing the moments of NDP 2024 over the last few weeks and we hope you enjoy them as much as us.

From the team to our homeland…Happy Birthday Singapore!

01. NDP 2024 Parade Commander, LTC Cheong Soon Yong Roger, Commanding Officer, Frogman School and Underwater Demolition Group, Naval Diving Unit.
02. The Colours Party marches onto the Anderson Bridge for the Uncasing of Colours Ceremony.
03. Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, MWO Mohamed Ayub Bin Abdul Kader, Brigade Sergeant Major, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade.
04. Soldiers braving the downpour to provide assistance to spectators entering the Padang showgrounds.
05. The Digital and Intelligence Service Guard of Honour contingent marches past The Cenotaph memorial in preparation for the Uncasing of Colours Ceremony.
06. The Uncasing of Colours Ceremony is a dignified and solemn ceremony where the State and Regimental flags are unveiled and inspected before the Colours Party marches into show centre.
07. The Colour Escorts salute the flags after the uncasing.
08. A TOUCH Community Services motivator showcasing the contents of the NDP 2024 funpack to the spectators.
09. A TOUCH motivator team leader in high spirits despite the pre-parade downpour.
10. Spectators break out their raincoats and umbrellas as the pre-parade shower intensifies.
11. Participants of the Military Tattoo take centre stage at the start of the P&C segment.
12. The giant inflatable balloon Singapore mascots enter at the start of the Pre-Parade segment.
13. Show hosts for NDP 2024. From left: Joakim Gomez, Siti Khalijah, Sonia Chew, Ebi Shankara.
14. The SAF Red Lions stack up while descending into show centre from 5,000 feet.
15. A Red Lion eclipses the first quarter moon during the NE3 show.
16. Swissôtel The Stamford hotel guests at their balconies as the Red Lions make their swift approach into the Padang.
17. MWO Chew Eng Seng navigates a skillful and smooth landing despite slippery conditions.
18. An RSAF F-16D Fighting Falcon launches off from Tengah Airbase for the Island Flypast and NDP aerial segments.
19. A formation of six F-16C/D jets captured during the Island Flypast.
20. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong greets Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, upon his arrival at NDP 2024.
21. The State Flag flies over the Padang during the singing of the National Anthem.
22. Five RSAF F-16C/Ds perform the bomb burst manoeuvre in a Salute To The Nation.
23. The 36 Regimental Colours on full display, carried by Colour Ensigns and accompanied by a Colour Escort each.
24. The SAF Volunteer Corps and Home Team Volunteer Network contingent make their return at NDP 2024 in celebration of Total Defence 40.
25. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam inspects the Guard of Honour contingents, in his first NDP as Head of State.
26. The 21-Gun Presidential Gun Salute conducted at Marina Bay, is timed precisely to match the President’s inspection at the Padang.
27. Guard of Honour contingents executing the Feu-de-joie, a ceremonial celebratory gunfire in rapid succession.
28. An overview of the Parade’s P&C segment – 35 marching contingents in total are featured.
29. The Parade Commander, LTC Cheong Soon Yong Roger, leads the SAF Colours Party during the Guard of Honour march out.
30. SAF Soldiers saluting the Colours Party as they march past the spectator gallery.
31. The National Police Cadet Corps contingent is greeted by spectators as they Onward March through the stands.
32. Two RSAF F-16 Fighter Falcons simulate an intercept to unknown aerial threats in the TD40 D3 segment.
33. The RSN’s NDU Boarding Team onboard the Combatant Craft Medium intercepts a simulated hostile commercial vessel during the TD40 D3 segment.
34. An RSAF AH-64D Apache provides aerial cover for the NDU during their boarding.
35. The Police Coast Guard’s 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft interdicts a simulated sea threat in the Marina Bay waters during TD40 D3.
36. The Army’s L2SG MBTs and Hunter AFVs conduct a coordinated fire mission to overwhelm the enemy threat in the TD40 D3 segment.
37. An L2SG MBT demonstrates its firepower on the Padang.
38. Soldiers advanced up the seating gallery, giving the audience a closeup view of the SAR 21 and the new Colt IAR LMG.
39. The L2SG crew waves to the crowd after completing their TD40 D3 run.
40. An EOD Remotely Operated Vehicle neutralises a suspected IED in the TD40 D3 segment.
41. The SOTF team makes a dynamic forced entry into a simulated hijacked bus.
42. The SCDF deploys the E-PL, LF6G and UFM for a simulated complex rescue situation during the TD40 D3 segment.
43. Martial House drummers open the NDP Show segment with 59 beats, celebrating Singapore’s 59th birthday.
44. Shabir Sulthan performs ‘Singai Naadu’ in Chapter 3: Together We Achieve.
45. Amni Musfirah puts up a fiery performance with ‘Hold Up The Sky’ during Chapter 3: Together We Achieve.
46. Chapter 3: Together We Achieve celebrates the hard work and achievements of the early Singapore pioneers.
47. shazza serenades the audience with the 1965 local hit ‘You’re The Boy’ in Chapter 4: We Embrace Our Diversity.
48. Giant local food props celebrate Singapore’s rich multi-cultural food heritage in Chapter 4: We Embrace Our Diversity.
49. Joanna Dong puts on a nostalgic performance with the classic Xinyao song ‘Xin Jia Po Pai’ in Chapter 4: We Embrace Our Diversity.
50. The Padang transforms into a lively ‘pasar malam’ during Chapter 4: We Embrace Our Diversity.
51. Cellist Olivia Chuang delivers a soothing rendition of the NDP 2024 theme song ‘Not Alone’ to open Chapter 5: We Uplift One Another.
52. Performers from Soka Gakkai Singapore make up beautiful floral formations at show centre in Chapter 5: We Uplift One Another.
53. Darius Lim conducts the Intergenerational Choirs from Voices of Singapore as they sing in unison in Chapter 5: We Uplift One Another.
54. Pyrotechnics mark the conclusion of Chapter 5: We Uplift One Another.
57. Multidisciplinary artiste weish performs her song ‘Horizon’ to start Chapter 6: Our Future, We Create.
56. Benjamin Kheng thrills the audience with the NDP 2024 theme song ‘Not Alone’ in Chapter 6: Our Future, We Create.
58. The crowd sings along with Benjamin Kheng on ‘Not Alone’ during Chapter 6: Our Future, We Create.
55. The NDP Show performers join in unison for the climax of the segment.
59. The National Pledge is recited at the Finale, bringing the Padang to a solemn moment.
60. A soldier salutes as the National Anthem is sung during the Finale.
61. Fireworks light up the skies of Marina Bay during the Parade Finale.
62. The Merlion Park is always a prime location to enjoy the NDP fireworks.
63. Members of the audience decked in red, take a selfie during the Parade.
64. The public soaks in the atmosphere for the finale fireworks.
65. Music & Drama Company performers pose for a post-Parade shot.
66. Performers and motivators gather to celebrate a successful conclusion to NDP 2024.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.