Remarks by President Halimah Yacob at Virtual Engagement with NDP Participants

Brigadier-General Tan Cheng Kwee, Chairman of National Day Parade 2021 Executive Committee

Ms Ku Geok Boon, Chief Executive Officer of SG Enable

Mr Kelvin Koh, Chief Executive Officer of MINDS

Organisers and Participants of NDP 2021

Good morning.

I am delighted to host today’s session. Let me first thank the National Day Parade (NDP) 2021 Executive Committee and participants for putting together a safe and meaningful parade and show last Saturday.

Despite the pandemic, there was incredible energy from the performers, working staff and the spectators. I thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was a show that touched everyone’s hearts and made us all proud to be Singaporeans. I hope that this year’s NDP can inspire confidence for the road ahead, as we press on towards becoming a COVID-19 resilient nation.

Throughout our nationhood, Singapore has pulled through various adversities and challenges by standing as one people. Our goal has always been to make Singapore a home where all of us belong. This aspiration was nicely encapsulated in this year’s NDP theme, "Together, Our Singapore Spirit", and the conduct of this year’s NDP.

We have seen Singaporeans display collective resilience, grit and unity even during such challenging times. This is a demonstration of our Singapore Spirit, which we ought to celebrate and be proud of.

I particularly liked how NDP 2021 featured the stories of how three real-life Singaporeans faced their challenges.  Zubir Said, Daisy Vaithilingam and Tan Geok Hak persisted in realising their dreams of a better future, not just for themselves but also for their families, community and the next generation. The taiko drummers from MINDS playing to the beat of the song “Semoga Bahagia” was a fitting tribute to the legacy of these three pioneers, and their “can-do” spirit.

I am sure that many Singaporeans were also extremely moved and touched by the finale of NDP 2021, which highlighted fellow Singaporeans who embodied the enduring attitudes of the Singapore Spirit and are working hard to overcome adversity. Your extraordinary dedication, tenacity and positive outlook make you role-models that all of us can look up to.

NDP 2021 was also special because it continues to be a platform to showcase the abilities of Singaporeans from all walks of life. This year, we see 21 beautiful artworks by some very talented artists from social service agencies on the foldable fans and stickers in the NDP pack. The artworks illustrate the unique perspective of each artist and their interpretation of the “Singapore Spirit”.

Organising the National Day Parade is no mean feat. It requires the hard work and contribution from the organisers, performers and backend staff alike. In total, more than 8,000 Singaporeans came together with one aim in mind – to celebrate our nation’s birthday in a meaningful way. And I have to say, you completed the task with fantastic success.  I would therefore like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has contributed in making NDP 2021 a success.

Every year, National Day serves as an anchor for us to reflect on what it means to be a Singaporean.  It is a time when we celebrate our independence as a country, rededicate our commitment to the nation, and stand together as a society.  COVID-19 may have derailed some of our plans this year, but I am glad that everyone stayed the course and persevered. Let us continue to stay strong and united as one people, strengthen our bonds and celebrate our diversity.

Thank you.