Thank You Reception for NDP 2018 Key Organisers and Participants

Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong,

Chief of Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Afternoon

My husband and I are delighted to host today’s reception in recognition of the efforts of the National Day Parade (NDP) 2018 Executive Committee, participants and volunteers in putting up a successful and meaningful performance last week.

This year, we celebrated Singapore’s 53rd Birthday at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. There was incredible energy from the performers, working staff and the spectators. It was a show that touched everyone’s hearts and made us all proud as Singaporeans. I thoroughly enjoyed the parade and show.

NDP 2018 was especially memorable because it brought together Singaporeans of different backgrounds and walks of life to celebrate 53 years of independence. Singapore’s nationhood was fraught with adversities and challenges in the early years, but we pulled through together as one nation. This spirit was epitomised in the conduct of this year’s NDP. We may be individuals, but together as one people, we define Singapore. This year’s theme, "We Are Singapore", is a fitting tribute to this Singapore spirit.

During this year’s parade, we witnessed the largest military tattoo performed at the Float for NDP 2018. The mesmerising performance was a combined effort by over 500 individuals from the SAF Band, Yuhua Secondary School Band, NCC Drill Squad, Combined Schools Choir, Special Education Schools, and more. The precise and dignified execution of the military tattoo was testament to the hard work and effort invested into their training sessions. This year being the 50th anniversary of the RSAF, spectators were also treated to a dynamic aerial display that wowed everyone around the Marina Bay. 

NDP 2018 was also special because it made an extra effort to showcase the talent and abilities of different groups of Singaporeans. This year’s funpacks was the first time beautiful art works by students from the Special Education Schools were featured. During the show, we were serenaded by the music by the oldest violinist ever to perform at NDP. And I am sure all of us were extremely moved and touched by the stories of the five inspiring Singaporeans. The amazing thing is that many of them are just ordinary Singaporeans like you and me, but it was their hard work, tenacity and positive outlook that made them extraordinary.

Organising the National Day Parade is no mean feat. It requires careful consideration, coordination and intensive amounts of hard work from the organisers, performers and backend staff. In total, more than 15,000 Singaporeans came together with one aim in mind, to conduct a successful and spectacular show to celebrate our nation’s birthday. 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 here, who have worked tirelessly with dedication through the past few months. Your effort and sacrifices have made this year’s NDP a tremendous success.

I look forward to chatting with all of you at the reception later.

Thank you.