Every 9 August, Singapore the Lion City celebrates her Independence Day. Singaporeans, standing united, celebrate this auspicious day with a spectacular National Day Parade (NDP). But every ten years, the NDP (SG50 and SG60) has extra Oomph.
I am honoured that my wife and I have had the good fortune to have attended BOTH the SG50 and SG60 events.
This year Singapore celebrates her 60th Anniversary of Independence, affectionately called “SG60“. Getting hold of the Rehearsal, Preview or Actual NDP tickets (free) is super tough.
Special significant National Day celebrations are held at the historic Padang, the site where Singapore declared its Independence in 1965. We have truly come a long way since then.
Do read my accompanying Singapore blogs – “Local Heroes Who Put The “Sing” In Singapore” and “Heroes Of Singapore”.
Enjoy my SG60 NDP fun pictures and comments below.
All pictures were captured with my trusty iPhone 15 Pro Max.
My sought-after NDP tickets over the years (above image). I like to think that “LKY” in the used US car license plate stands for Lee Kuan Yew. LKY’s vision and tenacity transformed Singapore from a fishing swamp to a modern-day metropolis. I am a big admirer and fan of his.
I have two of his autobiographies – signed by HIM.
Years ago, I had the supreme honour of shaking hands with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (above image).
My “Singapore Rocks” Memorabilia (above image). Featuring the coveted Actual Day SG60 NDP ticket.
Me and my NDP Goodie bags (above image) in front of awesome SG60 artwork. 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event. Check out my exclusive Star Wars 501st Hawaiian Tiki Singapore-edition shirt. Look carefully and you see durian motifs. Seriously.
It’s SG60! Yo! (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event. I’m “reddie” to rock, complemented with my “Rock N’ Rock” cap.
Me And Wife at SG60 (above image). We were lucky to have also attended the SG50 extravaganza. 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event. Even more special, 2025 is our 30th Wedding Anniversary!
Singapore – Strong, Resilient And Flexible As Bamboo (above image). 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event.
A United Country Waving Flags With Pride (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Solidarity Personified, United We Stand!
Sea Of Red and White Flags – 1 (above image). 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event. Strength in Diversity.
Sea Of Red and White Flags – 2 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event. We are strong when we stand together.
Sea Of Red and White Flags – 3 (above image). 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event. One nation, different dreams and aspirations.
Sea Of Red and White Flags – 4 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event. We are One.
Sea Of Red and White Flags – 5 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event. Red and White, as far as the eyes can see. A delightful sight to behold!
Sea Of Thunder Sticks (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event. Thunderous Roar, every one’s a Drummer at heart.
Say Hi to “Woof” (above image). Home Team Rover-X robotic police dog. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
“I said “Bone”, not bomb.” (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Me and my third SG60 NDP Goodie Bag (above image). Singaporeans like to reserve (“chope”) seats or tables during meal times using tissue paper packs, business name cards etc. The cheery giant ball is one of many which will be bounced amongst the crowd later on in the show. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Me with my rocking Eddie Van Halen striped beach shorts. After all, it’s the Party Of The Decade!
My SG60 NDP Goodie Bags (above image). I chose the red themed Goodie Bags as per the colours in Singapore’s flag.
All the bags, seven designs in all, were designed by 41 Artists, aged 10 to 73 years old, with disabilities. Kudos, Guys!
The art designs aim to express their hopes for Singapore, what the Republic’s journey and future mean to them.
Multiculturalism, Resilience, Openness and Boldness are the themes of four of the NDP Goodie Bags designs.
Contents of the SG60 NDP Goodie Bag (above image).
I went in early to soak in the amazing atmosphere and scenery (above image). 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event.
Elaborate Steel Scaffolding Masterpiece (above image). Imagine installing this highly complex structure, and then dismantling it. Time is the essence, my high respects to the workforce. 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event.
Event Performers Gathering Backstage Waiting Their Cue To Enter The NDP Padang Stage (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Fly-Past of Giant Singapore Flag (above image). One of my beloved favourite NDP moments of the celebrations. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
The Giant Flag measures 20 X 30 meters – the size of a basketball court!
Respected and beloved Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
The Best Seats/Views In The House (above image). The exclusive segment is occupied by the current Cabinet of Singapore – the President, Prime Minister, senior ministers, ministers, junior ministers, members of parliament as well as former Presidents and Prime Ministers etc. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang -1 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 2 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 3 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 4 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 5 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 6 (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 7 (above image). The entire iconic United Overseas Bank (UOB) Tower building is lit. 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event.
Spectacular NDP Performances on the Padang – 8 (above image). 19 July NDP Rehearsal Event.
For its Fitting Finale, Kit Chan, Singapore’s National Treasure and Songbird sings “Home” (above image). “Home” is like the second national anthem (unofficial) of Singapore. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Kit Chan Sings “Home” (above image). Grand Finale of SG60. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
My light-hearted Whatsapp to Kit Chan and her reply (above image) after her landmark performance. This Whatsapp screenshot is used with Kit’s permission for this blog.
Kit Chan Sings “Home” (above image). Grand Finale of SG60. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Kit Chan Sings “Home” (above image). Grand Finale of SG60. 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Fun times with Kit Chan and Joseph Schooling (first Singapore Gold Olympian) at my Home (above image).
Kit Chan and Joseph Schooling are beloved National Treasures.
Aldrich Jai Kishen pounds the drums, heads and shoulders above the rest (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
The Sky Is The Limit! (above image). 9 August – Actual NDP Event.
Here’s To The Next 60 Years, Singapore!
