NDP 2023 was celebrated in 5 neighborhoods before the parade in Padang on 9 August

 

SINGAPORE: This year's National Day Parade (NDP) was held at Padang with the theme Maju Bersatu.

It is expected to be attended by 27,000 spectators, making it the largest NDP event in four years.

On the previous weekend, which is on 5 and 6 August, residents can expect various performances and sports activities organized with Sport Singapore through the GetActive Festival!

It will be held at Bedok, Jurong West, Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Tampines Kita stadiums.

Tickets to participate in the event as well as NDP will be distributed for free with details to be announced later.

This year's NDP spokesperson, Major Mohamad Hairul Kamal Bashah explained the meaning behind the selection of the theme.

"The 2023 Maju Bersatu theme calls on every citizen to look to the future with confidence and stand firm to build a common future together."

THE LOGO SYMBOL OF Aspiration TO TAKE SINGAPORE TO A HIGHER LEVEL

The NDP 2023 logo features a lion's head looking confidently into the distance while the number "58" is to remind us of the achievements made over a period of 58 years.

According to the organizers of the NDP 2023, it is designed to tilt slightly upwards to symbolize the aspiration to take Singapore to a higher level, while the five stars represent the country's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

The NDP committee also wants to encourage volunteerism through public engagement initiatives such as #GiveAsOneSG, which will work with non-profit organizations and schools to organize various activities to give back to the community.

Meanwhile, #UniteAsOneSG will encourage Singaporeans to learn more about Singapore and this year's celebrations.

BACK HELD ON THE FIELD

The last time NDP was held in Padang was in 2020.

The NDP on August 9 will, among other things, feature a revamped Absolute Defense Parade as well as an air show involving more RSAF aircraft.

It is in conjunction with the 55th anniversary of the Singapore Air Force.

Absolute Defense is becoming more relevant with the rise of the growing hybrid threats facing Singapore, said Exco Chairman Colonel Terence Ho.

"We want to remind Singaporeans that everyone can play a role in absolute defence," he said.

For the first time too, the Guard of Honor contingent featured officers from the Digital and Intelligence Services. DIS was officially established last October as the fourth service of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Colonel Ho described the Padang as "a very important and nostalgic place for many Singaporeans".

He said the first NDP and SG50 celebrations and in 2015 were also held in Padang.

In 2021 and 2022, the NDP celebration will be held on a floating platform in Marina Bay, which will be developed into NS Square.

The performance segment will feature more than 12 Singaporeans who are chasing their dreams and inspiring others, including national sprinter Shanti Pereira, who recently became the first Singaporean woman to win gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the SEA Games recently.

THEME SONG: 'SHINE YOUR LIGHT'

This year's NDP theme song is titled Shine Your Light or Sinarkan Cahayamu composed by NDP Music Director 2023, Don Richmond.

Unlike last year, which was like the last chapter of Singapore's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Shine Your Light

has a lively tone and calls on Singaporeans to develop their interests with the spirit of daring to try.

The song was co-written with Singaporean rapper Shigga Shay, who also directed the song's music video.

Asked if the song was aimed at younger people, Mr Richmond said they wanted to create a song that "will remain in the minds and memories of future generations".