ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NDP 2025 PARADE & CEREMONY
This year’s NDP Parade & Ceremony segment will feature crowd favourites and a few new surprises!//STORY BY NICOLE YONG /PHOTOS BY CHUA SOON LYE & LOH YU ZE
With Singapore hitting the Big Six-O this year, it’s no surprise that the Parade & Ceremony (P&C) segment at the National Day Parade (NDP) will match the hype with an even bigger celebration.
This year’s parade will set a few records – the largest number of marching contingents at the Padang since 1990; the first time the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) will be sending a full marching contingent; and the first time the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will have its own Guard Of Honour (GOH) contingent.
Singaporeans can also get closer to the action when the uncasing ceremony of SAF Colours comes to Marina Square for public viewing, and during The Onward March at the end of the segment.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s NDP P&C:
Largest number of marching contingents in over 30 years
NDP 2025 will feature a total of 40 marching contingents – the largest number of contingents for parades held at the Padang since 1990!
About 2,100 participants from all walks of life, including military and Home Team as well as uniformed, social and economic groups, will march in the parade.
Leading the contingents this year are Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Firdaus Ghazali, 38, and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Lim Jie Hui, 46.
For LTC Firdaus, being a Parade Commander has always been his childhood dream. As a Temasek Secondary School student back in 2002, he performed in the final act of the NDP Show segment.
Watching the P&C segment during one of his training sessions gave him a deep appreciation for its significance at NDP.
“I’m truly humbled that what began as a young boy’s dream has now become a reality on the Padang parade ground,” LTC Firdaus reflected.
“What truly fuels me is witnessing the commitment (of the participants) and the bonds that are forged across generations. That is the true spirit behind the parade.”
For MWO Lim, coordinating over 2,100 participants and 40 contingents is certainly no easy task.
“My role is to train the parade participants to be able to move in perfect harmony during the parade, so I have to make sure that our training objectives are structured, clear and concise.”
“I’m really honoured and privileged to be part of this year’s NDP. (SG60) is an important milestone for Singapore, and it is definitely an important milestone for me as Parade Regimental Seargent as well,” he said.
Chairman of the Parade & Ceremony Committee Colonel (COL) Lim Yu Sing added: “This year’s grand ceremony is not just about the scale. It’s also about how we try to bring elements of the brilliant ceremony closer to the members of the public.
“We are extremely proud and honoured to have so many civilian participants from all walks of life marching in solidarity at the parade this year.”
Marching for the first time in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) GOH contingent is naval diver Corporal (CPL) Mehar Singh Bhogal.
The 19-year-old Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) is a first-generation Singaporean and hopes to make his parents proud to see his growth as a naval diver.
“When I first received my letter of enlistment into the Naval Diving Unit (NDU), my parents were worried that this vocation would be tedious and challenging for me,” he explained.
“But they saw my progress through the different NDU courses and became supportive and proud that I made it all the way. I’m sure they will feel the same when they see me representing NDU at this year’s NDP.”
See the SAF’s uncasing of Colours ceremony up close
To bring the elements of P&C closer to Singaporeans, the uncasing ceremony of the SAF Colours will take place for the first time at Marina Square, opposite the Esplanade.
Fun fact: This ceremony is traditionally done in public areas close to parade grounds, such as Anderson Bridge.
This time, members of the public can show their support for the GOH marching contingents and the Colours Party at this accessible new location, and learn more about the long-standing military tradition.
It’s a must-see for military fans!
The SAFVC will have a full marching contingent
The SAFVC, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will mark another milestone: for the first time, the formation will have a full contingent at NDP!
The SAFVC first marched in NDP 2019 as part of the Volunteer Contingent, together with the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF’s) Volunteer Special Constabulary and SCDF's Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit.
SAFVC Volunteer (SV) 3 Arlene Pang is the SAFVC’s first contingent commander. The Bridge Watchkeeper has served in the SAFVC for 10 years, since it was first formed in 2015.
“National Day never fails to bring Singaporeans from all walks of life together. Being part of this large group (of participants) that comes in week after week to prepare for Singapore’s 60th birthday celebration makes me feel very proud, grateful and excited,” said the 42-year-old, who is honoured to be entrusted with the role of leading the SAFVC contingent.
A special SAF60 patch
It’s not just the nation turning 60 – the SAF is also commemorating its 60th anniversary this year!
To celebrate this milestone, military personnel in the front-row contingents will don a special SAF60 patch on their uniforms for 9 Aug.
The logo serves as a tribute to SAF personnel for their service and dedication in the defence of Singapore.
First SCDF GOH contingent
This is the first time that the SCDF will be participating with a GOH contingent, taking pride of place alongside the SPF, the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), RSN and Digital and Intelligence Service.
This contingent will be led by Major (MAJ) Lee En Hao, a Senior Training Safety Officer at the Civil Defence Academy, who worked closely with the SAF and SPF to understand his role in the marching contingents.
Crowd favourites like The Onward March make a return
Get even closer to the P&C participants – to end off the segment, front-row contingent participants will walk through the spectator stands at the Padang to say “Hi!”
The Onward March, which was introduced last year, will make a return at NDP 2025. Remember to give the participants your loudest cheers to show your support and appreciation!
And don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears peeled for much beloved P&C staples like the State Flag Flypast; Presidential Ceremonial Vehicle drive-past featuring President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Feu-De-Joie, spectacular aerial displays, and a special enhanced Salute to the Nation bomb burst.
