PREPARING THE PARADE FOR SAF’S DIAMOND JUBILEE

As contingents march across the parade square, keeping in step with the trainers beside them, Military Expert (ME) 4 Lee Han Seng scans the grounds with watchful eyes.

Leading the Colours Party with sword in hand is Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Shew Narian. The 39-year-old is serving in Headquarters Guards.

ME4 Lee, 49, is a Chief Expert in Joint Intelligence Command. 

After a successful run of component training, the participants receive a well-earned break as they rest and prepare for a run-through of the entire 86-minute parade. 

The 2025 edition of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Parade has a deeper significance than usual — it marks the anniversary of the SAF (SAF60).

We take that chance to catch LTC Shew and ME4 Lee for a quick chat!

How has the training been?

LTC Shew: The training is gruelling for the participants – they start with segmented training and progressively do the full 86 minutes from the third combined rehearsal onwards. This builds up their endurance and the soldiers have persevered in a reflection of their discipline and professionalism.

ME4 Lee: As a soldier, drills are part of our basic fundamentals. It’s my first time managing it at this scale and level for the SAF Day Parade.

Frankly speaking, their fundamentals were very strong from the first training, with minimal corrections needed. However, we still have to work on synchronisation and making sure they are up to standard.

As this year is SAF60, how do you feel about being Parade Commander and RSM in this significant year? 

LTC Shew: I feel a deep sense of pride in leading the parade with purpose. It is a symbol of our collective spirit and efforts. The SAF is 60 this year, and it took a lot for the organisation to reach where it is today.

ME4 Lee: I feel very privileged and honoured to be chosen – this is the first time that the DIS (Digital and Intelligence Service) has a parade RSM in the SAF Day Parade. Previously, I was a colours party trainer for the SAF Day Parade in 2018.

We heard that there’s going to be a Trooping of Colours this year! How does this change the training?

ME4 Lee: The Trooping of Colours is not a simple drill, it is the highest form of recognition given to a parade.

We allocated 10 extra sessions with the State Colours Party, the Military Police (MP) Guard of Honour (GOH) contingent and myself at Mowbray Camp about one month before the combined training here at SAFTI Military Institute (MI).

What does it take to lead the training of such a big group?

ME4 Lee: Prior to coming together at SAFTI MI, we conducted various workshops for the Parade Support Group workshops as well as the Chief Trainers. We ironed out the standards we wanted to achieve and what to look out for.

Doing this early builds trust in each other so that, during the combined training, everybody will be up to standard and synchronised as a parade.

How has it been juggling family duties with training?

ME4 Lee: My daughter is 12, so this is a critical year for her because she’s taking her PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination). Before accepting the role of Parade RSM, I discussed it with my wife because I wanted to spend time helping my daughter in her studies.

My wife told me she would settle the first half of the year, and I’ll settle the second. So after 1 Jul, I’ll have to wear a different kind of hat to help my daughter ramp up before her PSLE in September! I’m very thankful that they’ve been so supportive.

LTC Shew: I have to give kudos to my wife, who’s always been supporting me in my career, not just for SAF Day. For example, there was a time I was deployed overseas for three months, and she had to be the sole caretaker of the whole family then.

We’re about two rehearsals away from SAF Day. Do you feel the participants are ready?

ME4 Lee: Actually, when my colleagues come to SAFTI MI, they see the parade rehearsals and come up to me to tell me, “Wow, the men are already ready for 1 Jul!” It shows the participants have been doing very well.

Of course, we shouldn’t be complacent, and I will continue to emphasise on the training so that we are ready for 1 Jul!

And finally, any words for SAF Day?

LTC Shew: To the men and women in the SAF, may we continue to stay strong, united and ever ready to defend what is ours when called upon. Let us always remember the sacrifices of those who have served before us and inspire those who will come after us. Happy SAF Day!

ME4 Lee: I’m grateful for this rare opportunity to be involved in the parade during the SAF’s diamond jubilee. I'd like to wish the SAF a glorious 60th anniversary – thank you for defending our home and securing our future.