Chief of Defence Force, SAF officials,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

First, let me just say how happy I am to be able to mark this occasion, to thank you. We have just seen the video of the NDP celebrations – or those of you who need a reminder, the NDP celebrations first began in 1966, and it was to mark each added year of Singapore’s independence. And I think over the years, NDP has become intricately woven into the fabric of our society. Indeed, I think come National Day, it is an expectation of many Singaporeans that NDP will and should be held and the NDP is one that the SAF is delighted and honoured to organise. Without the NDP celebrations, something feels amiss, lacking, to say in Hokkien, boh song, buay song and the year seems incomplete.

In fact, that is what happened in 2020 – where because of COVID-19, we could not have the NDP because we could not have the NDP, where you saw it on screen instead. And we had to scale down that year’s NDP to a bare minimum. We only had 150 parade spectators and 300 participants – it was spread out so there was plenty of space due to COVID-19 restrictions. At night, we had a Show to mark it. I am sure there was a concern for performers, because each show had a PCR before each rehearsal. And the PCR were those deep ones, when we first started. The real sacrifice, I was very thankful that nobody fell sick, and the show was completed.

That was 2020. I bet you, not many will remember what happened in 2021, for NDP. How many can remember? Are you sure? In 2021, there was no NDP, for August 9th. Why? Because we were at the height of COVID-19 restrictions. And we had to postpone it to August 21st. We had to push it back so at least we could have a performance, in the end we had 600 performers and about 1,000 participants at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, and it brought back some semblance of coming back to life, and of course last year we had a full NDP. And this year, in 2023, there was a satisfaction – like at last year that things have resumed. So, we mark our lives by how normal an NDP should be. I think we should. And this year of course, it was at the historic Padang.

The question is why – why do Singaporeans feel that the NDP should be part, and when I say Singaporeans, I mean Singaporeans from all walks of life, not all countries have that, not all countries celebrate their independence. Well, we celebrate it in a rather grand way. I believe that the reason why we have this aspiration, this expectation of National Day, is because come NDP, it allows Singaporeans, as you saw in the video, from all walks of life, race, religion, whether born and bred here or a new citizen, to celebrate together our nationhood, each to lay claim to what is ours today; all to look to a brighter and better future.

Through the NDP, too, we Singaporeans shine the light on the rest of the world. On my social media posts, I got quite a few congratulatory birthday wishes and admiration for Singapore from foreigners. They see our NDP celebrations as very unique, even though we may not. They see the harmony among people of different races, religions, beliefs and values as something to be treasured and indeed, envied. We should do the same and treasure that unity and compact.

Each one of you here today has played a role in making NDP 2023 a success. It took thousands who worked hard and gave up weeks of their lives to make NDP happen, but because of your efforts, hundreds of thousands more could enjoy and celebrate another year of Singapore’s independence.

Significance of NDP2023 “Onward As One” and Key Highlights

This year’s NDP theme “Onward As One” resonated with Singaporeans as we have just recently weathered the threat of COVID-19 together, and we came out of COVID-19 together and undivided. Not all countries could do that. Some countries were fractured and had to take time to mend, and even now we see the after effects - when systems break down, and workers of various vocations are so demoralised, that it took some time for them to get back to the workforce. I think that resolve to continue as one Singapore was visible in small and large ways throughout the NDP preparations, and of course during the actual show. Altogether, more than 81,000 saw the NDP live at the previews and actual day. Another 3 million viewers watched it at home on August 9. And at the five heartland NDP celebrations, were attended by close to 100,000.

With each NDP, we collectively affirm that no matter what Singapore faces, all Singaporeans will overcome and thrive as one – this country is ours to protect, grow and prosper and enjoy. As one people, we will take care of one another and face the future together. That is the simple message of each NDP.

Conclusion

I would like to extend my appreciation to the NDP sponsors, I know that many of you are longstanding ones, you are very familiar, I have seen you for a number of years, you have remained unwavering in your support. My deep thanks too to the EXCO, creative show producers and performers, technical, and logistics teams – for your commitment, creativity, and expertise so that NDP 2023 was a success. And of course, to the thousands of participants whose energy and passion showed through your wonderful performances at NDP.

Thank you very much, and Majulah Singapura.