Chief of Defence Force,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for coming to this Appreciation Function at Surbana Jurong Campus. Every NDP – we have seen the video which brings back memories of NDP 2024 – depends on thousands of participants and partners to succeed. Today’s Appreciation Function is a small gesture to thank all of you for playing your part in different ways to make NDP 2024 the huge success that it became. We want to thank Surbana Jurong for hosting this event. This is the first time I have been in this building. It is very impressive, so I am glad that we have the opportunity for them to open up, and thank them for allowing us to use this.

Every NDP depends on many people to succeed. I can claim to be someone who has some authority about NDPs, because I have been in MINDEF since 2005, so now close to 20 years – 19 years. And while every year you attend one NDP, I attend sometimes four, sometimes five, sometimes six, because there are so many rehearsals. So, over the last few years, I would have attended at least 100 NDPs. So, having seen so many, what are my reflections? I have seen other countries celebrate their important day, some National Day, or an equivalent of National Day. I remember for France; they celebrate their Bastille Day. And you look around in various countries, there are different ways of doing it. Honestly, nobody does it like Singapore. It is a slice of our history. And if you can imagine, if for any reason, and actually it did happen during Covid, where we did not have a full NDP, you feel something is missing. In Hokkien they say – buay song (not right). It is like, almost like Chinese New Year or Deepavali or Hari Raya and so on, for example. So, what is it about every time we celebrate, or we commemorate our National Day?

Every year that Singapore celebrates its independence through NDP, I think, two crucial things happen for our nationhood. One, we declare to the rest of the world our fierce determination and ability as citizens to decide for ourselves, Singapore’s way of life. Singapore is a small country with little natural resources, but what we are saying to the world when we celebrate our NDP, is that it is up to us, and us only, as citizens to decide our future. Not anyone else. The important point is we decide – we, as citizens, decide. Not anyone else. No matter how much bigger another country is, and no matter how powerful the external forces that bring to bear on Singapore, we decide. And the reason why NDP has this flavour is if you read Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s memoirs, when we had our first NDP, we were not sure that we would last very long. And so, after celebrating this for 59 years, that is still inbuilt in the National Day message.

The second thing that had happened, and just as important, is that we do so as one people, regardless of race and religion with unity of spirit and purpose to progress as one nation, to protect what we feel is precious in Singapore, our harmony on our island home, an inclusive oasis for all to pursue their ambitions. And in this increasingly fractious world where there are dividing forces – you look around the world and countries are experiencing many divisive forces – this harmony and acceptance of diversity becomes that much more rare and precious.

I know for individual Singaporeans, each National Day means different things to them, but I think these two things are quite crucial that we mark each year. NDP 2024 was a spectacular and entertaining extravaganza. I think the show producers and designers used all their ingenuity and imagination to bring home these two important messages. The performers gave their all – they danced and moved with vitality and precision. Singers sang with passion and power. And I think through it all, we wowed thousands of spectators at the Padang – each rehearsal had 27,000 – but millions more saw it at home. But most importantly, you reminded all Singaporeans through this year’s NDP what makes Singapore unique and how we must forge ahead together.

So after the show, there were different reactions. For me, I was just relieved that the rain did not continue and nothing went wrong. But after the show, many Singaporeans congratulated me. I told them that I would convey their congratulations to those who made NDP 2024 happen – which are all of you here. Some particularly liked the Total Defence 40 dynamic display – one remarked that this message must be ingrained into each new generation – our vulnerabilities and the constant need for a strong Total Defence. Others were touched by the fact that the show showcased Singaporeans from all walks of life. They liked the fact that there was no standout person and what they liked about it was that there were many purposeful lives featured. Men and women from ordinary walks of life, helping each other, reaching out. But each in their own way, adding to the rich tapestry that is ours to enjoy and claim each day. Others were moved deeply by the songs and singing. I have watched many NDPs but this year’s rare feat was the spontaneous singing by the spectators, particularly for this year’s NDP theme song – Not Alone. The tune was catchy, but especially the words resonated with what Singaporeans want our society to be, to become – “the more we’re together, the further we’ll go. You and I, we’re not alone”.

All these different and positive reactions again reflect what different Singaporeans find most important for them to protect for our Singapore. The different reactions are to be expected, but each found within NDP 2024, things which resonated in their core. And that is what Singapore is – different to diverse groups – but it is this precious core that holds us together.

Ultimately, NDP was a show by Singaporeans for Singaporeans. Community groups, students, and performers from various backgrounds came together to put up a celebration for our country’s independence. All of us could celebrate exuberantly because the Home Team and SAF troopers were out there making sure that we were safe. We want to give a word of thanks to the security troopers, both from our Home Team and SAF for their dedication and vigilance.

I know that each of you put in many hours of dedicated service, and sacrificed many weekends. Not only for the NDP rehearsals but the Heartland Celebrations co-organised with the People’s Association and Bay Celebrations co-organised with NTUC. All in all, more than 160,000 residents gathered to mark Singapore’s 59th birthday.

I also want to thank sponsors from businesses and organisations who helped to make NDP 2024 a success. We also want to thank the Executive Committee for their strong leadership.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the greatest achievement, our triumph is that NDP 2024 was a celebration by Singaporeans for Singapore and for each other.

We have indeed moved forward together as one united people. Majulah Singapura.