Meet the men leading SAF Day Parade 2026

One dreamed of commanding a parade since he was a boy. The other never imagined becoming Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).

On 1 Jul, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Yu Jinliang and Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Heng Song Po will lead the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) most significant annual parade.

Behind every crisp command and polished drill lie months of meticulous preparation and sweat on the parade square.

For both men, the SAF Day Parade is more than a ceremonial display – it is a reflection of the SAF’s professionalism, discipline and teamwork.

Childhood dream come true

Commanding the parade is a full-circle moment for LTC Yu, a branch head in General Staff (Operations).

“It’s a dream come true,” said the 42-year-old. “It started when I was young, watching the National Day Parade live on television.

“The calmness, the coolness – you have to keep a level head as the Parade Commander. That inspired me (to take on the role).”

Having been the reserve Parade Commander last year, he is acutely aware of the heavy responsibility that comes with being at the forefront of the parade.

“It takes a lot of practice, but I believe with all the training, and by trusting the process, we will get there.”

Achieving high standards

On the other hand, becoming Parade RSM was never on MWO Heng’s radar.

“I have to be really honest – it’s never been my aspiration to be the parade RSM!” he admitted with a laugh. “(Being appointed) was a surprise, but definitely no less an honour.”

The 44-year-old is serving concurrently as Head of Training, Audit, and Inspection in Training and Doctrine Command, and as Brigade Sergeant Major of 27th Singapore Infantry Brigade (27 SIB).

This year’s parade has been streamlined, featuring five Guard of Honour contingents (without supporting contingents) and a static display of 12 military assets.

“(We wanted to be) sharper in the way we do our training, delivering the same or better standards in less time with more effectiveness,” said MWO Heng.

To achieve this, the planning team reviewed each training component to maximise efficiency while maintaining standards, and managed to cut the traditional 11 training sessions down to just seven.

Having participated in his first SAF Day Parade as an escort back in 2007, he knows how it feels to stand in the ranks on the parade square.

“I want them to understand that I understand their point of view,” said MWO Heng. “And I hope they understand ours… (Once we have that understanding), we can achieve the outcome we want, together as a team.”

Strong support systems

About 500 participants will be marching at SAFTI Military Institute (MI) in this year’s SAF Day Parade.

For LTC Yu and MWO Heng, the parade is a reminder of how the SAF operates every day — many individuals coming together to achieve a common mission.

Both men emphasised that pulling off a parade of this scale is impossible without the hard work of the marching participants and the people supporting them behind the scenes.

These range from the organising committee to trainers, to those handling logistics and transport coordination.

Away from the parade square, both men draw strength from their families.

LTC Yu credits his wife, Diane, for holding down the home front. “Thankfully, I have my wife there to be the rock.

“She shoulders family responsibilities without hesitation, and it’s because of her that I can continue to serve with peace of mind.”

MWO Heng echoed the sentiment, paying tribute to his wife, Belinda, for supporting him throughout his 24-year military career.

“She’s never doubted the work I have to do. Her support is always there, (even if it’s just) simple gestures like asking me ‘Have you eaten?’ or ‘Drive carefully.’”

A meaningful moment

During this year’s SAF Day Parade, participants will be reciting not only the SAF Pledge, but also the National Pledge. This is in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the National Pledge.

For LTC Yu, the moment will be meaningful for a more personal reason.

“My eldest girl is in Primary One, where they learn about the meaning and significance of the National Pledge for the very first time,” he explained.

“If I can see her on the grandstand joining me as we do the pledge, I think that will be particularly meaningful for me.”