What it takes to be a viral NDP mascot

If you told Lance Corporal (LCP) He Mingzhe just a few months ago that he would go viral for being a giant turquoise bubble, he would think you were joking.

The 19-year-old Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) from 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment's (48 SAR's) 1st Company is the man behind Brave, the mascot for Beyond the Label’s mental health movement.

LCP He and his fellow mascots have become favourites at this year’s NDP Show segment for their energetic dance moves and lovable antics onstage.

“I didn’t expect us to blow up on TikTok, but it’s really heartening to hear that people are enjoying our performances. It motivates us to continue putting in the effort to bring forth a good show,” said LCP He.

Beyond the suits

Made up fully of NSFs, the team comprises 13 mascots as well as 11 mascot guides who see to the mascots’ safety as they move on and off the stage.

It may look like fun, but being in the mascot suit is not a breeze (pun intended). Some costumes take more than two minutes to inflate fully, and it can get uncomfortably warm after long periods of time inside the air-tight suits.

In addition, the mascots must perform choreographed dance moves and move quickly around the stage.

It’s no easy feat, but LCP Javan Ng is taking it in good spirits. The 19-year-old is the enthusiastic NSF behind the orange Dragon, the mascot for the familiar playgrounds many Singaporeans spent their childhoods at.

“The hardest part would be when I am required to run across the stage in the mascot costume during Chapter 2. However, I try to just treat it as a good workout and make sure that I run safely,” he shared.

Going beyond for safety

Overseeing the team is Mascot Overall In-Charge (IC) 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Philip Tham. The 24-year-old, who is also a mascot guide, provides an extra pair of eyes on the ground, making sure that the mascots can enter and exit the stage safely.

“One of my biggest challenges is managing the energy levels of the mascots because they come onstage at different times – once at Chapter Two and again at Chapter Six. As there’s quite a long wait in between, we need to make sure that their energy remains high throughout (the Show).”

Besides keeping the mascots at a safe distance from the edge of the stage and away from show pyrotechnics and other onstage props, the mascot guides move quickly to get the mascots out of their costumes (whenever they are not performing) so that they stay comfortable.

Onwards & beyond to 9 Aug

Brave may have become the most viral of the 13 mascots, but LCP He remains humble about his mascot’s popularity.

“I think I just got lucky that people noticed me first, but the other mascots also have really good dance moves and have been putting in the effort to come up with new routines.”

He is most looking forward to feeling the audience’s energy on the actual parade on 9 Aug, as he heard from other performers that it would be very different from the rehearsals.

LCP Soh Jie Feng, the man behind August the merlion, NDP’s official mascot, is confident that the mascots will continue to be beloved by audiences. He can’t wait to relive their performance in videos shared by Singaporeans after the parade.

Said the 19-year-old NSF: “I am looking forward to rewatching the TikToks about us with my friends and family and reminiscing.”