More inclusive, diverse participation in NDP 2026

Thirty-two marching contingents, with more than 1,200 civilian participants making up the bulk of the contingents. This year’s National Day Parade (NDP) Parade and Ceremony (P&C) segment will feature the largest civilian participation in over a decade!

And for the first time in NDP history, the civilian contingents will enter and exit the parade through the spectator aisles of the National Stadium, offering audiences a closer and more personal look before the parade forms up on the show stage.

Longstanding crowd favourites such as the guard of honour, feu-de-joie and combined military band will still be part of this year’s parade.

Those outside the stadium will also have something to look forward to: the State Flag Flypast and Presidential Gun Salute will be taking place in the Kallang Basin for the first time.

Coming full circle

For Parade Commander ME6 Caleb Chia Yeow Kwang, this year’s NDP marks a full-circle moment that holds a special place in his heart.

Two decades ago, he served as a Colour Ensign at the old National Stadium in NDP 2006. Now, he returns to the same site to serve as Parade Commander.

The 43-year-old said: “20 years ago, I carried the weight of my formation color. This year, I’ll be carrying the responsibility of commanding and leading the parade.”

One of the biggest “challenges” ME6 Chia faces as Parade Commander? “Trying to understand the language that the younger generation uses!”

He added with a chuckle: “There was one occasion where a group of them started doing the ‘67’ hand action to me, and I had to ask around afterwards what that meant.

“That moment caught me off guard, but I still try my best to connect to the younger generation, and it has been a very interesting experience so far.”

Balancing high standards and safety

As the one taking charge of training and discipline, Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) MWO Low Kay Kee strives to “to deliver a parade of high standards” but also “ensure every participant enjoys the journey safely”.

The 44-year-old added that the most memorable part of his NDP experience so far is getting to know the diverse backgrounds of participants, as well as their motivations for taking part in the parade.

“A lot of the participants come back year after year to be part of NDP. And that made me think of the fact that so many people are willing to take time out of the lives to give back to Singapore.”

Full trust & confidence

Together, ME6 Chia and MWO Low interact with an air of ease that shows their relationship goes beyond just being Parade Commander and Parade RSM.

When asked how they managed to form such a tight bond, MWO Low said: “We met while working on NDP 2025 together, and…the way we have bonded is by joking around with each other and being open in our communication.”

He added that this deep trust gives them full confidence the other will take charge of and execute his duties to the best of his abilities.

Largest & most diverse contingent of Persons with Disabilities

NDP 2026 marks the first year that persons with disabilities can participate in NDP as part of a contingent. For former Paralympian Yap Qian Yin, this is a dream come true.

A gold medalist at the Asian Para Games and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Para Games, the 35-year-old has wanted to take part in NDP since watching the parade as a Primary 5 student.

“I remember falling in love with the whole NDP performance… So when the opportunity came (this year), I immediately signed myself up for it.”

As Contingent Commander of the inaugural NDP contingent comprising of persons with disabilities, Ms Yap is proud to be a part of this piece of history.

“I think it’s a big step forward that persons with disabilities are no longer restricted to just being an audience member or being in the performance segment.

“Being able to participate in the parade segment together with the rest of the contingents really symbolises a purposeful step forward towards Singapore being a more inclusive society.”

Going above & beyond for NDP 2026

It may be Colonel (COL) Anthony Lau Kai Heng’s 3rd time being Chairman of the Parade and Ceremony Committee, but he remains excited to give audiences a great NDP experience.

“On a personal front, seeing how the P&C segment has grown over the years gives me the pride and confidence that Singapore has the capability to ‘Go Beyond’ and achieve more in the coming years,” said the 45-year-old.

He elaborated that the message that the parade hopes to portray is to “go beyond yourself and come together as one Singapore”.

“We hope that Singaporeans can see that the parade this year is more inclusive, more accessible and more representative of Singapore’s society today.”