MOVING INTO TOMORROW AS ONE

This year's National Day Parade (NDP) marks the beginning of a new chapter in Singapore's history. As Singapore celebrates its 51st birthday with fresh hopes for tomorrow, what aspirations do Singaporeans moving into a new decade in life hold for themselves?

One. It is a number that calls to mind a new beginning, a fresh start.

Singapore, on its 51st birthday, is also looking forward to the dawning of a new age.

Last year's Golden Jubilee celebrations concluded the first 50 years of Singapore's journey.

This year, the NDP will be a celebration of the start of the next 50 years of Singapore's story.

The theme Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow is a call to action for every Singaporean to play a part in shaping the future of their home and writing the new Singapore story.

The first year of a new decade is also like the first day of a new life, filled with uncertainty as well as new freedom and hope.

Six Singaporeans -- aged one, 11, 21, 31, 41 and 51 -- tell PIONEER about the hopes and dreams they have for themselves and the nation as they cross the threshold to a new decade, and what they will be looking forward to on this 51st National Day.

1 TOMORROW'S NATION DEFENDER
Julius Kwek
Son of Major Kwek Kian Leong (Operations Officer, 3rd Division Artillery) and Tan Pei Ling (Financial Consultant), both 31

Hello, I'm Julius! I was born on 2 Nov 2015, and I'm an SG50 baby. Mummy and Daddy say that SG50 babies like me are very special because we were born in a very special year in Singapore's history.

On 9 Aug, it will be my first time celebrating Singapore's birthday, and I'm really excited! I'll get to see many of my Daddy's friends marching in the parade, wearing their smart uniforms and carrying guns and flags.

You see, my Daddy is a soldier in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He protects Singapore and keeps me and all my friends safe. Daddy is an Artillery Officer, so he gets to work with really big guns that shoot rockets! With Daddy and his friends around, any bad guys better think twice about bullying us!

Daddy and his friends train very hard to keep our home safe. Sometimes, they have to go to faraway places to train for a long time. Daddy misses us a lot when he is away -- he would talk and sing to me on that big bright screen that Mummy holds.

But I know Daddy's job is very important. He says that children like me are the future of Singapore, and we are the reason he and his friends train hard to defend our home.

Just like Daddy

Daddy says that in 18 years' time, I'll join the army and become a soldier too. That sounds like a very long time, but I can't wait to wear the same green uniform as Daddy! Daddy looks so big and strong in his uniform, and I'm sure I will look just as good!

Actually, I'm quite brave too, you know? I didn't cry when the doctor poked that scary needle into my arm even though it was painful. (Pei Ling: Actually, you did, Julius.) Mummy! I only cried for two seconds!

Anyway, I hope that I'll get to fire rockets like Daddy. But he tells me that it doesn't matter what I do in the army, as long as I give it my best shot. That way, I can give back to Singapore and protect our home the way he and his friends do.

This year, Singapore is celebrating a brand new future. As a future soldier, I hope that I will be brave like my Daddy. I'll start by protecting Mummy the next time Daddy goes away for training. And one day in the future, I will protect Singapore too.

11 BEARERS OF OUR DREAMS
Sahana d/o Shahul Hameed
Primary 5 student, CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel

Sahana dreams of dancing on the NDP stage. "Dancing is my passion, and I hope to one day join a dance group and dance for Singapore at the NDP," she said with conviction.

Trained in Indian classical dance, Sahana has been dancing since she was seven, and is now a senior in her school's team.

But dancing is more than just a hobby; it carries the dreams of both herself and her mother: "My mother encouraged me to dance. It was her ambition to be a dancer, but she didn't have the chance to pursue it. I love dancing too, and now I'm living the dream for her."

Bringing Singapore to the world

Sahana watched the parade live for the first time this year at the National Education show and was enthralled by the dancers in the Show segment. "When I see them perform, I feel the dance in me and I'm proud that Singapore promotes Indian dance. The culture is going strong."

Beyond contributing her talents to the nation through NDP, she has a bigger goal in mind: she wants to introduce the world to Singapore's multiculturalism.

"Indian dance is not just found in India; we have it in Singapore too. I hope to become a famous dancer, so that I can represent Singapore and perform overseas. This way, I can show that Singapore has a lot of cultural activities."

Strong values

More than just art, dance has taught Sahana important values such as teamwork. And it's clear that the school prefect regards values and good character highly.

"Being a prefect is not just wearing a tie and walking around," she said. "You need to be a role model to your classmates." She also believes that upholding the values we hold dear, such as respect for each other and the elderly, is one of the ways to show our love for the country.

Asked how her generation can steer the nation into the next 50 years, and she answers that having a strong moral compass is the key: "I think it's important for leaders to have very, very strong values. Only then can you guide people the right way."

The future is certainly headed in the right direction.

21 HOLDING THE KEY TO THE FUTURE
Corporal First Class (CFC) Anurag Asoka Markandu
Naval Diver, Naval Diving Unit

Turning 21 is a significant event for most Singaporeans: you remember officially becoming an adult and finally being old enough to buy your own home.

But how about being given a place in the NDP Guard of Honour contingent and a rifle to fire off the Feu de Joie (Fire of Joy) at the parade? All while thousands of people in the National Stadium are cheering for you? That is how CFC Anurag, a member of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) contingent, will remember his 21st year.

Fresh perspective

"I guess now it's come full circle," CFC Anurag said with a laugh. He recalled watching the National Education show as a Primary Five student and wishing he could be a part of the parade.

"Now, I look at the kids in the audience, and I'm thinking that hopefully, one day, they will have the chance to do what I'm doing too."

This is not CFC Anurag's first participation in the NDP -- he performed in the mass display when he was in Secondary Two.

But it's his first time marching as a sailor, and the Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) is looking at the experience with a fresh perspective.

"Back then, I did it mainly for the CIP (Community Involvement Programme) points," he admitted. "This time, we (the RSN contingent) are representing the entire Navy. There is a sense of pride in serving the nation. We are also showing Singaporeans that we are a disciplined and dedicated military force."

He added: "Now that I'm older and more mature, I have a very different kind of appreciation for the NDP. I feel honoured be a part of the event."

A better future

"There's a feeling of dread (that comes) with becoming an adult. Nobody wants to grow up!" CFC Anurag joked.

"But it's also about maturing," he added, acknowledging that he will not only be able to take charge of his life, but also make meaningful contributions to the future of the nation as well.

And he has one hope for young Singaporeans like himself: "I hope that each generation leaves behind a better tomorrow for the next. I want to make sure that I make a positive contribution, one that will leave a better future for my kids and their kids."

Know your heroes

You're probably familiar with the tale of Sang Nila Utama and how Singapore was founded. But how much do you know about the story of another local hero -- Badang and the Singapore Stone?

Legend has it that Badang was a fisherman who attained great strength when he defeated a river monster. His power attracted many challengers, one of whom was able to match him strength for strength in every test, until the final one.

His rival gave up when he was unable to move a giant boulder that had sat at the top of a hill for centuries. Not one to back down from a challenge, Badang lifted the boulder and tossed it into the mouth of the Singapore River. A fragment of the rock, known as the "Singapore Stone", survived and is currently displayed at the National Museum.

This year's NDP takes two modern spins on this age-old tale. Come 9 Aug, the Badang story will be retold through massive aerial props, 3D projection mapping and indoor pyrotechnics. Expect epic battle scenes as this story of resilience and courage is brought to life.

"It's a dream come true to play our own version of Hercules," said Mr Rizman Putra Ahmad Ali, who plays Badang.

And if you love graphic novels, you can also download Badang: The Legend of our First Superhero from the NDPeeps Facebook page. The graphic novel is adapted by local playwright Michael Chiang and graphic artist Elvin Ching. It can also be found in the NDP Funpacks.

A Funpack for the future

Just one look at the Funpack and you know the NDP is going to be an out-of-this-world and futuristic experience.

In line with this year's forward-looking theme, the Funpack was designed to look like a jetpack made of a special material -- a transparent skin that is lightweight, waterproof and durable.

On top of the usual goodies, the Funpack includes a souvenir magazine with special digital content that readers can access through augmented reality using the NDPeeps app on their mobile devices. The digital content offers interesting information such as snippets on the inspiration behind segments of the show.

31 Journeying ahead together
Sarah Pang
Professional tennis player

Ms Pang has an axe to grind: "Not many Singaporean athletes talk about their sporting journeys. And it's a shame because then we fail as national athletes!"

But hear her out: "It's one thing to be a 'high-performance athlete', but when you're called a 'national athlete', I feel it also means that you should serve your nation through your sport. When we don't share our journeys, we fail in our effect as national athletes because we don't bring our fellow Singaporeans together."

This was her motivation for creating a website (tenniswithsarah.com) that documents her experience in the professional tennis circuit. She also writes on social media with the handle TennisWithSarah.

Her intention was to create a culture of national sportsmen and women inspiring Singaporeans through sharing their experiences.

Inspiring fellow Singaporeans

For Ms Pang, sports is never about the individual's game and results, but rather, the culmination of everyone's efforts behind the athlete.

This mindset has certainly influenced her crowdfunding campaign. Last October, she took to Indiegogo to raise funds for her training and competition expenses. Her aim was not solely monetary, but also to prove that sometimes, it all starts with one.

"It's about inspiring the Singapore spirit: we may think that we cannot do anything great without capacities, but put together, our ability to change becomes so much bigger and greater," she said. "It gives every Singaporean ownership in helping to achieve a fellow Singaporean's dream."

Her campaign is also unlike any other. To continue the cycle of giving, Ms Pang will send back a token with a personal touch for each amount that donors pledge. For example, donors who pledge US$30 ($40) will receive a quote from a book, while US$100 donors will receive a hand-made sketch.

Best foot forward

In May, Ms Pang earned her very first Woman's Tennis Association (WTA) singles' point in an International Tennis Federation match, a fitting present for her in the year she turned 31. It also brings her closer to the goal she has set for herself in the coming years -- to represent Singapore on the WTA tour.

With all the overseas touring she does now, being back in Singapore is always special, especially during the National Day period. "I'm looking forward to seeing our local artistes host the NDP, set against the majestic backdrop of our awesome new stadium! Put together, this spells all things home for me."

Dancing on air

Dancing sounds like an easy enough task for most people. But what if you had to complete a routine while suspended 10 to 12m in the air?

For the first time, the NDP will feature 20 aerial performers in a four-minute mass dance item. These dancers from the SAF Music and Drama Company (MDC) will take to the stage in the fourth act of the Show. The dance is choreographed by Ms Abigail Yeates, renowned circus production choreographer, with Mr Gordon Choy, a freelance performer and former MDC artiste, assisting in the training.

Suspended from the domed roof of the National Stadium, the aerialists will execute a modified version of the dance routine performed on the ground by 600 secondary school students and 120 professional dancers from the Academy of Nutz. The aerial dance routine will include challenging moves like front and backflips.

Training began in May, with the aerialists attending an induction course at Pasir Ris Camp. "They're not trained aerialists, so we had to get them used to the harness and help them overcome their fear of heights," said Mr Choy.

For the NSF performers, this unique experience has been a memorable one. Said Lance Corporal Justin Tan: "At first, it was difficult because the harness is very tight and I got dizzy up in the air. But as I got used to it, it became more fun... Performing in the National Stadium (this time) makes it more special."

As for Private Rajid Ahamed, the secret was to "trust the equipment and believe that all the hard work you put in during the rehearsals matters".

"I'm proud of the aerialists," said Mr Choy. "That the NDP committee selected them for this segment shows their trust in them."

41 Keep on moving forward
Muhammad Yazid B. M.
Creative Director, Leap DS&C Pte Ltd

Mr Yazid is all about looking and moving forward. "I'm very restless by nature and I'm always looking to see what else I can do and how I can do it better."

And moving forward often calls for a leap of faith and a daring to not look back, which was what he displayed when he decided to set up his own design and consultancy firm in 2005.

Although trained as a designer, he did not have any experience in setting up a business. "I never thought I would start my own company; I just believed in doing what I loved to do."

Educating through experience

The desire to teach has always been an innate part of Mr Yazid. Even during his National Service days, he was a Platoon Sergeant at the Basic Military Training Centre in Nee Soon Camp, training new recruits.

Hence with Leap, his goal was to share his industry experience and help his clients better understand their brands. "I came up with three key words to determine what the company would be about: Educate, Inspire and Aspire. It was about imparting my experience and knowledge."

One of the first groups of clients he set out to educate were the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He noticed that SMEs sometimes expended a lot of funds on branding due to misplaced priorities. "It's about doing things in the most efficient and effective way, and helping them realise that design doesn't have to cost them a lot."

He noted: "Singapore, however, has branded itself very well. It's one of the few countries in the world that, when you mention the name, people know what to expect." Thus he is looking forward to seeing this year's NDP at the National Stadium and finding out how the new space will be used.

Always teaching, always learning

Leap marked its 11th anniversary this May. Moving into the new decade with the company, Mr Yazid believes that the best way he can continue to impart valuable knowledge to his clients is by constantly moving ahead and keeping himself educated as well.

"I'm constantly keeping abreast with the latest news and also making sure that I learn new things every year. This is also something I require of my staff. A designer cannot just live and work in the world of design alone; he or she must keep learning."

51 Nurturing tomorrow's leaders
Colonel (COL) (NS) Eugene Lam
HR Director, Kimberly-Clark Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd Armour NS Brigade Commander

COL (NS) Lam tells it like it is: "The future is not about me; I'm already 51. The future is about the young people."

Despite being exactly two months older than Singapore, COL (NS) Lam is anything but over the hill. And as he steps into the second half-century of his life, he is acutely aware of the importance of nurturing and empowering the next generation of Singaporeans.

This was one of the reasons the NDP 2016 Publicity and Branding Committee, which he chairs, chose to open the designing of this year's NDP logo to the youth. "The purpose is to give them a sense of ownership and get everyone involved. I went through all the entries, and it's very heartening to hear what young people are saying about Singapore."

Fostering national identity

Being the same age as Singapore, COL (NS) Lam saw himself growing up alongside the nation. He experienced and benefited from many policies that were designed to help the young country find its footing. Take, for instance, housing policies that fostered national identity by bringing together the various communities under one HDB roof. He grew up in Toa Payoh, alongside neighbours of all races.

From his Indian neighbours who were avid hockey players, he picked up the sport, eventually joining the national team and representing Singapore at the 1993 South-East Asian Games. He also developed a love for jamming with his musically-inclined Malay friends. Today, he is an established guitarist and has recorded four music albums.

"A lot of our policies on diversity are what enabled me to do these things," he said. "I'm grateful because, in many ways, these have helped me to grow as a person."

Brave new world

COL (NS) Lam believes that diversity and national identity will continue to be important to the next generation of Singaporeans, especially in a globalised environment. "My children will see a very different Singapore and world," said the father of two teenagers. "The world is so global now, there are no borders. So they will really have to be open."

This is the same message he hopes to pass on to the national servicemen in his brigade when he eventually steps down as Commander. "As demographics change, they will reshape Singaporeans' sense of identity. In the SAF context, how do we still march as one and call this home?

"(The next generation) must appreciate Singapore and understand why defence is so important to our nation. They may not see the link, but stability encourages companies to come here, and that helps to create more jobs and make us more prosperous."