THE FUTURE IS OURS TO MAKE - 40 ON 40

'The future is ours to make', and with every Singaporean contributing to shape the nation, as we look ahead, the outlook is bright and clear! cyberpioneer celebrates Singapore's 40th birthday by speaking to 40 Singaporeans who have contributed to the success of the biggest birthday bash of the year - National Day Parade 2005 (NDP 05).

"The dance is so simple that everyone, as long as you're willing to move, can learn it!" - Ms Jalyn Han, choreographer of 'Dance Number 40'.

"It's perfect for old people, young people, and everyone in between! Anyone can do it, so I think it serves its purpose as a national dance!" - Rui En, singer of 'Reach Out for the Skies', on "Dance Number 40" which is choreographed to the song's lyrics.

"The SAF Provost Unit, the National Cadet Corps, the Singapore Police Force Women Pipes and Drums, and the Boys Brigade Bagpipers are involved in this year's drill. SAFPU has been involved in NDP 21 times!" - 2WO Rosman bin Atan, choreographer for the mass precision drill.

"The Padang is very historical. We had our first parade here. So to be here this year gives me many deep feelings and strong emotions." - LTC Choon Soon Onn, Parade Commander, on the venue for NDP 05.

"Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. I admire him for the way he is and how he led Singapore to become what it is today." - MWO Tang Peck Oon, Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, on the Singaporean he admires most.

I like the Feu-de-Joie. It's the highest form of compliment paid to the President!" - 3SG Mohamed Habih B Sheik, Guardsman in the marching contingent.

"Marching onto the Padang, with all the historical buildings around us; there's an added thrill and excitement!" - CPL Donald Tan from 185 SQN, who was part of the marching contingent.

"The Navy is a very small family and not many get the opportunity to be part of the marching contingent, so it's a great feeling!" - 2SG Samantha Chen from TRACOM, on being involved in NDP 05.

"The Navy is a very small family and not many get the opportunity to be part of the marching contingent, so it's a great feeling!" - 2SG Samantha Chen from TRACOM, on being involved in NDP 05.

Like toy soldiers: Dressed in their immaculate white uniforms, the Republic of Singapore Navy soldiers in the parade march past.

"It's essential to be alert, mentally and physically prepared. I told my men to get plenty of rest, to be in tip-top condition to perform this significant flight." - LTC Leong Choong Yew, Flight Lead of the aircraft bomb burst.

"The Republic of Singapore Air Force is honoured to be part of the show. We're proud that, as Singaporeans, we can add to the celebratory mood by showcasing our aircraft!" - COL Tan Kar Han, Chairman of Air Participation on the aerial flypast.

"How is the view up there? We're so focused on flying that we don't have the time to appreciate the view! But after the bomb burst, I managed to sneak a peek, and wow! It was very nice!" - CPT Oon Kok Choon, pilot involved in the bomb burst display.

"When the planes flew overhead, it was so loud! But we couldn't cover our ears because we had to keep absolutely still! But it was very impressive." - 2SG Joyce Tan from TRACOM, who was in the marching contingent, on the aerial flypast.

"By showcasing the capabilities of the SAF and the Home Team, it helps reinforce the confidence Singaporeans have in us to protect the country." - LTC Lim Tien Hock, Chairman of the mobile column.

"This year we decided to bring the mobile column to the heartlands, so more Singaporeans can get close to the vehicles, see their operational capabilities, and be part of the celebrations!" - LTC (NS) William Chua, Commander of the mobile column.

"Eight Republic of Singapore Navy vehicles are involved: Two sets of command jeeps, the Fast Interception Craft, the Explosives and Ordnance Devices vehicles and the Diving Response Vehicles. Nearly 40 personnel are involved and we really enjoy being part of the parade." - MAJ Ng Boon Soon, Officer Commanding of Underwater Demolition Group, Naval Diving Unit, on the Navy's involvement in the mobile column.

"As a Full-time National Serviceman, it's quite rare to be involved in the mobile display since it does not happen every year. So I'm very proud to represent the Navy this year." - CPL Jerry Tan, naval diver in the mobile column.

"I'm most impressed by the mobile column and the vehicles we have. I feel proud as a Singaporean." - Mr David Tay, chairman of the committee that organised the heartland celebrations in Tampines.

"Rolling past City Hall and saluting the President just fills me with such a special sense of pride!" - LTA Veronica Tan, tank commander, mobile column.

"Participating in NDP is something that comes only once in a lifetime!" - Kim Wakerman, student Pledge-taker.

"When I was in secondary school, I was a prefect who led my school in saying the pledge. This year, I'm able to do it in front of the nation! So it's definitely an honour and a privilege." - Morgon Yeo, student Pledge-taker.

"We use the 'cosiness' of the Padang to bring the performance even closer to the audience. Spectators can feel the energy of the participants!" - COL David Lim, Chairman of Parade@Padang.

"My item, the dancing! I love dancing! It is very fun!" - Jocelynna Seah, 8, who danced in the show segment, on her favourite part of NDP 05.

"Singapore has achieved so much for a small country. We pushed ourselves hard and put ourselves on the world map!" - Taufik Batisah, Singapore Idol and singer of 'Reach Out For the Skies'.

"I've been so busy performing my duty that I could not see much of the parade! But I guess the best part is the fireworks; it's beautiful!" - 2WO Mond Noor, from the School of Military Medicine and senior medic on duty at City Hall.

'Mobile' coverage: The mobile column makes a welcomed return to the parade this year.

"Our spirit, our culture, our willingness to try new things, to venture above conventional norms." - LTC Neo Hong Keat, pilot from 140 SQN, who was involved in the flypast over the Carnival@Marina, on what best represents Singapore.

"Singapore is best known as the 'Lion City', so the Merlion best represents Singapore!" - CPL (NCC) Hafizah binte Mohammad Hanafi, 15, student, who was part of the marching contingent, on what best represents Singapore.

Food! If you meet any Singaporean overseas and you talk to him about our local food he'll start craving for it! There's a certain aroma or taste that makes people want to come back to Singapore!" - Vernetta Lopez, emcee for NDP 05, on what best represents Singapore.

"The Esplanade. I think they look like durians, and that makes the place even more meaningful!" - Senior Cadet Lieutenant Jennifer Ong, 19, student, who was part of the marching contingent, on what best represents Singapore.

"It was all wonderful! A feast for all my senses!" - Ms Norhayati Supari, 28.

"I love all the parts! It was all very nice!" - Arjun, 11, student.

The Commandos were superb! But I also liked the parade segment and the fireworks! - Mr Hariharan, 36, lecturer.

"The marching contingent, the military vehicles, the jets, the Commando free fallers, and the fireworks! I like them all!" - Ms Emily Lim, 19, undergraduate.

"I feel most Singaporean when I'm on a plane returning to Singapore, looking out the little aeroplane window and seeing our island. While it's not very big, it's a place I call home. There's a feeling that gushes through my body." - MAJ Michael Ma, Chairman of the pre-parade segment.