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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
Singapore turns 60 this year and NDP 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt and inclusive National Day celebrations ever. As someone who’s always loved watching the parade (yes, even from my living room with a flag in hand), I can feel that this year’s milestone goes beyond fireworks and performances. It’s a celebration of who we are as a nation, where we’ve been, and how we’re choosing to grow together.
Let me walk you through what to expect this year - from the grand spectacles at the Padang and Marina Bay to the community-driven touches that remind us what SG60 is really about.
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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
Majulah Singapura: A Theme That Feels Especially Personal This Year
The theme for NDP 2025 is “Majulah Singapura”, which means “Onward Singapore”. You’ll recognise it from our National Anthem.But this year, it also symbolises 60 years of nation-building, and our shared commitment to move forward with optimism and unity.
The logo is just as meaningful: the number “60” is cleverly designed to resemble the word “GO”, with five shooting stars representing Singapore’s core ideals - democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. Even more special? 25 Singaporeans from all walks of life are co-creating their own interpretations of the logo, sharing what the Singapore Dream means to them. It’s art, storytelling, and community all in one.
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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
A Parade That Spans the Padang, Marina Bay… and Your Neighbourhood
For the first time ever, the NDP show will span both the Padang and Marina Bay, and on 10 August, the festivities continue into five heartland sites across Singapore.
What’s Happening on 9 August
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Red Lions + Navy Divers: The inaugural "Jump of Unity" will see Red Lions parachute into the Padang while Republic of Singapore Navy divers make a splashy arrival at Marina Bay.
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Aerial & Maritime Spectacles: Get ready for a dazzling aerial tribute by the RSAF and a maritime display at the Bay.
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Mobile Column Returns: Featuring SAF, Home Team, and MPA assets making its first Padang return since 2019.
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Mass Performances + Fireworks: Watch city skyline projections, light shows, fireworks, and performances from a floating stage.
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Bay Celebration Zones: Carnival games, LED screens, and live screenings await at Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Sports Hub, The Promontory and more.
And on 10 August…
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Heartland Celebrations will bring fireworks, drone shows, carnival activities, and a Mobile Column convoy to five community zones across the island.
Wherever you are (downtown, in the neighbourhood, or tuning in from home), you’re part of it.
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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
The Most Heartfelt Detail: NDP Packs Designed by Artists with Disabilities
This part honestly moved me. For the first time, this year’s NDP Packs will feature original artwork created by 41 artists with disabilities, including students from SPED schools and artists from ARTDIS (Arts & Disability Singapore).
This collaboration, supported by SG Enable’s i’mable initiative, celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of these artists, who were invited to reflect on what Singapore means to them. Their artwork is inspired by themes of resilience, multiculturalism, boldness, and a caring future, and the result is seven beautiful, meaningful designs.
The artwork will be printed on sustainable tote bags (made from 100% recycled polyester!) and included in a National Day stamp set. You can receive one of these special NDP Packs if you're attending the parade, preview shows, or visiting the Bay and Heartland celebration sites.
It’s more than a souvenir. It’s a reminder that everyone’s voice matters in our shared story, and that inclusion is at the heart of what it means to be Singaporean.
This Year’s Theme Song: “Here We Are”
If you haven’t heard “Here We Are” yet, do yourself a favour and listen. Co-written by Charlie Lim and Chok Kerong, and performed by Charlie, Kit Chan, and The Island Voices, this year’s NDP theme song is equal parts moving, nostalgic, and hopeful. The music video, directed by He Shuming, features a diverse community choir and touching vignettes of Singaporeans in everyday moments.
The message? No matter the weather, no matter where we are in life, we stand together. That’s what makes home, home.
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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
How You Can Be Part of SG60
There are so many ways you can get involved this year — and I love that it’s not just about watching the parade.
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Fly Our Flag: From mid-June, households can redeem a free Singapore flag via Shopee and start displaying it proudly from July to September.
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Wear Our Colours: Red-and-white themed fashion drops from Love Bonito, The Elly Store, and Uniqlo.
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Join a Pledge Event: Start your own neighbourhood celebration with help from the government’s new “Pledge Events” initiative.
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Give Back: The #GiveAsOneSG campaign invites all of us to contribute through 60 Days of Giving - from volunteering to donating.
And of course, don’t miss the Majulah Moment on 9 August, when the whole nation will come together to recite the pledge and sing the anthem.
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| Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg |
This Is What Makes SG60 So Special
There’s something different in the air this year. Maybe it’s the pride of seeing how far we’ve come. Maybe it’s the joy of seeing so many Singaporeans (including those with disabilities) take part in shaping this celebration. Or maybe, it’s the sense that this is more than just a parade. It’s a love letter to our nation, written by every one of us.
Whether you’re catching the show at the Padang, waving your flag in the heartlands, or simply singing along with the theme song at home; NDP 2025 is for you, for me, and for all of us who call this island home. Majulah Singapura!
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