On 9 August, some 600 SSA youths and their friends put up a dynamic performance at the National Day Parade (NDP) 2019, a significant celebration of Singapore’s Bicentennial. Striving in the spirit of “Be Prepared to Give a Little More” in Act 4 titled “Our Nation”, the youths performed in front of some 27,000-strong crowd and millions more who were watching on the television and the internet, celebrating Singapore’s 54th birthday. This year marks SGS’s 34th year of participation in the NDP since 1981.
A Performance Depicting Strength and Courage
Performing with LED drums that light up in synchrony with the audience’s LED wristbands, the mass display item was an emotive act that explored four stories of different Singaporeans through the medium of film. These stories feature protagonists who have shown resilience and courage in overcoming their fears and challenges. The stories also depict Singaporeans coming together, to help one another overcome adversities, and to build an inclusive and caring society.
The SSA youth performers formed five formations in relation to the storyline. The futuristic costume and headgear were also designed to reflect the spirit of never giving up.
The third out of the five formations, the wings formation completes the notion of breaking free; from fear to the renewed determination to take flight. This segment depicts how one can soar to greater heights by overcoming one’s own fears and challenges. 
The fifth formation is that of a flower that depicts the hope and vibrancy of overcoming one’s fear and sharing that light of hope to the people around them. This formation takes on a circular overview to illustrate the continuity of positive values which were carried forward by the four characters in the story. It also implies the beautiful outcome from winning over oneself. 
16 August – NDP 2019 Appreciation Function
On 16 August, NDP 2019 Chairperson Ang Meng Chang received on behalf of SSA the NDP 2019 Appreciation Award from Minister of Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen. The event was held at Gardens by the Bay under the invitation of Chairman of NDP 2019 EXCO, Brigadier-General Yew Chee Leung.
A recap of the NDP 2019 journey below:
1 August – ZB Schools Features Video Interview of SSA NDP Participants
20 July – Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen Engages with SSA NDP Participants
15 July – NDP 2019 Exco Chairman Visits SSA
On the evening of 15 July, NDP 2019 Exco Chairman Brigadier-General Yew Chee Leung and his team visited the SSA Headquarters to give a final boost to the youth NDP performers towards 9 August.
SSA NDP 2019 Display Team put up a performance to encourage the SSA youth performers
3 July – Showcase at NDP Media Event
16 youth trainers represented SSA in the Media Event showcase held at the Victoria Theatre. The NDP 2019 Show Concept was shared by Show Chairman Colonel Lim Han Yong and Creative Director Dick Lee.
SSA NDP 2019 participants are working hard at the combined rehearsals at the Padang towards the 9th of August!
Wednesday training at the Padang on 19 June
25 May – NDP Exco Chairman Visits Training at Kranji Camp
Brigadier-General (BG) Yew Chee Leung, Chairman of the NDP 2019 Executive Committee visited the SSA youth participants at the NDP training at Kranji camp on on May 25. 
Brigadier-General (BG) Yew Chee Leung, Chairman of the NDP 2019 Executive Committee visited the SSA youth participants at the NDP training at Kranji camp on on May 25.
Details of this year’s celebrations, including the theme and logo, were revealed by the NDP Executive Committee at a media briefing on Wednesday (May 22) at the Asian Civilisations Museum. The video clip of the theme song “Our Singapore” can be found here:
6 April 2019 – First NDP 2019 Training at Kranji Camp II
30 March – SSA NDP 2019 Journey Begins!
On March 30, the first NDP Participants’ Meeting was held at the SSA Headquarters. NDP 2019 Chairman Show Colonel (COL) Lim Han Yong and his team, together with Mr Benjamin Tan, NDP 2019 Show Producer and Ms Samantha Kan, NDP 2019 Assistant Chief Choreographer were among the guests in attendance. They were hosted by SSA General Director Tay Eng Kiat, the 4 Division Chiefs and several senior SSA representatives.
SSA Vice General Director, Mr Tan Hiang Keng shared words from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in his opening address that reminded us on the importance of repaying our gratitude to the country that we live in. He said,
“None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.”
COL Lim Han Yong and Mr Benjamin Tan also shared on the overview of NDP 2019 and this year’s show concept respectively. Both their sharing inspired the youth present and set the tone for an exciting NDP 2019 journey ahead!
