[VT – SINGAPORE I August 9, 2025] Singapore celebrated its 60th year of independence with the theme “Majulah Singapura” (Onward Singapore) in a historic National Day Parade (NDP) held for the first time across two venues — Padang and Marina Bay. The celebrations featured live performances, large-scale light projections, and interactive cross-venue segments, offering an unprecedented visual and auditory experience for audiences nationwide.
According to organizers, tens of thousands gathered at the Padang, while large crowds lined the Marina Bay waterfront or tuned in via live broadcast, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Leaders’ Attendance and National Day Message
The celebrations officially commenced at 6:30 p.m., when President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived at the main venue to warm applause from the audience.
In his National Day message at the Padang, Prime Minister Wong declared: “We endured, but prevailed and prospered”, adding, “We will shape the future we want with our own actions.” He called on Singaporeans to remain united in the face of global challenges and to work together in building a more resilient and prosperous home.
This year’s NDP also welcomed distinguished foreign guests, including Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Regent of Johor; Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei; and Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia — underscoring the regional significance of the occasion.
Parade and Performances
The parade featured 40 marching contingents, comprising the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, and civilian groups from various sectors — the largest scale in recent years at the Padang.
Audiences were treated to a dynamic mix of cultural and artistic performances, integrating dance, music, and projection mapping to highlight Singapore’s diversity and unity. The air segment included precision flypasts by Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets, while maritime displays and parachute jumps thrilled spectators both on land and at the bayfront.
Fireworks and Island-wide Festivities
Multiple rounds of fireworks lit up both the Padang and Marina Bay in the evening, with brilliant bursts illuminating the night sky and reflecting on the waters — a highlight of the celebrations. Across the island, Heartland Celebrations brought the festive spirit to local communities through live performances, food fairs, and big-screen broadcasts.
A Milestone Celebration
As the final fireworks faded, the crowd stood together to sing the national anthem, marking a rousing close to a milestone event. The 2025 NDP not only commemorated Singapore’s achievements over the past six decades, but — as Prime Minister Wong’s words reminded the nation — also inspired Singaporeans to move forward in the spirit of Majulah Singapura.
