Marching Through Time: Why the SG60 NDP is extra special for NTUC

To many Singaporeans, celebrating our nation’s birthday is special, almost like marking our own.

For NTUC, a long-time partner to the Singapore Government in nation-building, the occasion represents more than just a celebration of progress; it’s a sense of achievement and honour to be a part of the journey Singapore has taken to grow from a developing to a developed nation.

At the time the fledgling nation became newly independent on 9 August 1965, it had to deal with big problems, including severe economic uncertainty, high unemployment, and worker strikes. With a focus on industrialisation to create jobs and reduce unemployment, the Government sought the help of NTUC, then the largest trade union body, to build the nation.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Forged in the flames of hardship, this new and powerful partnership between the Government and NTUC went on to nurture a young nation with no natural resources, except labour, into a global powerhouse that brings prosperity and progress to Singaporeans.

This year, as Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday, NTUC feels a profound pride, like a parent witnessing the remarkable success of their grown child—this beloved nation we call Singapore.

Parties with a purpose

NTUC’s sense of “parental pride” explains why, year after year, it has celebrated Singapore’s birthday in various meaningful ways since the nation gained independence. Whether marching as a contingent in the National Day Parades (NDP) or organising meaningful events, NTUC has recognised the country’s most vital resources: the Singaporean workers who have built the nation from the ground up.

Marching into history

A year after independence, the young country held its first NDP in 1966 at the Padang. A majestic sight to behold, it included marching contingents, cultural performances, gun salutes and mass displays. A heavy downpour failed to deter the NTUC contingent from joining over 23,000 participants, including uniformed groups, schools, and other civic organisations, to march 3.2km from the Padang through Chinatown, ending in Queenstown.

Since 1966 to this day, NTUC has been part of the NDP, proudly representing the contributions of Singapore’s workers while reinforcing its role as a key partner in nation-building.

The first National Day Parade in 1966.

Over the years, the union body has dazzled the NDP crowd with unique and special presentations. In addition to the contingent in 1982, NTUC also stunned spectators with an award‑winning parade float, recognised for its distinctive design and symbolism in representing workers’ contributions to Singapore’s growth and unity.

NTUC’s 1982 contingent was accompanied by an award-winning float!

Women power ruled on two occasions at the parades. In 2002, then NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Halimah Yacob made NTUC history as the first woman union leader to lead the contingent. By 2018, she was standing on the parade podium waving at the contingents, making Singapore history this time as the Republic’s first female President.

NTUC-union-leader-turned-Singapore-President Halimah Yacob (left) led the marching contingent in 2002.

Two years later, in 2004, an all-girl contingent commanded by then Amalgamated Union of Public Employees Deputy General Secretary Noor Shyma Abdul Latiff marched into the NTUC history books to signify women’s progress in society.

The all-girl marching contingent in 2004.

For the SG60 edition, a 47-strong contingent of union leaders from 23 unions are suiting up to pound the grassy knolls of the historical Padang, where the first NDP was held in 1966. Read on to find out more about their experiences.

Celebrating as one NTUC

Away from the parades, the Labour Movement network also extended a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to the nation in various ways. NTUC, along with its departments, unions, and impact businesses like FairPrice, joined in the celebrations, eager to be part of the joyous festivities.

The unions and impact businesses held jubilant National Day Observance Ceremonies (NDOC), rousing participants to sing the national anthem, recite the pledge, and pay tribute to Singapore’s workers.

The year 2011 was particularly memorable. Around 20 cluster-based, theme-based and company-based NDOCs were held in August to celebrate the country’s 46th birthday. These events were graced by nearly 10 Members of Parliament (MPs) attending as guests-of-honour for the first time.

In another first that year, Young NTUC, the congress’ youth wing, set a Singapore record for forming the largest human flag at the Promontory, near Marina Bay. Nearly 13,000 participants, including 30 Team Singapore youth athletes, banded together to create the unmistakable design of red and white bands, adorned with five sparkling stars. The crowd also took part in a candle-lighting moment, as a show of the inextinguishable strength and unity of Singapore’s working people.

The record-setting human flag with 13,000 participants at the Young NTUC Celebrates! National Day event in 2011.

Speaking of record-setting achievements, another NTUC department, U Family, also found its way into the Singapore books in 2012. Many adorable little ones and their parents had a blast creating the largest national flag made of over 1,000 milk bottles during a Baby’s Day Out event, showing their support for child-friendly practices in the workplace.

Young NTUC, now known as NTUC Youth, rekindled its signature event in 2024 at the Promontory, a celebration that continues today. Look out for this year’s SG60 edition! It features thrilling performances by local talents like ShiGGa Shay, interactive installations, and immersive multi-sensory experiences, all ready to light up the bay with youthful energy!

Pride, passion and forever memories: The NTUC SG60 marching contingent

Come National Day on 9 August 2025, around 45 passionate union leaders from 21 distinct unions will blaze a trail into the Padang as the SG60 NTUC marching contingent, walking in the footsteps of their predecessors of yesteryear.

In keeping with tradition, the contingent’s marchers reflect the diverse Singapore workforce. This year’s group represents various sectors vital to our economy, showcases the three main races, and spans the ages of 20s to 60s, embodying the key working population. The contingent also includes many collars of workers, including PMEs.

Like many NTUC contingents of the past, there is a mix of first-time marchers and those who have selflessly stepped forward for two years or more. Among the 13 new joiners and 32 returnees is Umyma Bibi Muthu Mohaidin Rawther from the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries, who has marched for over 30 years!

Whether first-timers or long-timers, their commitment shines through, as they have sacrificed many weekends of training under the blazing sun for the love of our nation.

Many first-timers like Contingent Commander Noor Irdawaty Jammarudin and Deputy Contingent Commander Lalethaa Karamjit Singh recognise the significance of representing NTUC in the NDP.

“I lead [the contingent], but most importantly, I am their cheerleader, someone who motivates them not just during the drills, but also in spirit.

“NTUC’s presence at the NDP is a powerful reminder that every job and every worker is very important. It shows that behind Singapore’s success are all these workers who contribute towards a nation,” said Irdawaty, General Secretary of the Built Environment and Urban Trades Employees’ Union.

“I get this chance to represent the youth for our NTUC Youth. I can show my youth that I’m here for you. It’s like what we say in our hashtags—Every Worker Matters and Every Youth Matters,” added Lalethaa, a youth leader with the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees.

Irdawaty and Lalethaa posing with an NDP organiser.

For many returnees, this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends made along the journey. The countless hours and weekends spent together have forged a strong, unshakeable bond and fostered a vibrant spirit of camaraderie.

“I can represent my union and can take the opportunity to meet some of my old friends. We meet once a year during the national day, and we stay close through regular updates,” said Cecilia Tang, 63, Assistant General Secretary of the Education Services Union, who has marched for 17 years.

The camaraderie and welcoming spirit have also inspired the newcomers to forge lasting friendships.

“It’s very stressful to work Monday to Friday. Every week, I look forward to Saturdays when I can joke, bond with friends, and release all my work stress. We’re even planning an overseas trip together,” added first-time marcher Ann Nee, 46, a member of the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union.

Ann Nee (left) with a fellow marcher.

As you can imagine, organising a contingent takes time and effort. Behind every smiling squad stands a dedicated group of individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to turn the seemingly impossible into reality.

One of them is veteran NTUC contingent person-in-charge, Abdullah Talib, 79, who has been the backbone of the group for over 25 years.

“My job is to get participants from the affiliated unions. Once I get the required number, I must arrange for practices and venues for training.

“At that time, our training was done at Pasir Ris Park with many members of the public looking at us because there was no proper training ground.

“Only lately, we had our training in army camps. There was Khatib, followed by Yishun. Presently, it is Seletar Camp. We also trained at the old Kallang Airport and the old People’s Association.

“I also arrange the food, the outfits, and insurance coverage,” he shared.

Catch the NTUC marching contingent on National Day, 9 August 2025! Beyond events, you can also become an NTUC member to receive more support for your jobs and careers.