Date of Issue: 28 Jul 2020

Fact Sheet: NDP2020 Anthem Moment

Introduction

1. The National Day Parade (NDP) 2020 Strength of Our Nation morning segment will focus on ’s history and traditions, and celebrate our strength and unity built up over the past 55 years. It will showcase the stories of everyday Singaporeans as traditional NDP favourites move across Singapore and through the heartlands for the first time. In additional to the perennial highlights, a focal point this year is the Anthem Moment, which aims to rally all Singaporeans through the National Anthem. The live broadcast of the morning segment will begin at 10.20am on 9 August 2020 on free-to-air TV channels and the NDPeeps YouTube channel, following Prime Minister Lee’s National Day Message which will be telecast earlier in the morning.

Uniting Singaporeans through the National Anthem

2. At approximately 10.30am on 9 August 2020, the Public Warning System will be sounded to rally Singaporeans to participate in the Anthem Moment together from their homes. While the National Anthem is played at the Padang, flag-raising ceremonies will take place across the island, together with live broadcast over TV and radio channels1.

3. Various government agencies, with the support from NDP2020 Executive Committee (EXCO), will conduct concurrent flag-raising ceremonies at eight locations across the island, representing key national sectors. The NDP2020 EXCO is also working with public agencies and major companies to organise anthem ceremonies at other locations including military camps, transport depots and even overseas locations. Singaporeans are encouraged to tune in to the live broadcast from their homes and record themselves participating in the Anthem Moment. Videos can be submitted to go.gov.sg/anthemmoment2020 for a chance to be featured in the NDP evening broadcast.

4. The eight locations representing key national sectors are:

a. Padang (Defence & Security; Culture & Heritage). The Padang represents a key part of our national heritage and culture. As the historic site of the first ever National Day Parade in 1966, the Padang serves as a fitting location to lead Singaporeans in the

1 Singaporeans can tune in to the live broadcast on (i) TV: , , , CNA, Suria, Vasantham,; (ii) Online:, Channel 8 and CNA YouTube channels, meLISTEN, meWATCH; and (iii) Radio: CAPITAL 958, CNA938, Oli 968, Warna 942.

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Anthem Moment. Over the years, the (SAF) and Home Team have also led the parades at the Padang in a display of strength and dignity. Today, the SAF and Home Team are deployed on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19, while maintaining their operational readiness to protect Singapore’s sovereignty and security. President Mdm Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, and Minister for Home Affairs Mr K Shanmugam will be attending at this location. b. Changi Airport (Transport). The transport sector maintains the air, land and sea links that keep Singaporeans connected to one another and to the world. Amidst COVID-19, Changi Airport remained open as essential food supplies and medical products are flown in from countries around the world. Despite being one of the hardest hit sectors during COVID-19, airport and aviation workers have also shown great resilience in this time of crisis and stepped up to help others in need. Minister for Transport Mr Ong Ye Kung will be present. c. Enabling Village (Social Services). The pandemic has revealed the kindness, compassion and generosity of Singaporeans. The Enabling Village, an inclusive community space dedicated to serving persons with disabilities and others in the community, is reflective of the inclusive partnerships that we hope to develop and build for a resilient society. Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Masagos Zulkifli will be present. d. Kampung Admiralty (Housing and Community). Singaporeans in our heartlands and neighbourhoods have fostered a sense of togetherness and community. Kampung Admiralty embodies that spirit, as a first-of-its-kind development that seeks to encourage the community to come together, to bond, and to forge a strong sense of identity and belonging. Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee will be present, together with Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Edwin Tong. e. Lifelong Learning Institute @ Paya Lebar (Employment and Skills). Our strong tripartite relationships enable learning and employment opportunities to translate to tangible outcomes that benefit Singaporeans. The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is one of Singapore’s two Continuing Education and Training campuses and serves as a platform for in-demand skills training and professional upgrading, providing important opportunities amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Minister for Manpower, Mrs Josephine Teo will be present, together with Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress, Mr Ng Chee Meng and President of the Singapore National Employers Federation, Dr Robert Yap Chin Kok.

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f. National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) (Healthcare). Our healthcare workers have been at the forefront of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 situation, NCID has served as the centre of COVID-19 management and response, and has been leading the battle to keep Singaporeans safe from infectious diseases. Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong will be present.

g. North Vista Secondary School (Education). Students and educators have creatively overcome challenges in adjusting to the requirements of home-based learning, while also having to adapt to the safe management measures implemented on their return to school. Minister for Education Mr Lawrence Wong will be present.

h. NTUC FairPrice Hub @ Joo Koon (Trade and Industry). Workers in essential services enable us to continue with our daily lives, including maintaining our supply chain links. One such service is provided by the team at NTUC FairPrice, which has been playing a salient role in ensuring the supplies of essential items remain accessible and affordable. Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Chan Chun Sing will be present.

Stories of Strength

5. The strength of our nation lies in our people. Through stories of everyday Singaporeans, NDP2020 will showcase the strength and resilience of our community. There are 55 stories featured throughout this year’s celebration, of which about 20 will be featured in the Strength of Our Nation morning segment.

6. As the state flag flies past homes across the nation, and the “Roar of Unity” by the F-15SG fighter jets soar around the island, the Mobile Column will bring assets from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team to homes throughout the country. Our Red Lions will also make special appearances in the heartlands while vessels from the Navy and various public agencies will participate in a maritime sailpast. Interwoven in the displays are stories of Singaporeans from all walks of life; individuals and groups that have gone beyond the call of duty to help their fellow citizens and serve their nation, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. These elements will be broadcast on TV and Internet platforms together with the parade.

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For further queries, please contact:

Ms Claire Yeoh Media Relations Officer Tel: +65 9616 7661 Email: [email protected]

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