DSTA staff marked the nation’s 54th birthday through the National Day Observance Ceremony (NDOC) held on 8 August 2019.
The day's activities which started at the OCBC Arena Hall were organised into two sessions. In the morning, some 200 DSTA staff welcomed beneficiaries from several eldercare organisations and brought them around various activity booths set up by their colleagues where the elderly guests were able to enjoy simple games. Those more active even participated in an easy mass workout designed to this year's National Day Parade (NDP) theme song alongside DSTA staff!
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Tan Peng Yam expressed his appreciation for all the staff who had helped to organise this year’s NDOC, as well as the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to support NDP.
A video tracing DSTA’s contributions to NDP over the years was also shown. DSTA staff also reaffirmed their love and dedication to Singapore by reciting the National Pledge and singing the National Anthem.
A series of stage games and mass workout activities was also organised, allowing staff to get to know one another better amid much laughter. The celebrations continued with fringe activities which included charity booths set up by DSTA staff to raise funds for Community Chest.
In addition to celebrating Singapore’s birthday, NDOC was also an opportunity for staff to strengthen bonds with colleagues and make new friends. Engineer (Cybersecurity) Chan Jia Hui said: “I got to meet and interact with people from different Programme Centres, as well as the beneficiaries, which I found meaningful!”