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09 Aug 2025
As Singapore marked its 60th year of independence, DSTA’s people worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the months prior to deliver a memorable National Day Parade (NDP) to the nation. Every year, specialised teams provide support in different domains, each playing an essential role in bringing the parade to life.
Senior Engineer (Building and Infrastructure) Lee Choon Keat (centre), Co-chairman of the Infrastructure and
Decorations Committee conducting safety checks below the seating galleries with his team members.
The Infrastructure and Decoration Committee took the lead in designing a parade environment that was both visually striking and structurally robust. From preparation to construction, they oversaw every detail of the seating galleries, performance area, and the lighting, sound, and LED towers. This year’s centrepiece, a circular mobile stage, was engineered to glide seamlessly across the parade grounds, allowing performers and props to move dynamically and bringing the action closer to the audience. Every element, from the stage’s smooth rotation to its stability under load, was meticulously planned to ensure both spectacle and safety.
“We also wanted to bring the mobile column close to the audience to deliver greater views and more excitement, and therefore specially laid steel plates under the Padang performance area to support the weight of the heavy vehicles. Seeing efforts like these come to fruition and the audience enjoying the show really gave the team a strong sense of satisfaction,” said Senior Engineer (Building and Infrastructure) Lee Choon Keat, Co-chairman of the Infrastructure and Decoration Committee.
Programme Manager Pui Pang Yong (right), Chairman of the PA and Sound Committee and his members in
the sound control room prior to NDP.
The PA and Sound Committee worked together to orchestrate an immersive audio experience. From the rousing music and crisp speeches to the precise timing of announcements, they ensured flawless sound quality across the entire venue, so that every note, word, and cheer resonated clearly with the audience.
Senior Engineer (Land Systems) Lim Shi Yu (left) and Senior Engineer (Land Systems) Wong Kong Len of
the Fireworks Safety Committee doing their safety checks onsite.
As the night sky embraced the SG60 celebrations, synchronised bursts of fireworks from the parade grounds as well as nearby buildings painted the skyline, leaving the nation in awe. Behind the breathtaking display is the Fireworks Committee, who ensured that the Bay area shone as a stage of light and colour, while ensuring utmost safety. Every safety distance was meticulously measured and every firing point was carefully prepared in order to deliver a breathtaking 360-degree spectacle.
The Power Support Committee ensures the steady transmission of power throughout the parade.
The Power Support Committee comprising of DSTA and RSAF’s Air Engineering & Logistics Department worked tirelessly to ensure a robust and resilient power supply to keep the entire parade running flawlessly. From dazzling light displays to crystal-clear sound and dynamic stage effects, their work powered the heart of the celebrations.
“On top of using conventional diesel generators to power NDP, we have employed sustainability efforts such as using solar panels and battery energy storages to power up certain infrastructures during the parade,” informed Senior Engineer (Building and Infrastructure) Ng Etek.
The Procurement Committee sourced for a large variety of items and services, contributing to an eye-catching NDP.
The Procurement Committee was responsible for sourcing a vast array of items for the parade, from costumes and props to massive screens and core infrastructure. Behind the scenes, they also ensured that the items and services procured met the three principles of government procurement —transparency, value for money, and open and fair competition.
Assistant Manager (Procurement) Rachel Koa shared: “Each of us in the committee worked on procuring different components, and seeing the integration of everybody’s work in bringing the NDP to life is exceptionally meaningful."
Senior Engineer (Land Systems) Lim Yi (centre) with members of the Integrated Operations Centre Committee who deployed
LiDAR sensors and robot patrols to monitor the crowd count and density, enhancing crowd control and management during NDP.
DSTA's Integrated Operations Centre acted as the central nerve hub for NDP 2025, enabling real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination across multiple venues this year.
The Integrated Operations Centre Committee collaborated with the SAF to determine broadcasted messages
from the robot dog guide at NDP 2025.
As part of the SG60 celebrations, the team piloted and deployed robot dogs at the queue pens to facilitate smooth entry into the Padang as well as engage with the public. They quickly became crowd favourites with the parade-goers!
The team also utilised TITA, a wheeled robot patrol to monitor activity amidst the vehicle park where the mobile column was kept in preparation for the parade. In addition, the committee deployed separate advanced situational awareness tools powered by LiDAR sensors, enabling precise real-time monitoring of the parade grounds, crowd movement, equipment status, and live show cues across the Padang and Marina Bay. The system’s ability to process data without GPS or cloud reliance meant the team could respond quickly and effectively to any issues, ensuring the parade remained safe and smooth-sailing.
DSTA Chief Executive (CE) Ng Chad-Son and senior management with staff supporting NDP.