On Singapore’s 59th birthday, NTUC brought the nation’s youth to the forefront of celebrations with its NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations at the Promontory @ Marina Bay.
The event, which was held on 9 August 2024, marked NTUC’s first large-scale National Day celebration in nearly a decade. It embodied the theme “Celebrate SG Youth.”
One of the event’s most meaningful moments was the “In a Heartbeat” segment. Attendees donned LED wristbands that pulsed in unison, creating a mesmerising visual representation of Singaporean solidarity.
This powerful display, set to a stirring rendition of Home performed by singer-songwriter Shye, The Jazzlings, and DJ Red, perfectly encapsulated the overall NDP 2024 theme, “Together, As One United People.”
The celebrations featured a range of interactive installations designed to engage youth and foster a sense of community.
The “Ties That Bind” installation allowed participants to express their hopes for Singapore’s future, while the “Friendship Bracelets” activity encouraged connections among attendees.
A special photo booth and “Memory Lane” installation captured the day’s experiences, symbolising the strength and unity of Singaporeans.
Throughout the event, the crowd was entertained by dynamic performances from a diverse lineup of homegrown artists.
Iman Fandi, Yung Raja, and 53A were among the talents that took to the stage, showcasing the vibrancy of Singapore’s youth-driven arts scene.
The Bay Celebrations served as a platform to highlight NTUC’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment.
Central to this commitment is the NTUC Starter Membership, a programme designed to support young Singaporeans aged 18-25 transitioning from education to the workforce.
The Starter Membership offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of young adults, including career mentorship programmes, skills upgrading credits, and financial literacy workshops.
Young NTUC Executive Secretary and NTUC Bay Celebrations Organising Committee Co-Chairperson Natasha Choy emphasised the event’s significance: “We are delighted to see so many fellow Singaporeans joining us to celebrate this special day together, with a focus on our youths.
“NTUC remains committed to demonstrating our care for young people and co-creating a future where #EveryYouthMatters.”
Despite a sudden downpour that drenched the celebrations, the spirits of the attendees remained undampened.
Singaporeans showed their resilience and enthusiasm, proving they didn’t mind a little rain on their parade. The unexpected showers added extra excitement to the event, with many seeing it as a refreshing addition to the day’s festivities.
The rain-soaked celebration became a testament to the unwavering spirit of unity that the event aimed to foster.
