It all started off as a casual chat with the commander of the NTUC National Day Parade (NDP) 2017 contingent. The topic then got serious when Mr Thuvinder Singh was approached in October last year to consider leading the NDP contingent for the Labour Movement this year.
The general secretary of the Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore (UTES) and an NTUC Central Committee member, 49-year-old Mr Thuvinder Singh will be looking forward to something extra this year.
He will lead the 42-strong NTUC contingent, marching past Singapore’s President, Madam Halimah Yacob. The President was also formerly from the Labour Movement.
We caught up with Mr Thuvinder Singh to find out how the experience has been so far.
Tell us about the training sessions so far.
Thuvinder: In my first few training sessions, I realised many of the contingent members had been marching for years. That actually motivated me even more to be part of the team. It has certainly given me the “kick” to do it and make it happen. My National Service experience has also helped in the marching drills. I was in the First Singapore Infantry Regiment (1SIR) and then with the Regimental Police. About 10 of us are first-timers, including myself. The team has blended very well. One of them has been marching for 39 years while the rest have been in the NTUC contingent for three to eight years.
What is involved in the training?
We started training at the Nee Soon Camp. It has been challenging as the weather can be so unpredictable. The participants come from 20 different unions and different walks of life. Our trainer, Master Warrant N Nagarajah has been very patient. He and his team have been very encouraging and they are doing their best to make us as perfect as possible.
How does it feel like to perform in front of a crowd during rehearsals?
The spectators started coming in from 30 June 2018 and the beauty was when we came out as a team that day, the atmosphere and feeling was totally different. You get motivated and inspired when you march past the spectators.
Share with us some of your personal thoughts on this experience.
Leading the team has been an honour for me. When I was first approached, I was a bit hesitant to take up the role because as union leaders, we are tied up with events. It would not have been very nice if I could have only attended 50 per cent of the training. But now as we enter the important phases of the NDP, I am inspired to give my best. My family has been very supportive. My wife and children are proud to see me leading the team. I have been watching the parade every year, I have never missed it but I never ever thought I would lead a team one day.
