The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) marks National Day in its 50th year as a Labour Movement with a tribute to the spirit of working people in Singapore. In an extension of National Day Parade (NDP) 2011’s theme, Majulah! The Singapore Spirit, the theme for Young NTUC Celebrates! National Day 2011 is Majulah! U & Me. Majulah! U and Me signifies the indefatigable spirit of the working people in Singapore as they stand, united as one - in the unshakeable bond the Labour Movement has built with each individual, membership community and tripartite partner – behind the growth and development of Singapore.
The significance of the theme becomes clear when taken in the context of the economy in the last two years. From rallying behind Singapore to “Upturn the Downturn”, to supporting our economic growth by becoming a “Cheaper Better Faster” economy, each working individual, membership community and tripartite partner has not faltered. As a result, our economy has performed well in 2011, despite the financial turmoil, with strong growth, strong job creation and low unemployment. The focus is now on building sustainable growth in real wages, creating more jobs and helping Singaporeans secure good employment opportunities. The Singapore worker’s spirit must once again come to the fore to make this better future a reality.
Tribute to Singapore and the Spirit of her working people
A 13,000-strong crowd of all collars, ages and nationalities is expected at the Padang this year, joining in a celebration that mirrors the Labour Movement’s support for the country – a programme line-up synchronised with National Day Parade 2011, featuring an exciting blend of pre-parade activities and signature events with ‘live’ screenings from the National Day Parade 2011.
Young NTUC is set to out-do its own record set in 2008 for the largest depiction of the Singapore flag this year. The flag will be formed through the efforts of all the celebrants at the Padang. They will be joined, for the first time, by over 30 Team Singapore athletes including Rainer Ng (swimming), Cherie Tan (bowling) and Lim Heem Wei (gymnastics). Together, they will signify how all NTUC’s stakeholders have, and will continue, to stand behind Singapore.
“The accomplishments and growth of Singapore would not have been possible without the unity of the working people behind it. Majulah! U & Me celebrates the individual spirit of the working people, and the spirit of unity among our stakeholders. This spirit has helped Singapore overcome crises time and again, a spirit that will continue to burn brightly as long as we stay united. One candle is easily blown out, but a Padang of candles can never be put out,” said Steve Tan, Executive Secretary, Young NTUC, who is leading his fifth Young NTUC Celebrates! National Day event this year.
To honour the spirit of working people in Singapore, a candle lighting ceremony will be held during the pledge moment. The strength of the 13,000-strong flame will make a difference to the night sky, and not a single flame will be out for long as it will be rekindled by those around them. This symbolises the spirit of the Singapore worker. A lone worker will find it hard to make a difference, but united as a Labour Movement behind Singapore, we can continue to support her.
NTUC is organising a range of activities in August to celebrate the nation’s 46th Birthday. From 4 August to 31 August, a series of 21 cluster-based, theme-based, and company-based National Day Observance Ceremonies will be conducted. It will also pledge its commitment to the Singapore spirit and to flying our flag with pride through its marching contingent’s participation in the main parade.
