How Two Singaporeans Power The NDP Moment That Gives Us Goosebumps
Singapore turns 60 on 9 Aug 2025, and this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) promises all the fireworks, flypasts, and formation marching we’ve come to expect. But beyond the spectacle at the Padang are everyday Singaporeans putting in the quiet, unseen work to make the moment magic.
IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO
One of the most iconic sights? The massive red-and-white State Flag being flown across the city by a CH-47F Heavy Lift helicopter aka Chinook – a twin-rotor helicopter designed to lift heavy cargo, troops, and, in this case, national pride. Flanked by Apaches and waving like a giant birthday banner, it slices across the Marina Bay skyline with precision, timing, and no small amount of nerves.
Behind that flawless execution? A tight-knit RSAF team that includes Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Tan Guan Yong, the pilot leading this year’s State Flag Flypast, and Corporal (CPL) (NS) Colin Quek, a reservist who helps prep and rig the 1,500kg flag before it’s lifted into the air.
This will be the first time LTC Guan Yong will be directly involved in NDP. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN
LTC Guan Yong conducting checks on the CH-47 Heavy Lift helicopter. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO
“It’s an honour I’ll always remember”
As a helicopter pilot in the RSAF for almost 20 years, LTC Guan Yong has flown all kinds of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to medical evacuations. But flying the national flag on Singapore’s 60th birthday hits different.
“It’s actually my first time flying the State Flag for NDP,” says the 39-year-old from 126 Squadron, who’s also the State Flag Flypast Lead this year. “We’ve done underslung loads before, but this is different. The flag’s close to 1,500kg, and it’s massive – about one and a half times the size of a basketball court.”
It’s not just about the weight. It’s the precision. The moment. The collective gaze of the nation.
That’s the breathtaking view of the Padang from the Chinook. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO
“We’re all very kan cheong, every time,” he laughs. “A lot of effort goes into folding and prepping the flag. If it doesn’t open properly, or there’s a tear or stain, we have to abort and pick up another one.”
Still, the pressure’s worth it. “Flying into the Marina Bay area with the Singapore skyline in front of you, carrying the Singapore flag – it’s an honour I’ll always remember.”
AI product manager CPL (NS) Colin is proud to be “part of something larger than myself”. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN
Prepping the flag, lifting the team
Before LTC Guan Yong can fly the flag, it has to be prepped and secured, and that’s where CPL (NS) Colin Quek and the rest of the State Flag Party Crew come in.
By day, Colin works at ByteDance as an AI product manager, “building more AI for society”. In uniform for NDP 2025, he’s part of 127 Squadron, ensuring the flag is rigged to the Chinook exactly as it should be, with safety, accuracy, and teamwork in mind.
“In the RSAF, we emphasise a lot on team excellence,” says the 27-year-old. “That mindset transfers to the workplace too – working with engineers, strategy, business teams. You need everyone aligned.”
His industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing space, which is why Colin values something NS taught him: consistency.
“It’s one of those underrated skills,” he says. “In the RSAF, you follow procedures for a reason. They help you succeed. I apply that mindset everywhere, even in university and now at work.”
LTC Guan Yong enjoys spending his free time with his wife. | IMAGE: LTC TAN GUAN YONG
Exercising, racquet sports and hitting the gym is how CPL (NS) Colin decompresses. | IMAGE: CPL (NS) COLIN QUEK
Clock out, work out, steamboat
When they’re not in uniform, both men keep things grounded.
CPL (NS) Colin hits the gym and plays squash weekly with former schoolmates. “We play a few games, then catch up on life,” he says.
LTC Guan Yong likes keeping fit too, but you’re more likely to find him chilling over a meal with his wife. And this 9 Aug? While he’ll be in the cockpit flying the nation’s flag, his family will be back home doing what they’ve always done: watching the Parade over steamboat.
“Usually, the family will gather and watch from home,” he says. “It’s a kind of bonding session!”
Let’s just say: while everyone’s eyes will be on that flag mid-flight, you can bet someone at home will be keeping close watch on the sliced meat and fishballs, too.
On 9 Aug, here's where you can catch the State Flag as it makes its way through Singapore's heartlands. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO
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