60 years of independence is certainly a cause for celebration, one that Singapore and Singaporeans look forward to as National Day draws closer once again. Marking how far the nation has come, and a reminder to look ahead with hope and unity, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) is bigger than ever before, and calls on all Singaporeans with the rallying cry of ‘Majulah Singapura!’ This year’s parade is helmed by creative director and filmmaker Boo Junfeng, his third NDP Show now, alongside the efforts of the National Day Parade 2025 Executive Committee, and promises a spectacle made possible by over 39 artistes and 3,000 performers.

A key figure working tirelessly behind the scenes however, is none other than Benjamin Tan, the Creative Producer of NDP 2025. Returning to the role after a two year break, Benjamin speaks about the journey the team has gone through to make the show happen year after year, and what he looks forward to in this year’s edition.

“The shows we did during COVID and the years after were very taxing, so after wrapping up 2022’s show, I knew I needed to take a step back,” says Benjamin, on the break. “Coming back now has been refreshing. The team feels re-energised, and we’re pushing boundaries in ways we haven’t before.”

This year, the boundaries extend far beyond the Padang. NDP 2025 reaches into Marina Bay in an unprecedented way, turning the area into a living, breathing festival of shared stories, visual spectacle and communal energy. The show, which takes place across four acts, presents a forward-looking narrative, that evokes belonging, unity and hope among Singaporeans. The performances promise to be inclusive, with intergenerational stories told through film and some of the nation’s favourite songs over the years brought to life in refreshing ways.

“This year is bigger because we’re extending the show to the Marina Bay. In the past, there were attempts to use the Bay, maybe with a float going by. But this is different because it’s integrated and very cohesive,” says Benjamin. “We planned speaker placements, LED screens, and brought in partners to anchor each site. It really feels like a full-on NDP festival. Being out there, feeling the city skyline around you and the buzz of the people makes for a very visceral experience.”

It’s not just scale that defines this year’s NDP, but also the amount of heart. This is encapsulated in Here We Are, the NDP 2025 theme song co-written by Charlie Lim and Chok Kerong and performed by Charlie Lim, Kit Chan and The Island Voices, is a deeply personal anthem. Its music video, directed by He Shuming, weaves together scenes of care, resilience and joy, echoing the stories Benjamin and his team are telling on stage.

“When I hear the song, I think of it as both an acknowledgment of how far we’ve come, and a look forward to where we can go. There’s a line that goes, ‘to be seen, heard and known… our differences will make us whole.’ That really resonates with me,” says Benjamin. “This year, throughout the show, we’re also using placards held by the performers and audience, each one reflecting individual hopes and aspirations for Singapore. Every voice is a story, and I find it a simple gesture that is so powerful.”

For Benjamin, the theme of inclusivity is also incredibly important at this year’s NDP. He elaborates on how one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the parade will come in Act 2: “Our Future, Our Aspirations”, where eight unique floats designed by talented artists with disabilities will be featured, alongside performers from autism-focused school Pathlight Singapore, as well as eight dancers from Diverse Abilities Dance Collective of Maya Dance Theatre.

“We’ve never done this before. At first, we thought of having just one or two individuals. But then we asked, what would their experience be like if they’re alone? Would it feel alienating? So we made the decision to form a full crew,” says Benjamin. “There were concerns, especially from performers’ parents who worried how the public would respond. But so far, it’s been comforting to see the audience at the Padang and at the Bay really touched by their performance. It shows that we can include people from all walks of life. I think that’s the way forward.”

As a Creative Producer, Benjamin’s role involves assisting the creative director to formulate the ideas, explore new possibilities, coordinating logistics and ensuring the team is moving towards the same direction. “NDP has never been about the efforts of one individual person; it’s a team effort through and through. And acknowledging everyone’s contributions, especially after months of heavy lifting, is part of how we show care and gratitude. And through that, everyone shares their support and encouragement. And I think that’s how we should run an NDP production.”

“NDP has never been about the efforts of one individual person; it’s a team effort through and through. And acknowledging everyone’s contributions, especially after months of heavy lifting, is part of how we show care and gratitude. And through that, everyone shares their support and encouragement. And I think that’s how we should run an NDP production.”

Benjamin thinks about how far he’s come, recalling some of his more memorable NDPs he remembers watching in his younger years. “I think I’ll always remember the one in 2002, where they launched the fun dance,” says Benjamin. “I was in secondary school and I remember learning the song and the dance and really enjoying myself. That, alongside Stephanie Sun releasing her fifth album and that particular edition promoting it. I’m not really a singer, but up till today, if I ever do karaoke, I’ll still wind up singing songs from that album.”

Looking back on his own journey of his arrival to this national stage didn’t follow a conventional path. He started out as a dancer in junior college, took on leadership and creative roles in university, and eventually found himself producing live shows. “All that really started to give me the confidence that I could pull things together and make things happen, and it eventually became my career. But I never thought I’d end up doing NDP one day,” he says. “But then I met Dick Lee, who became my mentor, and that opened the door to national-level productions, and here I am.”

That sense of awe and responsibility hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown stronger with the years. Balancing emotional resonance with audience expectations is never easy, and even more so in a milestone year like SG60. But Benjamin believes in this year’s creative vision, one that’s bold enough to innovate but grounded enough to unite. “Every NDP, we’re faced with the same challenge: how do you give people something new while holding on to what feels familiar?” he says. “The expectations are high, especially for SG60. But our team is seasoned, and we’ve worked together before. There’s a trust there. At the end of the day, if it resonates with the people, that’s what matters.”

“There’s the sense of change in the air. We feel like we could really do something different this year as we chart a new path. And even though we knew it was going to be difficult, we couldn’t let go of the opportunity to come back together and create something meaningful,” he adds. “And this team, I call them my NDP family. This is where all the action happens. You’ll see people stocking the pantry, double-checking plans for tomorrow’s show. This is home.”

As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, the show reminds us: Majulah Singapura is more than just the song we recite each morning. It’s a call to see one another, to listen, to belong, and to remind each other we are here, here we are, together. “NDP is different from anything else I’ve done. Suddenly I’m not just a service provider, I’m shaping how Singaporeans feel about their country. That gives the job a lot more meaning,” he says. “I hope people come away from the show feeling seen, heard, and hopeful about the future. I hope they feel like their story matters.”

The National Day Parade airs on live TV on 9th August 2025. More information available here