Boats, Bros, And Big Birthday Vibes: NDP’s Mobile Column Hits The Bay

Marina Bay is no stranger to fireworks, flypasts and fanfare – but this year, in celebration of Singapore’s 60 years of independence (SG60), history will be made.

For the first time ever, Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP) will feature a maritime display as part of the Mobile Column – and yes, that means “live” vessels on water, not just a fleet on wheels at the Padang.

This year’s Mobile Column – last seen at the Padang in 2019 for Singapore’s bicentennial celebrations – is getting a celebratory makeover. For the first time in NDP history, it won’t just roll down St Andrew’s Road with a convoy of land-based hardware. It’ll also rise into the sky and glide across water.

To bring the Mobile Column closer to spectators, selected assets will enter the Padang show stage during the drive-past. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

For the first time, 22 aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force will perform an aerial flypast integrated with the Mobile Column. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO

At Marina Bay, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Combatant Craft Medium (left) and Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (right) will feature in a maritime display, as part of the Mobile Column. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO

The new integrated segment will see an aerial flypast above the Padang and a maritime display at Marina Bay, as part of an ambitious show of unity and strength across air, land and sea.

Under the theme “Our Strength, Our People, Our Future”, the Mobile Column will showcase over 170 assets and more than 800 participants from the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It’s all about celebrating six decades of building Singapore’s defence and security – and the everyday heroes who make it happen.

We go behind the scenes to talk to four individuals who are part of the maritime component of this historic display – and find stories of grit, pride, family and a shared love for the sea.

Balancing chaos with calm: Lieutenant Colonel James Ong leads the coordination of this year's maritime display, all while juggling dad duties and weekly rehearsals. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

Making waves at Marina Bay

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) James Ong, 39, is no stranger to a big show. He was involved in NDP 2015, when Singapore celebrated SG50. This year, as Deputy Chairman of the NDP 2025 Naval Participation Committee, he helped coordinate the maritime display – a complex operation that required some serious creative thinking.

“With the expansion of the show canvas to include the Marina Bay, the Navy decided that it was a good opportunity to showcase vessels ‘live’ in the Marina Bay, in their natural element – on the water,” he says.

But planning wasn’t as straightforward as floating a few ships into position.

“The biggest challenge was probably the fact that Marina Bay is separated from the sea by the Marina Barrage,” says LTC James. “Any vessels that come in to participate in the show have to be hoisted in via the Marina Barrage hoist, which itself imposes dimension and weight limitations. This precludes the participation of bigger navy vessels like the frigates.”

The first-ever maritime display in the Mobile Column will also feature vessels from the Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. | IMAGE: NDP 2025 EXCO

Instead, the team got resourceful – and collaborative.

“When we decided we wanted to showcase the Whole-of-Government collaboration in maritime security operations, we worked with the respective agencies to identify the specific assets that fit within the hoist limitations while being representative of the roles that they play in daily operations.”

Among the naval showstoppers? The Combatant Craft Medium – a high-speed inflatable boat operated by the elite Naval Diving Unit, which we experienced a heart-stopping moment in – and the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel, a crewless surveillance powerhouse that can operate for over 36 hours straight.

Coordinating all of this across multiple agencies is no small feat. “Since rehearsals started in May, it does occupy the mind quite a lot,” says LTC James with a laugh. “The natural NDP battle rhythm begins each week on Wednesday with a coordination conference… and on Saturday, the execution of the rehearsals before an after-action review on Monday – and the cycle just repeats.”

Despite the long hours, he finds balance. “I spend all my free time with my family – hanging out with my wife and playing with my daughter, who is five,” he says. “My wife and I will gym together, take meals together… and the bulk of my time with my daughter is just getting her to do some enrichment work, reading to her and putting her to bed every night.”

Singapore turns 60 this year. What about LTC James at 60? “I hope that I’ll be as vibrant as Singapore is today!”

Sergeant 3 Alfie Khairagus Bin Abdul Malek’s cool head under pressure makes him a vital part of SCDF’s marine force. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

Responding fast, staying grounded

In a crisis at sea, Sergeant 3 (SGT3) Alfie Khairagus Bin Abdul Malek, 45, is the guy you want on board. He’s an engine operator and emergency medical technician on the Rapid Response Fire Vessel (RFV) – White Swordfish, part of SCDF’s marine division.

“It’s important that the public is aware that SCDF does have a marine sector,” he says. “We can showcase to the public that we have capabilities of fighting fires on vessels as well as dealing with chemical spills and carrying out rescue operations at sea.”

It’s his first time participating in the NDP – and he’s soaking it in. “Very proud! It’s also very humbling taking part in this event with other agencies as well.”

He’s also keeping one detail hush-hush. “My family knows that I’m a part of this SG60 NDP display, but what they do not know is that I am being interviewed – it’ll be a surprise for my kids!”

Asked how he keeps calm in high-pressure situations, SGT3 Alfie points to experience. “You learn how to develop a certain calmness and to keep your mind focused so that you can actually perform your duties.”

It’s a mindset that comes in handy in real life too. “If I’m faced with a situation where somebody is in need of help, especially if they are injured or faced with any medical situation, I can offer assistance.”

When he’s off-duty, you’ll find him working out, gaming or parenting. “I bring my three kids out. I let them play at the playground or just bring them to the beach.”

His wish for when he's 60? “Hopefully, I can still contribute to the public, maybe assist SCDF in training, impart my knowledge to the young ones, future generations.”

Five kids, one patrol craft, and a proud moment on the big screen – Senior Port Inspector Muhamad Shahlihin Bin Said represents MPA in his first-ever NDP. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

Duty and "dad mode"

Senior Port Inspector Muhamad Shahlihin Bin Said aka Shah, 37, wears many hats. At work, he enforces maritime regulations aboard MPA's next-gen patrol craft. At home, he’s a father of five kids aged 2 to 14.

“Participating in this year’s maritime display mobile column for the first time is a truly special experience for me,” he says. “I feel incredibly honoured and proud to represent MPA on our nation’s birthday, and it’s a meaningful opportunity celebrating our national spirit and unity.”

There’s a buzz at home too – especially from his Primary 5 daughter, who attended one of the National Education shows.

“She’s informed all her friends and her classmates that she will be seeing her father on the big screen,” he says with a smile.

His hope? That this NDP helps his children finally understand what he does. “Actually, my kids still don’t know what I do,” he laughs. “So this is a great opportunity for them to see what their dad does.”

Port Inspector Shah says the skills he’s honed on the job – especially situational awareness – translate easily to home life. “When I go out with family, I need to look out for the safety,” he says. “Once one starts running, then everyone will start running!”

Representing SPF, Inspector Sean Quek wants to show that SPF's patrol craft packs some serious punch. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

On the water, with heart

For Inspector Sean Quek, 47, this year’s parade is a proud second act.

“Last year, we were involved in the Total Defence 40 Dynamic Defence Display – we intercepted a ‘terrorist’ vessel,” says the seasoned boat coxswain from the Singapore Police Force’s Police Coast Guard. “This year, it’s a display of our 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft to show the public we have this small craft which is fast enough to intercept speedboats.”

In fact, his high-speed patrol craft can reach over 50 knots – about 93km/h on water. For this NDP, however, he’ll be showcasing it at a more sedate pace. “This year, I am the captain who will be steering the boat to showcase it to our fellow Singaporeans, so that they can better see the patrol craft at a slower speed.”

And how does all that seafaring sharpen his everyday senses? “Hand-eye coordination! Our powers of observation are very important,” he says, laughing.

When he’s not working, Inspector Quek is still drawn to the waves. “I love the sea,” he says, not missing a beat. “So, in my free time, apart from spending time with my family, I’ll take some time off with my friends, colleagues, and we’ll go out fishing.”

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