Megan Chua, 11, was all smiles at Saturday's National Day Parade rehearsal, which she got to watch along with 15,600 Primary 5 pupils.

But the pupil from Raffles Girls' Primary, had double reason to be proud, as her father, Colonel David Chua, 39, was the man in charge of the show segment, overseeing 4,500 performers in the nation's biggest song and dance performance.

"I have been telling all my friends that my father is in charge of this show," said Megan.

Rehearsals for the Aug 9 show began in April and Col Chua has been coming home as late as 3am. "I hardly see him and miss him," said Megan. "But the show is fantastic. I know it is worth the effort."