NDP 2026: Faces of the parade

Wushu instructor proud to see his children take the stage

Wushu instructor Eric Wan, 40, has been involved in the National Day Parade since 2009 as a performer and choreographer. But the 2026 parade was extra special, as his children – Titus, 11, and Tessa, eight – were part of the show that he helped to choreograph.

They performed a wushu routine during Chapter 2 of the show, accompanied by music played by the Singapore Armed Forces

Titus performed at the NDP for the second time, while this was Tessa’s NDP debut.

His wife, Shu Yan, 36, who also practises wushu, supported her family by taking them to and from rehearsals.

With about 60 child and young adult performers in his segment, Eric said the biggest challenge in planning the performance was adapting the movements to everyone’s abilities and coordinating the performers’ schedules.

Said Eric: “It’s been a fun experience for my children because they always come back from rehearsal with a smile on their faces. It’s definitely something for them to remember.

“As a father, it’s definitely a big moment for me, where I can stand (backstage) and say, ‘Those are my children performing.’”

Smooth on the dance floor, chic in pre-loved clothes

Moments after singer Jasmine Sokko’s aerial performance, a group of dancers in striking costumes – among them 25-year-old Shahizman Sulaiman – burst onto the stage, moving with flair. 

The professional choreographer joined six diverse performers, including a bharatanatyam artiste, dancers with autism and Down syndrome, and children. 

“I witnessed the dancers with autism and Down syndrome explore many different drafts of dynamic movements with overflowing passion. It was touching to see that their passion outweighed their physical challenges,” he said. 

Shahizman – who specialises in both contemporary and street genres – recently represented Singapore in a Southern California dance competition, and in 2025, emerged champion at a choreography-focused contest in Jakarta. 

Outside the dance studio, he enjoys putting together trendy outfits from his thrift collection amassed from community events and trips abroad.

“Thrifting, to me, is about pushing your creative eye and imagination by being slightly bolder, to shape your identity and build confidence,” he said.

Powerlifting para-athlete who runs a dessert parlour

As the owner of dessert parlour Rollney, S. Narresh Babu enjoys being able to lift people’s spirits and provide the perfect ending to a good meal.

“I feel desserts have a special ability to make people happy, regardless of age,” said the 34-year-old, who spends the bulk of his days meeting clients to explore new business opportunities, running daily operations, and developing new flavours and promotions.

But it’s not just the sweet treats that keep him going – he loves a challenge, too. The powerlifting para-athlete finds time in his busy schedule to train daily, and is part of the Singapore Disability Sports Council’s para powerlifting development programme.

“Going to the gym and lifting weights has always been an important part of my lifestyle,” said Narresh, who can lift 110kg and is working towards competing at a higher level.

He was part of the council’s first marching contingent to participate in the NDP.

“As a proud Singaporean, there is something incredible about seeing the whole nation come together and share the same sense of pride and belonging.”

Flippa ball lover in real life, football player on stage

Hanim Rawi, 60, went from practising senior-friendly water polo every Tuesday to taking to the biggest national stage on Aug 9 playing a football player of yesteryear.

She was part of the People’s Association contingent featured in Chapter 4 of the parade, which journeyed through time to pay tribute to former athletes, television personalities and iconic songs. 

Hanim has performed at every Chingay Parade since 2013, but took part in the NDP for the first time after she took a sabbatical from work in 2025 and had more time on her hands. 

The break allowed the former executive officer at Yayasan MENDAKI to focus on her well-being, pick up sports and focus more on her role as a grassroots leader in Yio Chu Kang.

Since July 2025, Hanim has been a member of the famed Ah Ma flippa ball team, joining players as old as 86 in a simplified version of water polo at Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex. 

She also became a Silver Generation ambassador, checking in on the elderly in her neighbourhood to watch for signs of abuse or undetected dementia. 

“When you become older, you begin to wonder, if you live alone at home and you pass away suddenly,” Hanim said. “With the ambassadors, at least you know no elders are left alone.”

NDP choir singer is a nurse and armed forces volunteer

On Aug 9, Han Meiyu was part of the People’s Choir that performed alongside Iman Fandi and Gareth Fernandez, who sang two of the NDP 2026 original songs.

In celebration of Singapore’s 61st birthday, the choir was made up of 61 people, aged nine to 80, from all walks of life.

Describing the experience as heartwarming, Han said she enjoyed interacting with the other members of the choir, which included people with disabilities.

“It’s a very diverse group, and I really enjoyed how they put all of us together in this performance. The young children really brought the energy during our rehearsals.”

The 36-year-old nurse is also part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), and said she volunteered to be part of NDP 2026 as she had enjoyed marching with the SAFVC during the 2025 parade.

“I really enjoyed watching the NE show at the National Stadium as a Primary 5 pupil, so every year, I’ll try to find ways to participate (in the NDP),” she said.