Celebrating 59 Years of Singapore: A Day of Fun at the Istana
As Singapore gears up for its 59th birthday, the Istana opened its doors to over 12,200 visitors on July 28 for a vibrant pre-National Day celebration. From 8:30 am to 6 pm, families and friends flocked to enjoy live performances, engaging activities, and guided tours of the lush Istana grounds.
Spotlight on Young Talent: Lyla Ng
One of the standout moments came from 11-year-old Lyla Ng, a Primary Five student who has already made waves as one of Singapore’s youngest buskers. With her trusty guitar, Lyla kicked off her performance with the National Day Parade (NDP) 2021 theme song, “The Road Ahead.” She kept the crowd entertained for two hours, singing a delightful mix of popular English and Chinese songs, including “Nonsense” by Sabrina Carpenter and “Friends” by Wakin Chau.
Lyla expressed her gratitude for the chance to perform at such a prestigious venue, saying, “I’m very grateful.” While she felt excited, she also admitted to feeling a bit nervous. Her father, Eric Ng, a well-known local Mandarin pop songwriter and principal of The Songwriter Music College, praised her dedication. Despite the demands of school, Lyla commits an hour each day to practice, showcasing her passion and discipline.
More Musical Acts and Activities
The Istana open house wasn’t just about Lyla. Other musical acts included the Townsville Primary Handbells Ensemble, The River Valley High School Concert Band, and the Nan Hua High School Choir. The choir, made up of over 40 students, captivated the audience with their performances of “Home” in both English and Mandarin, along with this year’s NDP theme song, “Not Alone,” which encouraged everyone to join in with simple choreography.
Visitors also enjoyed various activities, such as floor curling, bean bag toss, and design workshops for kebaya and kerongsang. The Bedok Green Primary School Malay Dance group impressed everyone with their graceful moves against the stunning backdrop of the Istana.
Exploring the Istana: A Last Chance Before Restoration
As the main building of the Istana prepares for significant restoration in late 2024, many visitors took the opportunity to explore this iconic landmark. Some opted for guided tours led by volunteers from the National Heritage Board (NHB), while others chose to wander the first floor at their own pace.
During one tour, disappointment was felt when it was revealed that the Presidential Standard—a red flag with a white crescent moon and five stars—was not raised, as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was away in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Many visitors had hoped to catch a glimpse of the President during their visit.
For families like the Cheong family, this open house may have been the last chance to see the Istana’s main building before the restoration begins. The eldest son, aged 12, expressed his disappointment about the building closing soon, noting it was the main attraction. They were thrilled to see the interior for the first time, describing it as grand and filled with fascinating artefacts from around the world. “We’re glad we decided to queue for the tour today; our next chance might be in three to four years,” they said.
Creating Opportunities for Young Talents
Events like the Istana open house provide a fantastic platform for young talents like Lyla Ng to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. But how can we create more opportunities for budding performers?
Organising talent showcases, open mic nights, or competitions can give young talents a chance to shine. Partnering with local community centres, schools, or arts organisations can also create spaces for these performers to showcase their abilities.
Additionally, leveraging social media and online platforms can help reach a wider audience and promote these performances.
Supporting Young Artists in Their Journey
To help young talents like Lyla advance their skills and careers, providing mentorship programs, workshops, and training sessions is essential. Learning from experienced professionals can significantly enhance their abilities.
Networking opportunities and collaborations with other performers can also help them expand their reach within the industry. Moreover, creating avenues for performances at local events, festivals, or venues can give these young stars the exposure they need to grow their careers.
For more information on how to support young talents in Singapore, visit National Heritage Board and explore the various initiatives available.
This celebration of Singapore’s birthday not only highlighted our rich culture but also showcased the incredible talent of our youth, reminding us of the bright future ahead.