CEO MANAGEMENT
putting on a
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The National Day Parade is a journey, not an event, says NDP Executive Committee Chairman, Colonel Desmond Tan. By MELODY TAN
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olonel Desmond Tan, 42, is a man used to big responsibilities, having chaired the National Day Parade Show Committee in 2009. This year, he is leading the annual celebration’s Executive Committee (NDP EXCO), which was formed in September last year. Of his experience as NDP Show Chairman, Colonel Tan says, “It was hard work and stressful at times, but when I look back, the memories and experience were invaluable and made all our efforts worthwhile.” He acknowledged the months of hard work his team contributed, as well as the parade participants themselves who spent “countless hours in the sun and rain during rehearsals”. “My experience as the 2009 Show Chairman helped me better understand the challenges in creating and directing the parade this year. It also taught me that the NDP is larger than any single person,” says the father of three, who joined the Singapore Armed Forces in 1989.
Celebrating the nation Colonel Tan promises an exciting display this year, as Singapore turns 47.
also join the team soon. It is my dream to play in the same team with my two boys someday,” says the father of Immanuel, 14; Kieron, 11; and daughter Kyra, five months.
National values The family-‐oriented Colonel considers his children and marriage of 15 years to be his greatest achievement in life. Naturally, he is proud that his sons get to take part in the NDP celebrations through the NE shows, which is a series of shows for all Primary 5 students. Immanuel attended his first NE show in 2009, while this year marks Kieron’s turn to watch the show. For Colonel Tan, the best part of NDP is not the riotous fireworks or the meticulously coordinated dance segments, but the simple, heartfelt ceremony of the National Anthem and the Pledge. “It is something very special, when the whole nation reflects on our common identity and everyone is filled with a sense of belonging to Singapore. As we celebrate our nation’s 47th birthday, I hope that Singaporeans will reflect on how much we have accomplished and feel proud of what we have achieved as a nation.”
Jul-Sep 17
PHOTO: Ministry of Defence
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IT IS MY DREAM TO PLAY IN THE SAME TEAM WITH MY TWO BOYS SOMEDAY.
Under his leadership, the NDP EXCO is all geared up to ensure the smooth execution of everything from the National Education (NE) and preview shows to the main event on 9 August. He says, “The NDP EXCO handles a wide scope of tasks — from coming up with the theme and concept for NDP, planning and designing the different elements and aspects of the celebrations, as well as approving and integrating all the support plans. “But it’s not just our efforts that will make NDP a success — we also have 14,000-‐odd participants who are putting in a tremendous amount of effort to put together the celebrations for all Singaporeans.” When he’s not busy with the NDP, Colonel Tan keeps fit and relaxes by running. “As a soldier, I make it a point to run at least three times a week, doing either interval training or endurance runs of up to 10km,” he says. “I also do a variety of strengthening and conditioning exercises that include crunches, push-‐ups and sit-‐ups.” On Sundays, he plays football with his group of kakis, whom he has known for over 20 years “My sons are growing up, and will