Singapore turns 60 this year. And at SATS, we’re marching with pride alongside the country that’s home to more than 10,000 of our people.
This year, 45 SATS employees from across departments and generations are trading their Saturdays for parade rehearsals, coming together to represent the company.
Here are some of their stories.
Roy Nelson, Assistant Manager, Apron Services HSSE BP, Singapore Hub
At 34, Roy is no stranger to parades. He used to be in a military band and even started a drumline back in secondary school.
“I’ve always liked regimental discipline,” he says. “So when I heard one of our managers talk about his marching experience at NDP (National Day Parade) last year, I was encouraged to give it a go.”
As a first-time marcher, Roy didn’t expect the training to be so intense. He works as an Assistant Manager, Apron Services HSSE BP on weekdays. On Saturdays, he trains for the NDP. “Fifteen Saturdays, to be exact. That’s a lot,” he laughs. “I usually ride out with my Harley group on Saturdays. Now I tell them, ‘See you after 9 August!’”
Still, the experience has been meaningful. “I saw how we practise teamwork at SATS. It warms my heart to see how we look out for one another, reminding each other to march properly and stay hydrated and healthy.”
And what made all the missed Saturdays worth it? Giving his parents the complimentary NDP tickets he’s entitled to. “My mom is 63. She said she never thought she’d see the parade live. A bonus is that she saw me march! She’s so happy, I’ll never forget that.”
Teo Kay Miang (Vincent), Assistant Engineer, Engineering & Building Services, SATS Cargo
Kay Miang turns 60 this year, just like Singapore.
“It feels like the country and I were born together,” he says with a proud smile. “So this year’s parade feels extra special.”
An Assistant Engineer at SATS Cargo, Kay Miang is a second-time marcher and a familiar face to many. With 37 years at SATS, he’s now marching at the leading front, one of the first six who lead the contingent.
“Being in front means we have to do the marching perfectly,” he says. “We train harder because we set the pace for the rest. But I enjoy it. Honestly, I look forward to every Saturday.”
What keeps him coming back? “The friendships. The energy. Meeting colleagues from other departments. And the management supports us all the way.”
Muhammad Aldav Wirian Roesli, Trainee Ramp Officer, Apron Services
Aldav is 24 and the youngest member of the NDP60 SATS contingent. But this isn’t his first time on the NDP stage.
“I’ve participated in NDP before, once as a performer for the opening act and once as part of the marching contingent for another group,” Aldav shares.
Just a month into his role at SATS as a Trainee Ramp Officer, he saw the call for participants to the NDP and signed up right away. “I wanted to show that Gen Zs can step up too,” Aldav says. “We can represent the company and the country just like anyone else.”
Connecting with older contingent members took some effort. “At first, it was hard. But then I noticed they all love football,” he laughs. “So, I used that to start conversations. Suddenly we’re chatting and joking.”
One moment that stood out? Meeting the PCEO Kerry Mok. “He came down to visit, talked to us, and joked around. It was good to see our leaders are nice people.”
Rizwana Binte Johari, Baggage Support Supervisor, Apron Services & Zaidi Bin Sahat, Duty Manager, Customer Accounts, Passenger Services
Rizwana, 50, and her husband Zaidi, 54, are veterans of both SATS and the NDP.
"We first marched for SATS in 2010, then again last year, and now for SG60,” says Rizwana, Baggage Support Supervisor. “We’ve been doing this together for years. It has become our thing.”
In the contingent, they’ve naturally taken the role of “the group’s parents”, especially for the younger marchers. “We have kids their age. So we make an effort to reach out and start conversations. Before long, we’re joking around like family,” says Zaidi, Passenger Services Duty Manager.
For Rizwana, this year feels especially meaningful. "NDP60 sends a message that we as a nation, together with our families and the companies we work for, could progress through time,” Rizwana says.
And their most unforgettable moment? Their daughter, a schoolteacher, brought her students to watch one of the NDP previews. “She told her class, ‘That’s my mum and dad up there!’” And they couldn’t be prouder to march.
Daniel Loh, Assistant Manager, Industry Relations, Cargo Admin
As this year’s contingent commander, Daniel carries the responsibility of leading 44 colleagues on the parade ground.
“To me, it’s not about who’s in charge. It’s about doing this together,” he says humbly.
Daniel works in Industry Relations for SATS Cargo. He took part in last year’s parade and was asked to lead this year’s team.
“I know most of the team already. I’m a people person. I like to talk and connect. Engaging with people is important. That’s how you build trust.”
What's his impression of the team? “We love taking photos,” he laughs. “But that’s a good sign. It means everyone’s having fun.”
His cheerleaders? His kids. “When I told them I’d be leading the team this year, they said, ‘Daddy, do your best!’ That gave me even more reason to give this my all.”
Sharon Siew, Assistant Manager, Employee Relations, Human Capital
Sharon, Assistant Manager for Employee Relations (Human Capital), does not wear the NDP uniform or take part in formation drills like the rest of the contingent members. But she’s always in the chat group and rehearsals, making sure everything runs smoothly.
“It starts with wellness,” she explains. “Making sure everyone gets enough rest, that shifts are covered, that uniforms are comfortable, that all of them are fed and hydrated.”
Sharon’s proudest moment? “When you see everyone marching in sync, flags raised perfectly... it gives you goosebumps. That’s when you know all the team’s hard work paid off.”
And she’s quick to share credit with the team. “Gabby, Lana, Fareez, James—we’re a unit; our teamwork makes all this happen.”
Roy, Kay Miang, Aldav, Rizwana, Zaidi, Daniel, and Sharon—different roles, different backgrounds. Some lead from the front, others lift from behind. Some are seasoned, others are just starting out. But all of them show up every single Saturday with the same goal to represent, to honour, and to celebrate.
This year’s NDP60 SATS contingent reminds us that no matter where we come from, we all march forward together. For our team. For the SATS Group. For Singapore.
