NDP 2026: A nostalgic journey from Orang Laut heritage to Phua Chu Kang
As the National Stadium's lights dimmed, Orang Laut singer Asnida Daud took center stage, delivering a stirring performance. The song "Aok Diko," meaning "Yes, of course" in the Orang Laut language, celebrated Singapore's maritime heritage and indigenous community. The Orang Laut, or "sea people" in Malay, were once fishermen, villagers, and traders residing along Singapore's Southern Islands and coastal areas, deeply connected to both land and sea.
Daud's performance was part of the National Day Parade (NDP) show's 'Go Beyond Our Size' segment, which showcased the nation's maritime history. Accompanied by 700 performers, Daud wowed the crowd with puppets of native animals, including the tapir and mousedeer, and sea creatures like dugongs and turtles. The show then shifted to the 1960s, with footage of football matches, Chinese dramas, the beloved sitcom Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, and national campaigns featuring the Kindness Lion and Productivity Bee.
Nostalgic melodies, such as the xinyao classic "Moonlight in the City" and the theme song from the police drama Vettai, filled the air. For 61-year-old Alvin Khoo, the appearance of Phua Chu Kang evoked fond memories of the show's catchphrase, "Don't play play." Human resources executive Low Swee Sheen, meanwhile, appreciated the puppets in the show's third chapter, expressing her delight at the creative and immersive experience.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
