Singapore’s 48th National Day Celebration
Homesick Singaporeans had nothing to worry about as they celebrated the night away for Singapore’s 48th National Day on August 9 at Chasers Night Club. Hui Jun Ng was there to capture it all.
Some say that it is easy to forget one’s roots when away from home, but that is definitely not the case for Singaporeans in Victoria. Despite being 3776 miles away from home, 550 Singaporeans turned up at Chasers Night Club on August 9 to celebrate Singapore’s 48th birthday. The joyous crowd that evening was bathed in a sea of red and white – a reflection of Singapore’s national flag’s colours.
Benjamin Yoon from RMIT University. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Even students from Monash’s Peninsula Campus, which is a two hour drive away from Melbourne, showed up for this special occasion. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
(L-R) President of RMIT Singapore Student Associations (SSA) Jerold Tan, secretary of RMIT SSA Sheilah Farhanah, ANU student Muhama Iswan and treasurer of RMIT SSA John Chin. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
(L-R) Hui Ling Chow, Chun Ting Yen, Debra Lim V-Ming and Wilson Yang – Committee of Singaporeans of Victoria Society. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
“I can’t believe we are 48. We have come a long way. I hope Singapore remains peaceful and prosperous,” said Singaporeans of Victoria President, Debra Lim V-Ming.
We are proud to be Singaporeans and our hearts are always with Singapore!”
The official event kick started at 6.30PM with humorous emcees Adam Kerr (pictured) and Bing Jian Chang taking over the stage. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Jovi and Aaron, goodie bag helpers from University of Melbourne. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Early birds were rewarded with adorable goodie bags while latecomers had to form a long queue outside Chasers Night Club. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Local talents Charlie Lim (L), Dru Chen (R) and Cashew Chemists serenaded the audiences with their soothing voices and melodious tunes. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
“It’s really nice to gather all Singaporeans in Victoria here and have a party,” said front man of Cashew Chemists, Yuji Kumagai (pictured). “Being Singaporean has shaped the way we write and play music,” added Yuji. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Bass guitarist Elliot Sng of Cashew Chemists. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Indie rock band Cashew Chemists (L-R) Elliot Sng, Zachary Chia, Brian Chia and Yujui Kumagai. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
When asked about what they love most about in Singapore, all members of Cashew Chemists responded in unison, “Food!”
There are no qualms about Singaporeans’ love for food and SOV was prepared. Guests got to enjoy a scrumptious Singaporean cuisine buffet spread catered by PappaRich. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
“We aim to have 550 guests but we have food catered for 650,” said Debra.
From curry chicken to roti canai, cravings of the homesick were instantly satisfied.
Student volunteers from various Victorian universities. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
The Committee from Monash Caulfield Students Association of Singapore. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Over 20 students had taken time off to help serve food and manage the ticket sales throughout the event. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
The queue for food was remarkably long, but the patient food servers remained all smiles. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
The live screening of the National Day Parade was a heartwarming scene as hundreds sang their hearts out to Singapore’s national anthem, Majulah Singapura.
Everyone was in high spirits; numerous Singapore’s flags were waved around and plenty of people posing for pictures with their temporary “I love Singapore” tattoos. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
The Committee from the University of Melbourne’s Singapore Students’ Society. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
The warm atmosphere was indeed nothing like the chilly weather outside.
As the night progressed, the bartenders at Chashers Night Club got busy while homegrown DJ Mona Gene and DJ Tok got the party started with their marvelous beats. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Chasers Night Club. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
While Chasers Night Club bears no resemblance to Zouk Singapore, partygoers sure felt like they were home for just one night. “Being surrounded by Singaporeans makes me feel like home,” said Ervin Lim, a student from Monash Peninsula. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
(L-R) Norluqman Nazir, Meld Reporter Hui Jun Ng and Sebastian Tan from RMIT University. Photo: Hui Jun Ng
Thumbs up to Singaporeans of Victoria society (SOV) and all the other volunteers for their splendid planning & preparation!