National Day Singapore 2024: How the Accela Team is Celebrating
Happy National Day Singapore! This August 9th marks the nation's 59th birthday and is a time when families celebrate this special occasion. We honour Singapore's independence and progress, cherishing the unity and achievements of this place we call home.
In anticipation of the upcoming celebrations, we've rounded up how some of us at Accela will spend the holiday, as they share their favourite National Day memories and insights on what National Day Singapore means to them.
Erin Padilla, CEO & Co-Founder
This year I’ll be spending National Day out of Singapore! I’m travelling to Italy to meet family from the US, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating National Day in Italy this year.
My favourite is always the airshow! We’re fortunate that Singapore has several rehearsals, and knowing that I’ll be away, I’ve made a point of watching. They are always spectacular and anyone would be hard-pressed not to be impressed watching it.
Jean Ho, Talent & Operations Executive
I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my family and our dog, Elly! We plan to visit a dog cafe to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Given my aversion to crowded places, we’ll probably watch the NDP festivities on TV from the comfort of our home.
In the past, I used to get quite into the celebrations, painting my face or applying temporary tattoos of the Singapore flag. However, this year, I’m opting for a cosy, low-key day with loved ones. Wishing you a fantastic National Day in whatever way you choose to celebrate!
Lydia Lee, Senior HR Specialist
I’m volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross as a first aider! If you have tickets to the show, you might see some of us standing by to help anyone who needs first aid 😊 I look forward to watching the show live! As I’ll be on-site, I’ll be able to catch snippets of the show, and 100% of the vibes. I’m excited!
Lou Yi Lin, Finance Associate
As for now, there are no plans for me... but most probably going to spend the day at home or go shopping. I might take the opportunity to binge-watch a series I’ve been meaning to start. If the weather’s nice, a stroll in the park could be refreshing, too. It’s nice to have a day without a set agenda, allowing for some spontaneous relaxation and enjoyment.
I'm looking forward to watching the National Day parade at home. It’s always exciting to see the vibrant performance. Watching it from the comfort of my living room means I can enjoy the spectacle without the crowds, and maybe even make some snacks to enhance the experience.
Ranjini Padattil, Senior Finance Associate
I plan to celebrate National Day by taking my kids to the Singapore Museum and I look forward to the National Day celebrations at my children's schools.
Deeksha Bhatnagar, Finance Manager
This year, while we’ll be away on holiday in Thailand with family during Singapore’s National Day, I’m incredibly excited about the pre-National Day celebrations at the Accela office.
Since we’ll be travelling over the long weekend, I decided to take my son and our visiting relatives to the National Day rehearsal and preview shows, as well as the fireworks. The experience was truly wonderful. We were amazed by the impressive fireworks and the well-organized rehearsal.
I feel so grateful to be part of the Singapore community. Wishing everyone a joyful National Day!
Savitha Raman, Senior Finance and Corporate Services Manager
We plan to celebrate National Day by starting the day with a fun breakfast (making doughnuts with my son and glazing it). We plan to watch NDP on TV and then go out later somewhere close by. We are looking forward to watching the helicopters proudly displaying the Singapore Flags at the NDP event.
Amelia Yeo, Communications Executive
Food has always been at the heart of National Day celebrations for the family, so wafts of grilled seafood and crab bee hoon from grandma’s kitchen conjure up a nostalgic scene. These familiar smells, together with the lively chatter of loved ones in the living room, create an unmistakable feeling that I’m exactly where I need to be. Happy birthday, Singapore!
Parameswari Segaran, HR Associate
Planning to catch "Fire Works" at Marina Bay Sands with my cousins, to re-live our childhood days watching the fireworks and a late night catch up. I’m looking forward to bringing my kids to volunteer in distributing flags to the people in the neighbourhood, this will be a start to their volunteering journey and get to experience the national day spirit and mood. Happy National Day!
Sheha Sidek, Accounts Receivable Coordinator
National Day has always been a day when the family and I kick back and enjoy our time off together. This year is no different - I will be hanging with my sister and her children, eating a cheese board while we watch the parade on television!
Jerlyn Ang, Corporate Secretary Lead
National Day has always been one of many other days that I get to spend quality time with my family and relatives. We would typically be organising some potluck at my grandma's place and having our dinner together while watching the live telecast of the parade together at the same time.
Once dinner is done, we'd be sure to have some poker and mahjong sessions with the aunties, uncles, and cousins which is also one of our ways to bond as a family.