Bro-code before go-mode: Meet the duo leading NDP 2025, Lifestyle News

AsiaOne

4 days ago

Today, the world celebrates International Day of Friendship (July 30), a United Nations-recognised occasion that celebrates the power of friendships (across cultures, backgrounds and borders) to spark connection, build understanding, and make the world a better place.
And there's no better moment to shine a spotlight on one of the most important partnerships behind this year's National Day Parade (NDP).
This year marks Singapore's 60th birthday, and NDP is set to be bigger, louder, and prouder than ever. But beyond the fireworks and feel-good music, there's serious work happening on the ground, literally. The Parade and Ceremony segment alone will feature a record-breaking 40 marching contingents and about 2,100 participants, all moving in perfect sync to honour the nation.
And leading this monumental effort? A dynamic duo who've become more like brothers than colleagues: this year's Parade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Firdaus Ghazali, and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Lim Jie Hui.
In the spirit of camaraderie, we take a closer look at their behind-the-scenes bond and how they have been prepping for Singapore's biggest celebration of the year.
Because before it's go-mode on 9 Aug, it's bro-code all the way. Three jobs, one goal: perfect harmony
MWO Jie Hui wears multiple hats. By day, he's Chief Master Trainer at the Infantry Training Institute and Brigade Sergeant Major for the 5th Singapore Infantry Brigade. But this year, he also serves as Parade RSM for NDP 2025.
According to him, it's almost like "I've got three jobs."
Coordinating over 2,100 participants from 40 contingents is no easy feat. The toughest challenge? "Training under the hot sun," says MWO Jie Hui. "The weather is quite a killer. But I think what is most important is the participants' safety and well-being - it is our top priority, because NDP is a journey. The end point is 9 Aug, but the journey has to be a positive one."
The 46-year-old likens the training process to preparing for operations. "To move so many people, your training outcome has to be very progressive. And your training plans have to be very sharp."
Still, the reward is worth it. "Looking at all the participants, the commitment they put in... the blood, sweat and tears... that is the most rewarding. If kids and very senior people can do it, then I feel like I can't be less than that." The Parade Commander who gets birthday cards sorted (with his wife)
While MWO Jie Hui handles the parade's synchrony, LTC Firdaus - who is currently the Commanding Officer of the Motorised Infantry Battalion Training Centre 1 - leads it from the front, delivering ceremonial commands and ensuring everything proceeds with precision.
But his leadership extends beyond parade square routines.
Referring to himself and MWO Jie Hui, he says, "One of our initiatives is to write [participants] birthday cards." For the month of June alone, they handed out 250-plus birthday cards.
"It is a small gesture, but I think it goes a long way to making sure that the participants are engaged and also motivated."
Also helping them with this thoughtful task? LTC Firdaus' wife. "She helps me sort out the cards based on the months," says the 38-year-old, whose appointment as Parade Commander was a moment of disbelief.
"I was really taken aback and very shocked. It took time for me to calm my nerves and [let the news] settle in." The first person he shared the news with was his wife, who had teasingly predicted the NDP appointment back when he became Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR).
"She said something along the lines of, 'So what's next? Next year's Parade Commander?'" "We started from here" - and found a natural rhythm
Though both men come from the Infantry Formation and knew of each other, they only truly began working with each other last year. Now? "We are quite chill. We disturb each other," says LTC Firdaus, laughing.
MWO Jie Hui says the precision of the parade reflects detailed operational planning, a skill honed from years in the Singapore Armed Forces. "How we plan for operations to that minute detail - these are the skills that I learned from there and translated to parade training," he says. "We take this as an operation." Of 'Hormat President' and marching kids at home
For LTC Firdaus, the most powerful parade command is clear. "'Hormat President'... that is the highest form of salutation within the parade proceedings itself. It will be accompanied later on by the national anthem. It will definitely touch one's soul."
The love for NDP extends to his household. His firstborn son remade the Padang on the video game Roblox, while his younger son loves marching at home and is a fan of last year's Parade Commander, Colonel Roger Cheong.
"He will always mimic Roger's command," Firdaus says. "When I give my commands at home, he will correct me... 'No lah, not like that.'" Off-duty rituals: ginseng soup and chicken rice debates
Outside training, MWO Jie Hui's schedule remains packed, often working through weekends. "My wife tells me, 'You're the most boring husband now,'" he says, laughing.
Still, he finds joy in the little things, like a comforting plate of steamed chicken rice. When we ask him which component (chicken, rice, chilli) is most important to him, his impassioned answer is: "You cannot go there and ask uncle, 'Uncle, chicken, no rice' or 'rice, no chicken'. Must be a combination of the three - including the chilli!" he insists. Favourite stall? "Boon Tong Kee."
LTC Firdaus also shares his favourite go-to meal. "Prata plaster and teh tarik," he says, but adds quickly, "I always try to cut both before any parades! And then for dessert, iced cheng tng."
To keep his voice strong for NDP, his wife prepares a special dish. "She will cook this ginseng herbal chicken soup, all halal ingredients. She will cook it in two pots: one for the kids without the ginseng, and the second pot with ginseng for me. These are all the small little gestures that I really appreciate." Trust the training, and each other
For both men, NDP is more than a job, it's a reminder of what matters.
"NDP is not an entitlement. It is a privilege. If we do not continue to keep our Armed Forces strong, we will not be able to celebrate National Day," says MWO Jie Hui.
"As a Singaporean, it is a day when we remind ourselves that we are here today because of what our predecessors, our forefathers, have built."
As a father and husband, he sees NDP as a teachable moment. "It is an opportunity for me to engage my kids, to help them understand how we got here, because by understanding history, they can better move forward."
LTC Firdaus echoes the significance of this appointment in his life. "Being a Parade Commander is one of the highest achievements. It is definitely a career milestone for me, and I treasure it a lot."
Meanwhile, one thing is clear: Before the nation sees precision, these two lead with heart.
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This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg .