At first light on Saturday, more than 1,000 residents gathered along the waterfront at Siglap Outfall in East Coast Park. They had come together for a sunrise walk and observance ceremony to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence, a milestone that many in the Joo Chiat community chose to honour with civic pride.
The event, known as the “Joo Chiat SG60 Sunrise Walk,” was organised by the East Coast Residents’ Network and the Joo Chiat Citizens’ Consultative Committee. It took three months of preparation by a 20-member committee working with community partners, schools, and volunteers to bring the celebration to life.
It began, fittingly, with a display of youthful pageantry. Student marching contingents from East Spring Secondary, Dunman High, Haig Girls’ School and CHIJ Katong Convent, dressed as Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Guides and marched onto the field in formation. The National Anthem and the Pledge were recited at the crack of dawn.
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was the guest of honour. He addressed residents shortly after the observance, offering a message of continuity and hope.
“SG60 marks our progress in nation building and a turn of a new cycle after six decades – a celebration of our independence and the strong foundations laid by our forefathers with vision and sacrifice. At the same time, this National Day is thus also a time for us to re-commit to building a better, stronger and more cohesive future Singapore - just as we inherited a vibrant, harmonious and progressive Singapore from our forefathers, we must ensure future generations will continue to grow up in a better Singapore.”
After the formalities, Mr. Tong joined participants in a community warm-up – the “Dance of the Nation” – before flagging off the sunrise walk. Residents of all ages strolled along the park’s coastal paths, joined by representatives from 13 local institutions, including schools, religious groups, hospitals and social service organisations, all of whom have long-standing ties to the Joo Chiat area.
One of the residents, Malika Meghjani said, “I enjoy mingling with the local community in Joo Chiat, which is exactly what we have here today! I love that many of the activities are intertwined with our daily lives, so it doesn’t feel like we’re going out of the way to interact with Minister Edwin, we see him walking the ground quite a lot. East Side is indeed the Best Side!”
The event concluded with breakfast and entertainment at the gathering site. Volunteers served kaya toast, mee siam, and iced Milo – familiar fare to many Singaporeans.
Saturday’s event was part of a broader series of grassroots-led celebrations taking place across East Coast GRC in the lead-up to Singapore’s National Day. The festivities will culminate on August 10 with the National Day Heartlands Celebration at Wisma Geylang Serai.
