For the first time, Singapore’s accountancy profession will take its place at the National Day Parade (NDP), as ISCA leads a civilian marching contingent in NDP 2026.
This milestone is a proud moment for ISCA and a meaningful recognition of a profession that has quietly supported Singapore’s growth for decades. Bringing together accountants, aspiring Chartered Accountants, students, educators and partners from across the accountancy ecosystem, the contingent reflects the diversity and purpose of a profession built on trust, integrity and accountability.
The accountancy profession in Singapore is two years older than the nation itself. Since before the country’s independence, accountants were already playing an important role in strengthening financial stewardship, supporting businesses and building confidence in Singapore’s institutions and economy. Today, the profession continues to contribute to nation-building by upholding good governance and enabling organisations to grow sustainably.
Leading our NDP group is Contingent Commander Koh Wee Kwang, FCA (Singapore), ISCA Council Member and Director, Audit & Assurance, Nexia Singapore. With him are representatives from 10 partner organisations across the accountancy ecosystem, including public-sector agencies, professional services firms, institutes of higher learning, professional bodies, ISCA Cares Ambassadors, ISCA staff and ISCA members.
The contingent brings together individuals at different stages of their accountancy journey – from experienced professionals to those pursuing the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), as well as students and educators shaping the future of the profession. Together, they represent a community united by a shared commitment to serving the public interest and strengthening trust in business and society.
For ISCA, participating in NDP 2026 is more than a first; it is a celebration of the people who have shaped the profession, and a commitment to those who will carry it forward. It reflects the accountancy community’s dedication to contributing to Singapore’s continued success.
Ahead of this historic occasion, members of the ISCA contingent share their thoughts on what it means to represent the profession at NDP 2026. Here are their personal reflections and their birthday wishes for Singapore as the nation marks its 61st year of independence.
“It is truly an honour and a blessing to serve as the Contingent Commander for the inaugural ISCA marching contingent. Being entrusted with this role is something I will always cherish.
What makes this contingent especially meaningful is the diversity of the people in it. We have participants from all walks of life – from students who are just beginning their accounting journey to retirees who have dedicated decades to the profession. One of my biggest responsibilities has been bringing everyone together as a contingent despite our different backgrounds and experiences.
Through weeks of rehearsals, I have witnessed individuals encouraging one another and building friendships that extend beyond the parade.
The proudest moment for me is standing by the sidelines and watching our contingent march in synchrony. It is difficult to put into words the sense of pride I feel, knowing that we are representing Singapore’s accountancy profession for the very first time on the NDP stage. This experience has reinforced the importance of leadership, trust and teamwork, and I hope our contingent inspires more members of the profession to step forward, embrace new opportunities, and contribute to the wider community.”
“When I first received the invitation from ISCA Cares to represent the accountancy profession at NDP, I felt both excited and hesitant, as I would be participating without my friends. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity with an open mind, seeing it as a chance to step out of my comfort zone, meet people from all walks of life, and gain a deeper appreciation of the accountancy profession.
Representing ISCA and the accountancy profession at such a significant national event made me feel incredibly proud and honoured. It reminded me that accountants do much more than work with numbers; they help to uphold trust, ensure accountability, and contribute to Singapore’s economic growth. As sustainability and digital transformation continue to shape the profession, I also appreciate how ISCA equips accounting professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to stay relevant and make meaningful contributions to society.
Being part of this historic parade has strengthened my sense of pride in pursuing a career in accountancy and inspired me to contribute positively to the profession in the future. Throughout the training sessions and rehearsals, I enjoyed interacting with my fellow contingent members. They shared valuable career advice, offered words of encouragement, and were always willing to lend a listening ear whenever I needed someone to talk to. Learning about their professional journeys inspired me greatly, and I hope that one day, I can inspire my own peers in the same way they have inspired me. It was also heartening to see ISCA gain greater recognition throughout this journey, as many people were initially unfamiliar with the organisation and its contributions to the profession.
Over the past few weeks, we have built strong camaraderie, formed meaningful friendships, and created unforgettable memories despite the long and gruelling rehearsals. These experiences are something I will always cherish. Above all, it has been a true honour to be part of this journey. I look forward to celebrating Singapore’s National Day with fellow Singaporeans on August 9, and creating even more lasting memories together.
As Singapore celebrates its 61st birthday, my wish is for our nation to continue prospering and progressing in the years ahead. It is heartening to see Singapore becoming increasingly inclusive and placing greater emphasis on mental health awareness. I hope we continue on this path, fostering a society where everyone feels valued, supported, and accepted regardless of their background. My wish is for future generations to grow up in a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive Singapore, where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s future.
Happy 61st birthday, Singapore!”
“Being part of the NDP 2026 contingent is both an honour and a privilege. What makes this experience especially meaningful is representing a profession that often works behind the scenes to contribute to Singapore’s economic growth and business excellence.
The weekly rehearsals have been physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Precision, discipline, and teamwork are not only essential in accounting but also in marching. Standing alongside fellow accounting professionals from diverse industries also reflects how accounting opens doors to many different career paths while remaining rooted in the same professional values. Every rehearsal reminds me that success comes not only from individual effort but also from trusting and supporting one another as a team.
I am proud to represent ISCA/ACCA and the wider accountancy community at NDP 2026, and I am grateful for the friendships, teamwork and sense of purpose that this experience has brought.
As a working mother, balancing family, work and NDP rehearsals was not always easy, but it made me appreciate even more the dedication and commitment shown by every participant. It has been an unforgettable journey that I will always cherish.
Happy 61st birthday, Singapore. My wish is for Singapore to continue thriving as a nation built on trust, resilience, and unity. May we continue to embrace innovation while staying true to our values, and may every generation have the opportunity to contribute to an even stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Singapore!”
“Representing ISCA at this historic NDP fills me with immense pride. Our contingent symbolises the dedication of the accountancy profession, acting as a vital pillar supporting Singapore’s economic landscape.
The NDP journey requires rigorous discipline. Countless hours of practice under the intense sun were physically demanding. I vividly remember moments when the heat became overwhelming and colleagues showed signs of heat exhaustion. During those challenging times, I pushed myself to stay resilient and not give up, drawing strength from the collective spirit of the group. This intense training also brought the gift of cooperative and supportive new friendships. The camaraderie was beautifully highlighted when securing NDP Preview tickets. Initially allocated only two tickets, I could only invite my wife and daughter. Desperately wanting my mother and son to witness this beautiful milestone too, I was deeply moved when my new friend Loh Weng Yew generously gave me his own two tickets. Thanks to his selfless gesture, my entire family joined to watch us in action. Another thrilling highlight was the opportunity to briefly meet and take a photo with the NDP Commander and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major during a break, which was an incredibly motivating experience.
Each time I stepped onto the parade ground carrying the ISCA banner, I felt a deep gratitude. This experience proved we are more than financial professionals; we are a unified community and passionate nation-builders.
On Singapore’s 61st birthday, my special wish is for our nation to remain a beacon of unity, innovation, and unwavering resilience. In light of the prevailing Gulf War situation, I pray that Singapore continues to enjoy prosperity and peace, standing strong against global uncertainties. May we always foster a compassionate society where people look out for one another. Happy 61st birthday, Singapore – majulah!”
“People’s first reactions on hearing that I am involved in NDP as part of a contingent is almost always “Isn’t it so tiring?” Without knowing any better, this was also my first impression of being an NDP participant. However, wanting to challenge this statement, I went ahead and volunteered to be part of ISCA’s debut at Singapore’s 61st NDP.
Having attended the weekly training sessions since early June, my initial impression has definitely changed. The energy that other participants from both ISCA and non-ISCA contingents, as well as the audience, brought to the National Stadium was infectious and I soon found myself enjoying – and looking forward to – the Saturday training sessions. The ISCA contingent might not be as well-known as others, and we’ve had multiple individuals approaching us to ask what ISCA stands for. As we shared about what ISCA does and how the contingent comprises individuals across different firms and occupations, it felt like we were ambassadors of the accounting sector in some way. Seeing their faces light up with understanding gave me an unexpected sense of pride which, combined with their surprise that our ISCA contingent members do not come from the same firm, let me further appreciate this rare opportunity we had to bond with individuals beyond our existing networks.
Through this historic first appearance by ISCA at the NDP, I look forward to the accounting sector being better-known and understood by the public. We have also come very far as a contingent since our first time meeting, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of the instructors, ISCA representatives and every member of the ISCA contingent!
My birthday wish for Singapore is, I hope that Singapore can have more greenery and green spaces for us to enjoy.”
“When I first signed up to volunteer as part of ISCA’s contingent, it was simply out of curiosity and personal interest in NDP. Coming from a non-accounting background, I saw it as an opportunity to speak to more professionals throughout the weeks of rehearsals. What I did not expect was how much I would learn from, and be inspired by, the people around me.
Through the many weeks of rehearsals, I had the chance to speak with contingent members from different organisations and backgrounds. The long waits in between training sessions created opportunities for conversations that might never have happened otherwise, encouraging even the quieter and more introverted among us to connect. Hearing from young professionals about their career journeys, and from retired accountants about life outside accountancy, gave me food for thought as to how I would like to build my own career moving forward. What started out as a group of strangers who gradually became a team walking on the NDP stage in sync, I believe many will leave not only with unforgettable memories, but also with friendships that extend beyond the parade.
I’m also very grateful to the NDP organising team and ISCA staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we were very well looked after throughout. I hope our contingent inspires more people to see the accountancy profession not just through the work lens, but also through the strong sense of community, camaraderie and shared purpose that brought us together.
My wish for Singapore is that we continue to stand strong on the values and principles that have shaped our nation. I also hope Singapore will continue to lead by example in the region, championing sustainability, innovation and other issues that matter, for our collective future.”
“I feel deeply grateful and proud to have the opportunity to represent ISCA, Deloitte and the accountancy sector in this historic NDP. As ISCA supports more than 43,000 members globally, being one of 50 members selected for this inaugural contingent makes this experience especially meaningful. It is not just about marching in uniform, but about standing alongside fellow professionals to represent a profession that has played, and continues to play, an important role in Singapore’s growth.
This journey has been filled with a range of emotions. It began with some scepticism – perhaps true to the accountant in me, I was not entirely sure what I had signed up for. There was also the initial awkwardness of meeting fellow contingent members for the first time. But over the many rehearsals, sweat, aches and shared moments, we gradually grew into a close and supportive community.
What has stood out most is how unique and inclusive this community is. Small gestures – checking in on each other, encouraging one another, and making sure no one feels left behind – have meant so much. I have made friends and comrades through this experience, and there is a quiet but powerful understanding that we will not let one another down.
Marching together as one contingent, across organisations and generations, reflects the unity, resilience and shared purpose of our profession. It reminds me that accountancy is not only about numbers and technical expertise, but also about trust, service and community. To represent ISCA, the profession and Singapore in this way is a privilege I will always cherish.
My special wish for Singapore is to be HAPPY:
H – Harmony that keeps us united as one people
A – Aspiration to keep building a better future for every Singaporean
P – Peace that we continue to cherish and protect
P – Prosperity that remains shared, inclusive and meaningful for all
Y – Years ahead filled with happiness, gratitude and hope.”
“Representing ISCA and Singapore’s accountancy profession in NDP is a great honour for me. Being part of ISCA’s first-ever marching contingent makes this journey especially meaningful, as it marks ISCA’s inaugural participation and a historic milestone for the profession.
As a public-sector finance professional from the Accountant-General’s Department, I am proud to stand alongside fellow professionals from across the accountancy profession. It is especially meaningful to see people from different career stages come together, from junior to seasoned professionals, training and marching as one united contingent under the ISCA banner.
The NDP theme, ‘Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!’, resonates strongly with this experience. Each rehearsal pushes us to go beyond our comfort zones, whether it is learning the drills, keeping in step, or persevering through long training sessions. Being part of this contingent has also been a meaningful opportunity to contribute in a different way, and reflect on what it means to represent both the profession and Singapore.
Overall, this experience has been both challenging and rewarding. It has brought together individuals across the profession with a shared sense of purpose, and I am proud to have played a small part in ISCA’s inaugural participation at NDP.
My wish for Singapore’s 61st birthday is for us to continue to ‘Go Beyond’ – beyond challenges, beyond differences and beyond what we think is possible. May we keep moving forward with unity, resilience and shared purpose, and continue to build a stronger Singapore together.”
“I am deeply honoured and excited to have been selected, as a Chartered Accountant of Singapore, to represent ISCA and the wider accountancy profession for Singapore’s first-ever accountancy marching contingent at NDP 2026.
This opportunity carries profound personal meaning for me. Twenty-eight years ago, I arrived in Singapore as a young recipient of a Singapore government scholarship. At that time, I was far from home and full of hopes for the future.
In 2007, I had the honour and privilege to become a Singapore citizen.
To stand today among fellow Singaporeans and participate in our nation’s most significant celebration feels like a remarkable milestone in a journey that Singapore made possible. It has deepened my sense of belonging. I do not merely live and work here; I share Singapore’s aspirations, challenges and destiny.
The six rehearsals we’ve had so far have been demanding, yet immensely rewarding. Marching alongside teammates of different ages, races and religions has shown me, in a vivid and personal way, what ‘One People, One Nation, One Singapore’ truly means. We learn together, encourage one another, keep pace with one another and persevere through fatigue as one team. In those moments, differences recede and a powerful sense of shared purpose takes their place.
The experience has also reminded me that nation-building, like marching, requires discipline, trust, coordination and the determination to keep moving forward together. So long as we continue to uphold the values of diligence, professionalism, unity, resilience and courage, I firmly believe that Singapore will overcome future challenges, scale new heights and create an even more remarkable chapter in its history.
Happy 61st birthday, Singapore. May our nation remain strong and enduring, and may our people continue to enjoy peace, security and prosperity.”
“This is the first time the accountancy profession is being represented at NDP. This is also the first time that I am participating, or even attending, NDP in person. As the senior management representative from ISCA, this experience has been especially meaningful for me, not only as a personal milestone, but also as a proud moment for the accountancy profession.
Accountancy is often seen as a profession that works behind the scenes, supporting businesses, strengthening governance and contributing to trust in our economy. To be able to stand alongside colleagues and fellow members from all walks of life at NDP is a powerful reminder that our profession is very much a part of Singapore’s nation-building story.
The training journey has been memorable – from the time spent trying to decipher the commands and actions, to the endless stream of food and kind offerings from our visitors, and the long hours spent with a group of strangers-turned-acquaintances-turned-friends. Through the rehearsals, I have also gained a deeper appreciation of the effort that goes into bringing Singaporeans together for National Day. Every detail matters, and every participant plays a part in creating something bigger than themselves.
For ISCA, taking part in NDP for the first time is a historic milestone. It is a visible expression of our profession’s contribution to Singapore and our shared commitment to serve the public interest. I hope it inspires more members of the profession to see themselves as active contributors to Singapore’s future.
My birthday wish for Singapore is for our nation to continue to grow with resilience, unity and purpose. With the current state of the world, I hope Singapore remains a place where people from all walks of life can continue to contribute meaningfully, build fulfilling careers, and work together to create a trusted, progressive and inclusive future.”
“When I signed up to march in the ISCA contingent, I honestly didn’t fully realise what I was getting into. ‘Just marching’ turned out to mean early alarms, sore legs, and many moments of ‘Wait, was it left-right-left or right-left-right?’ But, looking back, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
Representing ISCA and the accounting sector at NDP has taught me that it’s never just about the marching; it’s about the small, unglamorous steps – showing up consistently, syncing your movements with the person beside you, and giving your all even when you’re exhausted. The experience is encapsulated in a Chinese saying: 台上一分钟，台下十年功 (one minute on stage takes years of practice behind the scenes). Every piece of feedback from our instructors, whether it stung a little or made us proud, pushed us to grow.
Some of my favourite memories aren’t the drills at all, but the moments in between, such as, passing bento boxes down the line, singing the National Anthem mid-practice and watching fireworks together after a long day of training. I was also deeply inspired by the humility of our leaders, who led by showing up alongside us rather than standing apart; and by the ISCA contingent volunteers, who turned up week after week, rain or shine, quietly making the whole experience possible.
If I had to sum up this journey in one sentence, it’s this: ‘Success starts with belief, the belief to go beyond our comfort zone and the conviction that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best and celebrate with pride.’ I’m so grateful for this ride, these people and these memories.
As Singapore turns 61, my wish is for us to keep going beyond – beyond comfort, beyond convention and beyond what we think we are capable of, TOGETHER. Just as our ISCA contingent found strength in showing up for one another, I hope Singapore continues to be a nation where people lift each other up, dream boldly and take pride in every step forward, big or small. Happy 61st birthday, Singapore. Here’s to many more milestones marched shoulder to shoulder!”
