SINGAPORE — Singapore celebrated its 61st National Day on Sunday with a large parade at the Padang, where Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led festivities and delivered a message emphasising economic resilience and unity. The event drew thousands of spectators and featured military displays and cultural performances.

National Day, held annually on August 9, commemorates Singapore's separation from Malaysia in 1965. This year's celebrations came as the city-state navigates global trade disruptions, tariff pressures from Washington, and slowing growth across Asian export economies. Government officials signalled the theme would centre on securing Singapore's competitiveness.

Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as prime minister in 2024, used the occasion to reassure citizens about jobs and cost-of-living pressures. His People's Action Party won a strong mandate in the 2025 general election. His address was closely watched for policy direction on economic diversification and regional cooperation.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam attended the parade alongside cabinet ministers and foreign dignitaries. Organisers said the event balanced patriotic display with acknowledgement of external pressures facing the trade-dependent nation.

Singapore's leaders have stressed the importance of ASEAN unity and open markets as protectionism rises globally. Regional economists have noted that Singapore's economic outlook remains tied to stability in trade flows through the Strait of Malacca and demand from China and the United States.