Meet Siti Noraza, SATS Contingent Commander at the National Day Parade
Baris Sedia (Attention!)
Aza’s face lights up whenever she hears this command, a routine she’s mastered over 15 years of marching in Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP). “I could do it in my sleep,” Aza jokes, recalling the familiar drill: Hands at sides, arms straight, left leg up at 90 degrees, right leg firm on the ground.
Siti Noraza Bte Daham, SATS Contingent Commander, National Day Parade 2024
An iconic civic parade
Singapore’s National Day on 9th August marks its independence from Malaysia. Flags adorn the streets, patriotic songs fill the air, and people clad in red and white flood the streets – it's a time when the city-state comes alive. The highlight? The grand parade at the Padang, with spectacular performances, military displays, a state flag flypast, fireworks extravaganza, and the iconic civic march.
The NDP is a testament to Singapore’s unity amidst its diverse populace. Every year, about 2,000 participants from different backgrounds make up the parade contingents –SATS being one of the contingents in 2010 and this year (2024).
Marching with one’s own
Aza has marched for different contingents in the past 15 years
Aza is a regular at the NDP, having marched with groups like One Changi and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in years when SATS didn’t join. "Being part of the parade is electrifying,” Aza shares. “It’s a different feeling from watching it on TV.”
But this year, her excitement is twofold: Aza is not only marching with SATS but also leading it as the Contingent Commander. “It’s more meaningful to march for the company I am working for, to represent SATS – my employer for 28 years,” she says.
Contingent Commander Aza
Aza is both honoured and pressured to be chosen as this year’s Contingent Commander
The NDP demands discipline and dedication. Not only do they need to dedicate 14 weekends to rehearse, but they must also have the endurance to stand for several hours under the sun.
Aza’s role as Contingent Commander involves preparing the SATS Team, making sure every member moves in perfect sync with the entire marching group.
“It’s both an honour and a responsibility,” she says. Leading a diverse group of people from various SATS business units and representing her company on a spectacle that millions of people will watch in person and online, Aza feels the weight of the task.
Still, just like the other members of the contingent, Aza looks forward to the weekend rehearsals. “The training is exhausting but it is a source of joy for the SATS Team,” she shares. Mid-week and their chat group is already buzzing with excitement. “We know we’re representing SATS, and it makes all our efforts worthwhile.”
The SATS team shares the joy and excitement of representing SATS for NDP 2024
Happy about the team spirit everyone brings during the training, Aza is both anxious and thrilled for National Day. To her, marching for NDP is another way of declaring how proud she is to be a Singaporean, and leading the SATS contingent how proud she is to represent her company.
The SATS Contingent proudly representing the company
Beyond the parade grounds
Outside NDP, Aza champions union activities. She is part of the Executive Council representing Passenger Services at SATS Workers Union, making a difference by voicing out the concerns of her colleagues and reaching resolutions with the management.
On a workday, Aza is at the boarding gates at Changi Airport. A Customer Services Officer, Aza works with other agents to facilitate smooth boarding procedures as well as liaise with the flight crew about the passenger embarkation process.
When she’s not marching, Aza is at your service assisting with passenger boarding
Marching with SATS in 2010 was a highlight of Aza’s 28 years with the company. This year marks her second march, and her first as Commander. Asked if she plans to return next year, Aza answers an emphatic "Yes!"