Singapore’s 60th birthday is a milestone for every citizen — a celebration of our journey from humble fishing village to thriving world-class city. To honour the occasion, Civil Service Club (CSC) members came together at the annual National Day Wine & Dine, hosted once again by the ever-entertaining Happy Fei Fei.

Guests capturing memories at the photo wall, complete with festive National Day-themed props.

On 1 August, CSC @ Tessensohn’s Diamond Ballroom transformed into a sea of red and white, as more than 350 attendees arrived with family and friends in tow. Before the evening’s programme began, many posed for snapshots with National Day-themed props and enjoyed traditional games, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities.

Before dinner was served, CSC Chief Executive (CE) Mr Lau Mun Leng joined members of the Executive Committee on stage for a cake-cutting ceremony — a cherished annual tradition that set the tone for an evening filled with entertainment and camaraderie.

The cake-cutting ceremony led by CSC CE Mr Lau Mun Leng and members of the Executive Committee to kick off the night’s celebrations.

Nostalgia, music and friendship in full swing

Throughout the evening, Happy Fei Fei charmed the crowd with her signature flamboyant costumes and infectious personality, delivering multilingual performances in English, Mandarin and Hokkien — plus a surprise Bollywood number. She mingled freely with diners, drawing even the shyest guests into the fun.

In his bright pink polo, Mr Frencis Tan — a former Republic of Singapore Air Force officer — stood out among the crowd, joined by his all-male group of lifelong friends. “I’ve known them since the 1960s, from school, polytechnic and national service,” said the CSC member. “It’s more meaningful to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday with people you’ve stayed in touch with all these years.”

Mr Frencis Tan (seated, second from right) with his lifelong friends, celebrating decades of friendship at National Day Wine & Dine.

Having grown up in a kampung before moving to one of Singapore’s first HDB flats in Toa Payoh in 1966, Mr Tan reflected on how far the nation has come. “I came from a poor family – I still remember the attap roofs and the muddy roads. Moving into a concrete building with running tap water was a big change,” he recalled. “We’ve seen how Singapore has grown, so we truly appreciate these changes.”

Looking ahead, his wish for the nation is simple: “We take crisis as an opportunity to improve. I hope Singapore continues to be resilient in the face of uncertainty.”

Singalongs that stirred the heart

Fei Fei also tested the audience’s knowledge of local history with a lively trivia quiz, while a talented acoustic duo provided a soundtrack of beloved oldies and classic Singapore songs. The highlight was a singalong session that filled the ballroom with voices belting out National Day favourites such as Count on Me, Singapore and Stand Up for Singapore. The crowd’s top choice? Home by Kit Chan, penned by Dick Lee — a song that stirred emotion as attendees waved their flags in unison.

Guest singing along to memorable National Day songs, creating a heartfelt and patriotic atmosphere.

Among the guests were long-time friends and colleagues Ms Tan Meo Cheng, Ms Joanne Tan and Ms Anna Lim, who make the National Day Wine & Dine an annual tradition. “Singapore started from nothing, and look where it is today. We are so proud to be Singaporean and to celebrate the nation’s 60th birthday,” said Ms Tan Meo Cheng.

Left to right: Ms Joanne Tan, Ms Tan Meo Cheng and Ms Anna Lim all smiles as they mark Singapore’s 60th birthday.

For Ms Joanne Tan, the bonds she has in Singapore are irreplaceable. “My son who works in the United States asked if I wanted to move there, but I’d rather stay here where all my friends are and where my life is,” she said.

Ms Lim’s hope for the future is one many share: “We wish for Singapore to have peace, harmony and prosperity going forward!”

Happy Fei Fei striking a playful pose alongside a guest, adding to the night’s lively atmosphere.

An evening of joy and surprises

Adding to the fun, CSC rewarded those who came dressed in their most striking red-and-white ensembles with a lively best-dressed contest. Happy Fei Fei invited the most glamorous guests on stage for a playful mini catwalk, much to the crowd’s delight. Winners walked away with prizes — and the memory of being in the spotlight.

The best-dressed contest participants joining Happy Fei Fei on stage, as the crowd cheers them on.

Keeping the excitement going, the evening rolled into the much-anticipated lucky draw — with this year’s grand prize, an air purifier worth $799, sending waves of cheers through the crowd. The lucky winner, Ms Jessveen Kaur Dhot, attended the dinner with her mother, aunties and sisters for a “ladies-only” night out. “We’ve been to many CSC events, so we knew the National Day Wine & Dine would be good,” she said. “My mom organised the dinner and purposely left the men out! As organiser, she’s the true winner of the prize.”

Ms Jessveen Kaur Dhot receiving her lucky draw grand prize from CSC CE Mr Lau Mun Leng.

This year’s celebrations carried meaning for Ms Kaur Dhot. “Singapore has come a long way — from gaining independence from British rule to becoming an urban, efficient city. I’ve lived overseas, and no matter what, Singapore is my home!” she said proudly.

Her wish for the nation? “More prosperity, to reach greater heights, and to be number one in everything — education, transportation, you name it! I also hope we continue to show the world that racial harmony, diversity and multiculturalism are possible.”

CSC wishes Singapore a happy 60th birthday and thanks all members and guests for joining this unforgettable celebration of our nation’s journey.

Relive the National Day Wine & Dine’s best moments — view the photos on the CSC Facebook: facebook.com/cscsingapore