A night of heartfelt display of national pride.

In a lively prelude to Singapore’s 59th birthday, over 330 guests came together on 2 August to mark the occasion at the Civil Service Club (CSC)'s National Day Wine & Dine 2024. Featuring exquisite Chinese cuisine, fine wines, fun entertainment and a lucky draw, the event was one of the main highlights in the club’s annual calendar.

Members and their guests posing in front of the National Day-themed backdrop.

A red carpet welcome

To kick off the celebration, guests enjoyed a photo-worthy moment with National Day-themed props outside the newly renovated Diamond Ballroom. In their finest red-and-white attire, attendees snapped playful pictures before heading to their tables to continue the festivities.

Emcee for the evening, Happy Fei Fei rousing up the attendees.

The night came alive as everyone’s favourite emcee, Happy Fei Fei, took to the stage. Adding an extra spark to the event, the regular host of National Day Wine & Dine captivated the crowd with her vibrant outfits and engaging performances in English, Hokkien, Mandarin and Tamil. Her dynamic stage presence and spirited interactions even encouraged some guests to join in the dancing, adding to the night’s infectious energy and joy.

Raising a toast for our Nation.

A beloved tradition

As one of CSC’s flagship events, National Day Wine & Dine is often fully booked months in advance. It attracts many repeat attendees like Ms Simmone Yeo, who considers it a must-do in her social calendar.

Ms Simmone Yeo is a regular attendee of the annual National Day Wine & Dine.

Ms Yeo always looks forward to the performances of the multi-talented Happy Fei Fei. “Her resemblance to [Hong Kong celebrity] Lydia Sum is remarkable! She connects with the audience in such a lively way. Fei Fei’s natural ability to engage with people of all ages adds to the event's vibrant atmosphere,” she said.

For Ms Yeo, National Day represents a “birthday for all Singaporeans”. “It’s a day to celebrate our unity and achievements. We come together as a diverse and harmonious society,” she said.

CSC Chief Executive, Mr Charlie Ng, (3rd from right) and members of the CSC EXCO with the symbolic cake cutting to mark Singapore's 59th National Day.

Proud to be Singaporean

Amidst the sea of red and white, Retired Major KS Rajan stood out as a living link to Singapore’s past. The former helicopter fighter pilot, who has been a CSC member for four years, was a participant of Singapore’s inaugural National Day Parade in 1966.

The National Day Wine & Dine was an opportunity for Retired Major KS Rajan to honour Singapore's success.

For Major Rajan, National Day is a time to honour the nation’s progress. “National Day is about remembering our deep connection to Singapore, and respecting the immense hard work Singaporeans have put in to shape the country and bring us to where we are today,” he reflected.

At his second National Day Wine & Dine, Mr Rajan enjoyed the evening with his tennis buddies, many of whom are also CSC members. The group, who meets every Sunday for tennis, cherishes these CSC gatherings as a chance to celebrate their shared history and friendships.

Members and their guests singing along to beloved National Day songs.

No National Day celebration is complete without passionate singalongs to our beloved National Day songs. The Diamond Ballroom erupted with energy as hundreds of red and white flags waved to the rhythm of classics like "We Are Singapore" and "Stand Up for Singapore." Together in heartfelt harmony, the attendees’ voices raised in unison to express their deep love and loyalty for their home.

Second-time attendee Ms Serene Lip, is proud to be a Singaporean.

Like everyone, singing along to the National Day songs left second-time attendee Ms Serene Lip feeling immensely proud to be Singaporean. “National Day is such a significant occasion,” said the CSC member. “I’m always delighted to celebrate it with my friends, even if it means paying a small fee. This is a special, intimate way to honour our nation’s birthday.”

Mr John Howe receiving his National Day Wine & Dine lucky draw prize from CSC VP Ms. Tan Gee Keow.

As the evening came to a close, Mr John Howe was announced as the National Day Wine & Dine lucky draw winner, taking home a high-speed hair dryer. The win was a delightful bonus to an already enjoyable time. “It was more about the joy of gathering with friends and having a great time. The night was as rowdy and exciting as ever!” said the second-time attendee, who added that he looks forward to future CSC get-togethers.

Check out more photos of the National Day Wine & Dine 2024 on CSC Facebook page.