#trending: Influencer's praise of NDP crowd control leaves S'poreans grateful for reminder 'we are so blessed'
SINGAPORE — While most attendees at this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) were busy admiring the fireworks display and dance performances, it was the less glamorous parts of the show that left the deepest impression on an influencer.
- The logistics and efficient crowd control at the National Day Parade 2024 left Indonesian influencer Francesca Tanmizi in awe
- She posted a video on TikTok praising how the heavy crowd was channelled into different directions to reduce chokeholds, and the quick security clearance
- Netizens responded gratefully to her observations and agreed with her
- Her video even attracted the attention of Visit Singapore, a platform managed by the Singapore Tourism Board
- The parade this year was held at the Padang on Aug 9 with 27,000 spectators in attendance
SINGAPORE — While most attendees at this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) were busy admiring the fireworks display and dance performances, it was the less glamorous parts of the show that left the deepest impression on an influencer.
Ms Francesca Tanmizi, who goes by @workingwithmonolids on social media, posted a TikTok video praising how the Singapore Armed Forces handled logistics and crowd control at the NDP. Her video garnered over 12,000 likes.
Ms Tanmizi has more than 316,000 followers on TikTok and another 36,000 on Instagram.
Originally from Indonesia and living here, she noted how the crowd “was split into multiple directions to thin it out” and was later directed to a “winding, looping path to further slow (it) down”.
The mother in her mid-30s also gave a shout-out to the use of numerous X-Ray machines which sped up the security clearance process.
She was also wowed by the fast pace at which cleaners were deployed to mop up the Padang stage when it rained before the show at 4.45pm.
Ms Tanmizi, who lives in Singapore as a stay-at-home mum, talked excitedly about the scale of “medics and medical equipment” stationed at the parade venue, commenting in jest that the Padang was “the best place to have a heart attack”.
Netizens responded gratefully in the comments, thanking her for highlighting the parade’s logistics. “Sometimes we Singaporeans take it for granted but we are so blessed,” wrote one user.
Another said: “We need more insights from you so Singaporeans can actually understand how good we have it.”
Many echoed this sentiment, saying that her video made them feel patriotic. Other users mentioned the excellent crowd control at other major events in Singapore such as concerts and the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Ms Tanmizi’s video even attracted the attention of Visit Singapore, a platform managed by the Singapore Tourism Board. The organisation commented proudly: “We’re Singapore of course our efficiency is next level”, with accompanying emojis.
The NDP was held last Friday (Aug 9) at the Padang. About 27,000 filled the stands to celebrate Singapore’s 59th birthday, watching musical performances, military displays, and carnival floats.
There was a heavy downpour one hour before the show started but most attendees were undeterred, whipping out their ponchos and umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain.
TODAY has reached out to Ms Tanmizi for comment.