SINGAPORE — Hours before midnight yesterday (Aug 8), some Singaporeans were already getting ready to usher in the country’s big 5-0.

And as the clock struck 12, cheers and cries of “Happy Birthday, Singapore” rang out while the inky sky gave way to a fireworks display. Residents at Keat Hong, for example, were among the first to ring in National Day, beginning their party at 7pm on Saturday and counting down the seconds as the clock ticked closer to Aug 9.

The party, organised by the People’s Association, was held at Block 350 Choa Chu Kang Central. The mood was festive, with residents joining in for National Day song sing-alongs and waving their flags. The crowd was also treated to energetic dance routines, a magic show and various performances, including one by the Ah Boys to Men cast, who were greeted by a crowd of screaming fans.

“There’s such a great atmosphere tonight. It’s just overwhelming,” said volunteer Mdm Hamidah, 38, who was manning a well-wishes booth.

Meanwhile, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) welcomed two babies at the stroke of midnight, who earned themselves the distinction of being among Singapore’s National Day Jubilee babies.

Homemaker Jeissy Foo, 34, and tuition teacher Kelvin Low, 35, became proud parents to a baby girl Low Yu Qing, their second child. Over at the next ward, Ms Angeline Lim, 35, and Mr Ng Ming Jay, 45, were still in a state of disbelief that their baby boy, Ryker Jedd Ng, was born on National Day, as the expected due date was August 11. “It’s a one-in-a-million chance, it’s unbelievable,” said Ms Lim, an architecture executive.

Both couples were congratulated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu, who presented the families with the SG50 Baby Jubilee Gift later at around noon. The parents also received commemorative gifts such as a pair of red and white booties that were hand-knitted by 78-year-old volunteer Mrs Prasad. She had spent three months knitting 50 pairs of baby booties for the first 50 babies born on National Day at KKH.

“Older Singaporeans like myself are not done with giving back to the country,” she said. “I’m very lucky to be born in Singapore, and I hope our SG50 babies will cherish what my generation has accomplished and build on it.”