SINGAPORE - Leaders from three countries will be among guests at the National Day Parade (NDP) in the Padang on Aug 9 to commemorate the Republic’s 60th year of independence, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Aug 8.

Coming from the region, the leaders are

, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail, and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, who is representing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

MFA said: “Singapore is honoured by the presence of dignitaries from our closest neighbours at our milestone celebration.

“Their attendance underscores our shared geographic and historical ties, and reflects the enduring strength of our friendships.”

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng received Sultan Bolkiah and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, at Changi Airport on Aug 8.

In a Facebook post on the same day, Dr Tan said the pair are in Singapore to attend the parade at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

“Their presence for this milestone celebration reflects the close, warm and longstanding friendship between Brunei and Singapore,” added Dr Tan.

This is the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries have been invited to attend the NDP.

Back in 2019, Sultan Bolkiah, then Indonesian President Joko Widodo and then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had joined in the parade at the Padang to celebrate Singapore’s Bicentennial. They were seated among Singapore’s leaders in the VIP stand.