https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sin...longing-despite-not-being-singaporean-5296436
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NDP performer moved to tears says he felt a sense of belonging despite not being Singaporean
17-year-old Htoo Ank Wai, a Singapore permanent resident with family from Myanmar, says he was overwhelmed with emotion at this year’s National Day Parade.
Htoo Ank Wai went viral after being filmed crying during the National Day Parade. (Images: CNA/Mak Jia Kee, Mediacorp)
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5 min
Charmaine Jacob
15 Aug 2025 06:05PM (Updated: 15 Aug 2025 08:24PM)
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Read a summary of this article on FAST.
FAST
SINGAPORE: Every National Day Parade has its viral moment – an unexpected, heartfelt scene that captures the nation's attention.
This year, that moment belonged to 17-year-old Htoo Ank Wai, a dancer whose tearful rendition of the national anthem touched hearts across Singapore.
“I just remembered looking around, it just felt like I didn’t want to lose this moment forever, but obviously it had to end,” said the Higher Nitec student from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
“It was like post-concert depression, but you’re the artist. You don’t want to leave this place and you want to continue performing.”
Despite being a permanent resident whose parents are from Myanmar, Ank Wai said he felt an overwhelming sense of connection and pride while performing in the NDP. He took part in the pre-parade segment, the fourth act and the finale.
“I was born and raised here. I was grateful to be living in a country where there are many opportunities for me to experience and live from,” he told CNA.
As tears streamed down his face during Majulah Singapura, he thought of his late grandmothers in Myanmar, recalling their concern for him.
“I remember my grandmothers asking me: ‘Is Singapore really stressful for you? Are you doing well in Singapore?’” he said.
“They always tell me if it’s too stressful, can come back to Myanmar and live a life here, go to school here.