If you’ve ever been part of a fandom, you know the electric rush of anticipation before a big moment—whether it’s a K-pop group dropping a new album, a football club winning the league, or a blockbuster movie premiere. The countdown, the shared excitement, the hashtags trending—it’s more than an event. It’s a community coming alive.

This year, as Singapore gears up to celebrate her 60th birthday, the feeling isn’t so different. In fact, a nation’s milestone has all the emotional beats of a fandom celebration—just on a much grander stage.

1. The Build-Up: Months of Planning and Anticipation

Fandoms plan fan meets, charity drives, and watch parties. Singapore? We plan National Day Parade rehearsals, flag-raising ceremonies, and city-wide decorations. In both cases, the energy builds as the date approaches. Every rehearsal or teaser video fuels that “we’re almost there!” feeling.

2. The Symbols We Rally Behind

In fandoms, it’s the lightsticks, banners, and merch. For Singapore’s 60th, it’s our red-and-white flags, NDP funpacks, and patriotic songs. Both are visual declarations of loyalty—showing the world where your heart belongs.

3. The Chants, Songs, and Inside References

Every fandom has anthems that only true fans know by heart. Singapore has “Home,” “Count on Me Singapore,” and “Stand Up for Singapore.” When the crowd sings in unison at the National Stadium or Padang, it’s not so different from thousands of fans singing along at a sold-out concert.

4. The Emotional High

Ask any fan after their idol wins an award or hits a record—they’ll say it feels personal. When Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, every citizen feels a shared pride. It’s the same joy, amplified by history, resilience, and collective identity.

5. Passing It On

Fandom veterans introduce new members to traditions, lore, and history. Likewise, older generations in Singapore pass down their stories—from the kampung days to the nation-building years—ensuring the legacy continues.

In the end, whether it’s your favourite band’s 10th anniversary or your nation’s 60th, the heart of the celebration is the same:
It’s about belonging, unity, and the powerful joy of saying, “This is ours, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

As Singapore turns 60, maybe it’s worth seeing ourselves not just as citizens, but as fans—of our home, our people, and the story we’ve built together.