Former SGH nurse, 25, joins SAF & becomes sole female Colours Ensign at NDP 2026

As the only female Colours Ensign in the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP),  Lam Hui Ling spent three months building the upper body strength to carry the 2m flag.

Speaking to defence magazine Pioneer, Lam shared that marching in the NDP Colours Party has been one of the highlights of her military career.

Trained as a nurse

Lam began her career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2024, after switching from a career in nursing at Singapore General Hospital.

From there, she joined the SAF and chose to join the Army’s Medical Corps as a Special Project Officer.

“Joining the Medical Corps gave me the opportunity to continue serving the community in a military environment while applying and sharing the nursing skills and knowledge I had already gained,” she told Pioneer.

What is Colours Party?

The Colours Party consist of a phalanx of bright flags that march onto the stage, followed by six Guard of Honour contingents.

As a Colours Ensign, one move that Lam needs to perform is the lowering of Colours.

It is the most difficult move, as she would need to anchor the 4kg flag with her arms, elbows, shoulders, and back.

Lam shared that the road to NDP has not been easy as she sacrificed long days and many weekends, Pioneer wrote.

She could also depend on the other Colours Party participants for positivity and energy at every training session.

“I'm most looking forward to experiencing the energy and support of Singaporeans as we march onto the parade ground. I'm excited to give my best performance and play my part in delivering a memorable parade.”

Read the full story here and watch her tonight at the NDP.