Former SGH nurse, 25, joins SAF & becomes sole female Colours Ensign at NDP 2026
Lam Hui Ling, a 25-year-old former nurse, has joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and become the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP). She spent three months building her upper body strength to carry the 2m flag.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

A 25-year-old former nurse has become the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade. She spent three months building her upper body strength to carry the 2m flag.
A 25-year-old woman named Lam Hui Ling became the only female person to carry a big flag during the National Day Parade in Singapore. She trained for three months to build her strength so she could carry the flag.
Analysis
Lam Hui Ling's Journey to Becoming a Colours Ensign
Lam Hui Ling, a 25-year-old former nurse, has made history by becoming the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP). Her journey to this achievement is a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Lam began her career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2024, after switching from a career in nursing at Singapore General Hospital. She joined the SAF and chose to join the Army's Medical Corps as a Special Project Officer. This decision gave her the opportunity to continue serving the community in a military environment while applying and sharing the nursing skills and knowledge she had already gained.
As a Colours Ensign, Lam's role is to carry the 2m flag during the NDP. She spent three months building her upper body strength to prepare for this task. The road to NDP has not been easy for her, as she sacrificed long days and many weekends. However, she was able to depend on the other Colours Party participants for positivity and energy at every training session.
The Significance of Being a Colours Ensign
Being a Colours Ensign is a significant role in the NDP, as it requires a great deal of strength and endurance. The Colours Party consists of a phalanx of bright flags that march onto the stage, followed by six Guard of Honour contingents. As a Colours Ensign, Lam needs to perform the lowering of Colours, which is the most difficult move. She would need to anchor the 4kg flag with her arms, elbows, shoulders, and back.
The Impact of Lam's Achievement
Lam's achievement as the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade is significant because it showcases her dedication and hard work. It also highlights the opportunities available to women in the Singapore Armed Forces. Her story serves as an inspiration to young women who are considering a career in the military.
In conclusion, Lam Hui Ling's journey to becoming a Colours Ensign is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to young women who are considering a career in the military, and highlights the opportunities available to women in the Singapore Armed Forces.
Key points
- Lam Hui Ling, a 25-year-old former nurse, has become the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade.
- She spent three months building her upper body strength to prepare for the task.
- The Colours Party consists of a phalanx of bright flags that march onto the stage, followed by six Guard of Honour contingents.
- As a Colours Ensign, Lam needs to perform the lowering of Colours, which is the most difficult move.
Lam Hui Ling's achievement as the sole female Colours Ensign at the 2026 National Day Parade could inspire more women to join the Singapore Armed Forces and pursue careers in the military. This could lead to a more diverse and inclusive military force.
The pressure to perform as a Colours Ensign could be overwhelming for Lam Hui Ling, and she may struggle to meet the expectations of her peers and superiors. This could lead to burnout and decreased morale.
