by Anishametra Saravanan  

As dawn broke on Merdeka Day, the streets of Putrajaya buzzed with excitement. The air was thick with anticipation as vibrant Jalur Gemilang flags waved in the air, and the rhythmic sound of drums and baritone horns echoed through the streets as marching bands practiced.  

While the public’s eyes were fixed on the grand spectacle unfolding before them, there was an entirely different side to the big day. Hidden behind the scenes was a wonderful culmination of personal stories, quiet determination, and heartwarming camaraderie. This year’s Merdeka Parade isn’t just about the synchronised steps and waving flags; it’s about the untold moments that transformed a group of individuals into a united, unstoppable force. 

During the first week of training at Stadium Merdeka, we quickly realized how important it was to make sure everyone was up on time. To avoid any delays, we came up with a strategy: a “Wake Up Video Call” via WhatsApp. Chia Yin, who wakes up as early as 2:00am to travel from Bandar Saujana Putra, and Mr. Rama, traveling from Ijok, would initiate the call to ensure everyone was ready to go. This plan worked perfectly, and we managed to arrive on time every day despite the early hours.  

The spirit of togetherness wasn’t just felt within Sentul NOC but also among the entire YTL Group marching contingent. From making sure we prayed together in the morning (for our Muslim team members) to finding creative ways to avoid long queues at the toilets, as well as sharing tips on where to find the free Milo and Koko Crunch vans, we were always looking out for one another.  

Of course, we also kept an eye out for the perfect time to take photos and selfies! Wherever the camera was, we were sure to be there!  

Our motto: “No one left behind.” 

Despite coming from different backgrounds, we all shared a common goal: to represent our nation in the best possible way. I particularly remember how, during one of the rehearsals, one of our marchers fell ill. Instead of moving on, the whole group rallied to ensure that they were cared for, and even helped them catch up on missed steps. It showed me that beyond just marching, we had become a close-knit contingent who looked out for each other, which made the entire experience so much more fulfilling. 

On the day of the parade, one momentous moment stood out to me as we were marching past the main stage. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and unity as I heard the cheers from the crowd and saw the national flag waving in the wind; it gave me goosebumps. For a few moments, it felt like the whole country was standing together as one. That deep connection to my fellow participants and the nation made me feel incredibly proud to be a part of something bigger than myself. 

Participating in the Merdeka March was an experience I’ll never forget. Despite our differences in age, it was incredible how we all got along so well with our trainer, who had an armed forces background. Learning to march was a challenge, especially when it came to coordinating our movements—swinging our right hand forward while stepping with the left leg took a lot of practice to get right! But with each rehearsal, our coordination improved, and we were able to guide and help each other along the way. 

The most exhilarating part of my Merdeka experience was marching past the audiences and VIPs at the grandstand, knowing that all our hard work had paid off. It was truly a memorable moment that I will cherish deeply.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was my fitness level. Initially, I wasn’t physically prepared for the long hours of marching and standing in the blazing sun during training and rehearsal days. I could feel my stamina wasn’t quite where it needed to be, so I made a conscious effort to exercise more. I incorporated daily runs and strength training to build the endurance necessary to complete the march with confidence.  

I also had the chance to connect with colleagues from across the company, people I might not have met otherwise. I got to know Fatihah from YES 5G, Kak Azima from FrogAsia, Raziq from Infoscreen, Shereen from YTLCC, Mr. Rama from Sentul, Kak Nisa from YES 5G, and Derrick from YTL Cement. Each person brought something unique, and together we built a broader sense of community that extended beyond the parade itself. 

Lastly, we wouldn’t have been able to do our best if it wasn’t for our coordinators! They were the leaders of our contingent and worked tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly for everyone. Their attention to detail didn’t stop there—if anyone felt unwell or had any other issues, they were always the first to offer support. It was clear that they cared deeply about everyone’s well-being and wanted to make sure that the entire contingent was ready and comfortable for the march.  

As the last of the marchers passed the grandstand, leaving the cheers of the crowd behind, they shared laughter, supported each other through moments of exhaustion, and forged connections across companies that would last far beyond the parade route. These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal a side of the Merdeka Parade that’s both relatable and inspiring—a testament to our spirit of togetherness and the united strength of our YTL Family. 

So next time you watch the parade, remember that the real magic happens not just in front of the crowds but in the quiet, uncelebrated moments shared by those who march. And who knows, you might just be one of the marchers next year, ready to experience this incredible moment for yourself. 

Take a peek behind the scenes and relive the magic—check out our gallery and watch the marchers in action as they bring the spirit of Merdeka to life!