The “Crying Man” at NDP 2022

When the National Anthem played at the Floating Platform in Marina Bay, a flood of emotions overcame many of the attendees. Amidst the spectacular fireworks and dancing performers, the tears streaming down the cheeks of one man caught the eye of a cameraman.

As the camera zoned in on his face, a teary-eyed Mr Azuan Tan sang the national anthem with pride. Almost immediately after the parade, Mr Azuan’s face was widely shared by Singaporeans who were awe-struck by this visible display of patriotism.

SGAG, a popular social media platform in Singapore, posted a meme that asked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to give the man a “free HDB”.

Can totally feel his 🇸🇬 love #ndp2022 pic.twitter.com/a5UlHyFIZa

— SGAG (@SGAG_SG) August 9, 2022

Image shared by DPM Lawrence Wong

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who shared the image on his Instagram and Facebook pages, called it “one of the iconic images” of NDP 2022.

DPM Wong added that the past 2 years have been a challenging and emotional one for many Singaporeans, and praised everyone for their hard work and efforts.

It’s through looking out for one another, even in our vulnerable moments, that we demonstrate our solidarity and Singapore spirit!

DPM Wong’s post, which resonated with many Singaporeans, garnered more than 12,000 likes in 4 hours.

A volunteer at Pasir-Ris Punggol

MP Shareel Taha, the member of Parliament for Pasir Ris East, responded to DPM Wong’s post and revealed that the man in the viral photograph is a passionate volunteer at Pasir-Ris Punggol.

Mr Taha shared that Mr Azuan always assists families who reside in the rental blocks in that consistuency. Mr Azuan is also the M3 Chairman for Pasir-Ris Punggol. M3 is a collaborative effort between three key community institutions — Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), MENDAKI and MESRA.

Mr Taha added that he was proud of his “bro”, Mr Azuan.

Responding to Mr Taha’s comment, DPM Wong said that he was “glad to hear that” and praised Mr Azuan and all volunteers. DPM Wong tagged Mr Azuan’s Instagram handle in his reply.

Thumbs up from Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean

In a separate Facebook Post, Power 98FM, a local radio station, was looking to get in touch with the “legend” Mr Azuan to interview him.

Mr Taha, who responded to the post, told Power 98 FM that he will assist in connecting the radio station with the man of the hour.

In that same post, in response to Mr Taha’s original comment which stated that Mr Azuan was a passionate volunteer at Pasir Ris-Punngol, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean gave Mr Azuan 3 thumbs up emojis.

Mr Azuan is a Teacher

According to his LinkedIn profile Mr Azuan is a Senior Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE).

In many comments on social media, reference was made to Mr Azuan’s occupation. Instagram user Nadzie09 called Mr Azuan, and all our teachers, unsung heros.

Mr Azuan received a commendation medal in 2019.

Mr Azuan may have been on screen for just a couple of seconds, but his face will be etched in the minds of Singaporeans for many years to come.

In the meantime, here’s a gentle reminder that we all need to head back to work or school in a few hours!

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