The National Day Parade 2026 show will feature a song titled ‘Aok Diko’ to honor Singapore's coastal native communities [1].

This inclusion marks a significant cultural acknowledgment of the Orang Laut, the sea nomads who historically inhabited the region. By integrating their heritage into the national celebration, the performance highlights the diverse ancestral roots that contribute to the identity of the city-state.

The song will be performed by Asnida Daud, a singer from the Orang Laut community [1]. The title of the piece, ‘Aok Diko,’ translates to ‘Yes, of course’ [1].

Organizers said the performance is intended to celebrate and pay tribute to these coastal native groups [1]. The integration of the song into the parade show serves as a public recognition of the Orang Laut's historical presence and their enduring connection to the waters surrounding Singapore.

Asnida Daud said the title ‘Aok Diko’ translates to ‘Yes, of course’ [1]. Her participation as a representative of the community ensures that the tribute is grounded in authentic cultural expression, a move aimed at fostering greater visibility for native coastal peoples during the national festivities.

“‘Aok Diko,’ which translates to ‘Yes, of course’”

The inclusion of an Orang Laut performance in the National Day Parade reflects a broader effort by Singapore to integrate marginalized indigenous histories into the official national narrative. By centering a native singer and language, the state acknowledges the maritime heritage of the sea nomads as a foundational element of the region's cultural landscape.