From poly stage to national spotlight: Young Singaporean hosts shine at NDP Bay Celebrations

When 20-year-olds Cheyanne Immanuel Ng and Evelyn Carolyn Indriani first signed up for their school’s co-curricular activity, the Temasek Polytechnic Emcees (TP Emcees), they had little idea it would open doors far beyond the campus stage.

Today, the duo—who once started out helping behind the scenes—are now confidently hosting events beyond their school grounds, such as the NTUC Starter Awards Ceremony 2024 and the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations 2025.

For many young people in Singapore, stepping into the spotlight as an emcee can seem daunting. But for Cheyanne and Evelyn, NTUC Youth has provided a platform not only to find their voice, but to amplify it.

The voices behind the mics

Both Cheyanne and Evelyn recently graduated from TP with a diploma in communications and media management.

Cheyanne at the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations Media Event

Cheyanne discovered her passion for hosting and public speaking during her secondary school days.

“There was an English talent development programme, and part of it was public speaking. They [the programme] gave opportunities for students to host their internal school events, and they also invited external vendors to come teach and train us.

“So it was from there that my interest grew, and I think it further grew when I joined TP Emcees,” she shared.

Evelyn at the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations Media Briefing

Evelyn, on the other hand, got into hosting by chance.

“My friend dragged me to an audition with her. I wasn’t even sure that I would get in! But once I got in, I found that I actually liked it [hosting] and I wanted to do more,” she said.

Through the experience she has gathered from school and external hosting gigs, she now has an instinctive ability to connect with her audience, lighting up the stage with a blend of warmth and energy.

Cheyanne and Evelyn's hosting experience doesn’t just stop at live events. They've also hosted radio shows on TP’s RadioActive—the polytechnic’s very own campus radio station.

Working with NTUC

Their journey with NTUC began when the NTUC Youth reached out to the TP Emcees in search of presenters to host the NTUC Starter Awards ceremony in 2024.

Impressed by their presence and professionalism, the team reached out again to invite them to host the NTUC NDP Bay Celebration—one of the largest youth-led events under the Labour Movement’s calendar.

However, since they had already graduated from TP soon after hosting the Starter Awards, NTUC Youth now engaged the duo as contractors rather than students.

The continued engagement with NTUC Youth has meant a lot to Cheyanne and Evelyn. Both young women credit their experiences with NTUC as a notable point in their emceeing journey.

Cheyanne shared that these events have increased her confidence and her competence when working with clients.

“I’ve learned a lot more about communicating and engaging with organisers professionally, that’s one of the biggest learning points for me,” she said

Evelyn wasn’t sure if she would be confident enough to deal with clients without the school’s backing.

She said: “When I was still in TP Emcees, there was like a sense of security. But now things are quite different now. We need to be more professional, and I’m also a bit more careful … I am really grateful for the opportunity.”

With each event, they gained new insights—not just about hosting, but also about working with organisers, managing nerves, and tailoring their delivery to different audiences.

Helping youth reach their fullest potential

Reflecting on her experience, Cheyanne shared how she sees NTUC’s youth engagement efforts evolving.

She said: “I noticed since the Starter Awards that NTUC has really been trying to develop and engage with youth even more. They are also giving youth such as myself more opportunities to try performing professionally so that they can get more experience from an early age.”

Evelyn echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inclusive and empowering approach that NTUC Youth takes.

“I think NTUC provides a lot of opportunities for youth to try things out and also encourages other youth … ‘For youth, by youth’ is what I always hear NTUC Youth says, and that is what sticks with me the most,” said Evelyn.

NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations

And we have not heard the last of Cheyanne and Evelyn just yet. We understand from NTUC Youth that you may still catch them lifting the crowds at the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations!

So, if you're ready to be moved, entertained, and inspired by these two budding hosts and other young Singaporeans, head down to The Promontory @ Marina Bay and experience the atmosphere for yourself.

Come see what young Singaporeans can do when they are handed the stage.

This is your last chance to secure your tickets to the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations by 4 July 2025! Click here to ballot for your tickets now!