In Gratitude in Bloom, a poetic short animation created by a passionate team of young Singaporean storytellers, National Service (NS) is not depicted through drills, duties, or discipline – but through the subtle, heartwarming gestures that quietly uplift the human spirit. The video is a visual ode to kindness, connection, and community – told through the eyes of an NSman journeying home after a tiring week in camp. The animated video won the Gold award as well as the Best Animation award in the Appreciating NSmen Video Competition 2025 for the team from Nanyang Polytechnic, comprising of Chan Jiawen Steffi, Lokare Isha Sunil, Ng Shervon Erica, Koh Zhi Zhen Elizabeth and Joyann Chan Yuen Theng.
“We have family members and close friends who are enlisted into National Service, and on top of hearing how fulfilling NS can be, we also hear about their struggles and hardships,” the team shared. “We wanted to give back to the community in a form we were excited to produce – creative storytelling.”
The team hopes the video will leave a lasting impact on NSmen and their families – and remind the public that appreciation doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.
“We want NSmen to know they are supported not just by their loved ones, but by the community. Their efforts are seen and appreciated. We also hope it encourages more people to express kindness, even in small ways.”
The idea of gratitude is at the core of the video. The main character – tired and emotionally drained – receives small but powerful gestures of kindness from strangers: a seat on the MRT, a warm smile, a simple word of thanks. These moments are brought to life through symbolic touches of blooming flowers, subtly animating the impact of appreciation.
“Kind gestures from the public spark resilience in the form of metaphorical flowers that gradually bring life back into him,” the video makers explained. “This isn’t just about showing gratitude to NSmen, but also a commentary on how thoughtful our community can be as a whole.”
The video shines a spotlight on Singapore’s enduring kampong spirit – the idea that even in a fast-paced society, human warmth still thrives. It celebrates a Singapore where everyone, regardless of age, race or background, has the power to lift someone up through a small act of care.
“We wanted to show a diverse demographic that represents Singaporeans realistically… everyone is able to demonstrate gestures that can lift the spirits of others and strengthen our connection as a community.”
Family, too, plays a vital role. The final scenes of the animation lead the NSman home – not just physically, but emotionally – as he is welcomed with the simple, grounding love of those waiting for him. It’s a powerful reminder that every serviceman’s journey is shared by the family who supports him.
“Family is always waiting for them at home,” they said. “As the community shows their support for our main character, they are also showing support to his family.”
By choosing animation as the medium, the team found a powerful way to express emotions that words sometimes fail to convey.
“Gratitude can be difficult to show in words. But in animation, it can come across more clearly and poetically,” they noted. “In our film, gratitude is not just in dialogue – it lingers visually as flowers, highlighting how kindness sticks with its recipient and gets passed on like a chain reaction.”
Beyond its artistry, Gratitude in Bloom also stands as a celebration of youth-led creativity. Platforms like SAFRA’s Appreciating NSmen Video Competition not only gave the team the chance to express their vision – it allowed them to connect with their community through art.
“As we progress as a society, we are becoming more appreciative of the arts,” they said. “Having more platforms like this inspires others to create, and helps build a more creative and compassionate Singapore.”
Looking ahead, the budding video makers are already brimming with ideas for future projects – from depicting a day in the life of an NSman, to illustrating a generational baton-passing of service through metaphor.
“We would love to keep creating more community-centric films,” they said. “Through this experience, we’ve gained so much knowledge and appreciation for what NSmen do. We want to share that with the rest of Singapore and help cultivate that same gratitude in others.”
In a time where the loudest voices often get the most attention, Gratitude in Bloom gently reminds us of something quieter, but just as powerful: that behind every uniform is a person, and behind every act of service, a community that cares.
About Appreciating NSmen Video Competition
Each year, SAFRA collaborates with various community and corporate partners to show appreciation to national servicemen in the lead-up to SAF Day and National Day. One of the initiatives is the Appreciating NSmen Video Competition which encourages students from secondary, JC and tertiary institutions to express their creativity in conveying heartfelt thanks to national servicemen nationwide by conceptualising and producing short live-action or animation videos. The competition is in support of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) established by MINDEF.
View all the other winning videos of the Appreciating NSmen Video Competition here.
