In the 1980s, McCann Singapore gave voice to a young nation with three unforgettable National Day anthems: Stand Up for Singapore, Count On Me, Singapore, and We Are Singapore. Written by McCann SG’s ex creative director and producer Hugh Harrison, these songs became part of Singapore’s cultural DNA — sung in classrooms, echoed at parades and even quoted in Parliament.
Now, as McCann marks its 50th year in Singapore and the nation celebrates 60 years of independence, we looked back at this shared history to ask: what’s the song Singapore needs today?
In 1986, the original chorus of Count On Me, Singapore was “We have a dream.” But that lyric was set aside in favour of the more pragmatic “We can achieve.” For nearly four decades, the line disappeared into the archives.
McCann reunited with Hugh Harrison to bring that lyric back, transforming it into a brand-new song just in time for Singapore’s 60th birthday – Dream Big, Singapore.
A song that paid homage to how far we’ve come… and how far we still dare to go.
While those anthems rallied a young nation around grit and pragmatism, Singapore in 2025 is at a crossroads. Rising costs, generational divides and global uncertainty have left people anxious and weary. The dominant national narrative has been one of survival and achievement but it risks feeling heavy, transactional, and uninspiring.
What Singapore needed wasn’t another call to work harder or achieve more.
It needed hope. It needed a dream.
Hugh Harrison returned to pen Dream Big, Singapore, blending nostalgia with a modern, uplifting sound that speaks to a new generation.
Released on National Day, the song was unveiled as both a cultural gift and a campaign centrepiece, aligning McCann’s 50th anniversary with Singapore’s 60th.
Play me!
A music video showcased everyday Singaporeans — children, families, workers, dreamers — intercut with archival footage from past parades. It bridged generations by connecting the nation’s storied past to its limitless future.
PR and social activations amplified the “lost lyric” story, turning a forgotten piece of history into a cultural talking point and reframing Singapore’s national identity around imagination, not just achievement.
No media budget. No production funds. And yet the impact was undeniable.
