The afternoon of the 7th of December 2007 was rainy by most accounts. Yet the heavy rain outside the windows of the Turf Club in Kranji proved to be no hindrance to what went on within. Indeed, the excitement and enthusiasm shown seemed almost in defiance of the humidity and cold that surrounded the exterior of the building, bearing resemblance to the NDP journey that proceeds on, come what may. This was the 2nd NDP 2008 EXCO Meeting, bringing together members of EXCO, NDP 2008 for an update on the progress of the journey.

Perhaps the most striking parts of all journeys are the inspiring beginnings and the emotional endings. Yet equally important are the days spent pushing towards the finish line – in the words of NDP 2008, days spent planning, debating, and implementing. The 2nd EXCO meeting was one of those days. Many concepts and parts of the NDP having yet to be confirmed, ideas were raised on a multitude of issues, ranging from the large to the small, the traditional to the avant-garde, the refreshingly new to the customary. Having been raised to the platform of discussion, these ideas were then subjected to scrutiny as the members present racked their minds to further improve on the status quo.

This was not to say that the meeting was devoid of passion – on the contrary, the excitement shown was simply infectious. Everyone bent on giving his or her best to the effort to celebrate the nation’s birthday, the atmosphere was all at once one of enthusiasm; enthusiasm at the array of plans for NDP 2008, enthusiasm about the possibilities on the road ahead.

The eclectic mix of military and civilian personnel further made for a striking combination of focus and creativity. The identities of the members present reiterated the point that this was not just the Singapore Armed Forces at work; this was the nation as a whole at work. Representatives from various civilian and government institutions provided the atmosphere – these, after all, were people from various organisations, bringing with them their own experiences and perspectives.

With all the effort shown during the meeting, one might be forgiven for thinking that the NDP 2008 was already at its climax. Yet for all that has been said and done, this was still the dawn of a journey, a journey that, if early signs are anything to go by, will be one to remember.