It’s official. The theme of NDP 2008 will be “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit”. On a rainy Wednesday morning, the 14th of May 2008, representatives of the various media bodies, from television to radio, gathered at the Seating Gallery of the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility, Function Room for what would be the first major public event concerning NDP 2008. The first NDP 2008 brief to the media, otherwise known as Media Brief 1, covered the official release of the NDP 2008 theme and logo, the launch of the website and vital information on ticketing for NDP 2008. 

Months of hard work that started long before the brief had finally came to fruition. Designing and refining of the logo, discussions on how best to phrase the theme, work behind the scenes on the website and the ticketing came together in all that was presented. In many ways, the Singapore Spirit was at work both in front of and behind the scenes. In the words of Chairman EXCO for NDP 2008, COL Tung Yui Fai, “everything is powered by the theme, Celebrating the Singapore Spirit”. 

COL Tung also filled the audience in on some of the more prominent features of this year’s NDP – including the much anticipated participation of the new RSAF Black Knights and a new concept of forming a giant birthday card with the participation of the audience. That was not to neglect an entertaining video (also viewable here on the website) which animates five teenagers coming together to form the NDP 2008 logo, depicting these five teenagers reaching for the stars, shining for Singapore. 

Next in line was the NDP 2008 website (the one you are currently navigating). Chairman Website Committee for NDP 2008, Mr. Andrew Kong, emphasized the power and reach of the Internet “in this virtual age”. Naturally, the NDP 2008 website was the perfect answer to this trend, especially in “reaching out to overseas Singaporeans”, in the words of Mr. Kong. Following that, MAJ David Neo, Chairman SICUS Committee (Seating, Invitation, Car Parking, Ushering and Security) weighed in on ticketing for NDP 2008, amidst a small dose of humour – “I am told that I will have more friends closer to NDP 2008”. 

Everything having been said and done, it was time for dialogue between the Chairmen and the media. Mr. Rayman Chia, Chairman of the Media Publicity Committee, joined COL Tung, Mr. Kong and MAJ Neo in answering questions from the floor. Opportunities were also present for the journalists and members of the media alike to ask the Chairmen questions on an individual basis. 

Some food and refreshments outside of the function room provided a relaxed ambience for military and media personnel alike to mingle and discuss all things related to NDP. By the time the event came to a close, there was little doubt left that the NDP 2008 journey had reached another station – with less than three months left to the Parade itself, the final stage of preparation is at hand.