The sounds of past NDP tunes in all four languages (English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil) played in the room, a sample of what was to come from the combined schools choir at NDP 2008. All around the room, members of the NDP 2008 EXCO engaged in lively discussions, as they awaited the arrival of the media. This was the much anticipated NDP 2008 Media Brief 2 on the 11th of June 2008 at the Function Room of the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility. Undoubtedly, the talk of the day were the Parade & Ceremony (P&C) and Air Participation committees; members of both committees were all over the room, making final preparations to what was about to be presented.

At 10.30am, the Brief began. Lights were turned off, and a video was played, welcoming everyone to the second Media Brief of NDP 2008. The first item on the agenda was an entertaining performance by members of the Combined Schools Choir, a medley of past NDP songs in all four languages, ending with the classic “We Are Singapore”. The choir will be making an eagerly anticipated return to NDP after an absence last year, and from the sounds of their performance, it will definitely not be one to disappoint.

This time round, P&C was the highlight of the day, and Chairman P&C, COL Loh Kean Wah, stepped up to deliver his opening statement. Extending a warm welcome to all present, COL Loh gave a brief introduction of his Committee, naming numerous dedicated military personnel who have played and will continue to play a large role in ensuring the success of NDP 2008. The presence of the Singapore Spirit was also never in doubt. Through the Parade, COL Loh and his team hope that the elements of Unity, Determination and Dynamism come through, emphasising Total Defence and the “spirit of the people” as two important ideas the Parade segment wishes to bring across.

With that, COL Loh moved on to what will be new at this year’s Parade Segment – arguably what the audience was waiting for. From the SAF Band’s special appearance on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, to a picturesque forming of the words NDP 08 by the Marching Contingents, to the Presidential Gun Salute being in front of the Singapore Flyer, the new adaptations captured the imagination of the audience. COL Loh also introduced the Parade Commander and RSM for this year – LTC Mark Teo Cheng Han and MWO Shamsuddin bin Isnin respectively.

Most captivating though, were the Black Knights. Screening a P&C concept video, which among other things showed the positions of the various components of the Marching Contingents, COL Loh introduced COL Ho Foo Sing, Chairman Air Participation Committee for NDP 2008. As with COL Loh’s opening statement, COL Ho introduced key members of his committee and the various “Air Assets” at this year’s NDP, before launching into a detailed explanation of the flight profiles of the Black Knights.

After a short interview session, all present were invited to a short sample of what was to come at NDP 2008 on the Floating Platform itself. A performance by the Guard-of-Honour clearly tickled the taste buds for what is to come in August. The Feu-de-Joie was particularly impressive as the audience smelled the distinct smell of gunpowder from the rifles of the disciplined soldiers standing on the Promenade. Yet that was not all. In a short while, four Black Knights swooped from the back of the Marina Bay area and performed an awe-inspiring aerial display for all to see.

Returning to the Function Room, various members of the media continued their interviews with the various chairmen. Seeing the media journalists and reporters grabbing a bite and a drink as they spoke to members of the EXCO, there was little doubt that they now had a good idea of what the P&C segments of NDP 2008 will encompass. With that, the NDP 2008 journey proceeds on, seeking its next stop on the road to the nation’s birthday.