NDP 2008 – a scene of colour, sights and sounds? Various representatives of the media got their chance to see the work behind the splendour of NDP 2008 on the 19th of July 2008. It was Media Brief 4, a media brief unlike any other. Instead of focusing on the glittering features that Singapore will see come the 9th of August, it was a journey through the engine of everything. 

Adopting a walk-the-ground approach to the visit, the first stop of the media personnel was the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Function Room. With the journalists and reporters alike gathering and chatting in the room, there was a touch of informality to the event. Amidst a sea of smiles from everyone in the room, LTC Lee Siang Lim, Chairman of the Branding and Publicity Committee, welcomed one and all to the event. 

The best though, was yet to come. After a brief visit to the Mezzanine Lounge, the procession proceeded on to the Command & Control Centre, made up of the Show Centre and the Operations Centre. The Show Centre, which faces the Floating Platform itself, watches over the parade and its different segments. On the other hand, seated within the Operations Centre are representatives from the various committees, whose task is to look after anything that goes on outside of the parade. 

The last venue on the itinerary was the Show Village – a sheltered area built over a grass patch opposite the Singapore Flyer, it houses the performers of NDP 2008. A short walk to and from the Village later, it was evident on the faces of the media personnel that they had gained a fresh insight into what goes on behind the scenes of NDP 2008. With the NDP 2008 counter at 3 weeks left, it was truly a fitting tribute to the men and women behind the parade. 

Interested in finding out more about the engine of NDP 2008? Read about the various parts of the engine here.