GENERAL

Q1. Who is the organiser of NDP?
Ans:HQ Guards from the Singapore Armed Forces leads the Executive Committee (EXCO) for NDP 2008, with the support of other government and civilian organisations.

Q2. How can I get in contact with the organising committee regarding questions on NDP?
Ans:For feedback and enquiry, you can send an email to feedback@ndp.org.sg or call us at 1800-637-2008.

Q3. How can I get frequent updates on the organisation of NDP 2008?
Ans:You can get the latest updates on NDP 2008 at our website http://www.ndp.org.sg.

Q4. What are the dates for the NE shows, the preview, and the actual NDP?
Ans: NE Shows (5 July 08, 12 July 08, 19 July 08), Preview (2 Aug 08), NDP 2008 (9 Aug 08)

Q5. Is there a dress code for attending NDP 2008?
Ans:There are no specific dress codes for NDP. However, spectators are strongly encouraged to wear red and white to fit into the NDP atmosphere.

Q6. Where are the parking lots for NDP 2008?
Ans: There are no specific parking lots designated for NDP 2008. You are strongly advised to take the public transport to the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility.

Q7. What is the theme of NDP 2008?
Ans:The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit”.

Q8. Where will NDP 2008 be held?
Ans:It will be held at Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility. It comprises the Seating Gallery, the Marina Promenade, and the Floating Platform.

Q9. How many performers are involved?
Ans:There are a total of about 7,300 participants involved in the Pre-Parade, Parade & Ceremony, and Show segments.

Q10. What is the duration of the NDP 2008?
Ans:The parade will be approximately 3 hours. It will commence with the Pre-Parade segment at approximately 1715hrs, followed by the Parade & Ceremony segment at approximately 1815hrs, and the Show segment at approximately 1915hrs. The parade will end at approximately 2015hrs.

Q11. What is the seating capacity of the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility?
Ans:The Seating Gallery at the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility has a total seating capacity of 27,000.

Q12. What will happen in the event of inclement weather?
Ans:This is largely dependent on the severity of the weather condition. The parade may be slightly delayed, truncated, or be postponed to an alternate day. The alternate date for the Preview and the actual NDP is on 3 Aug and 10 Aug respectively. The public should stay tuned for the announcements in the broadcast media in the event of inclement weather.

Q13. What are the other uses for the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility?
Ans:The Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility is managed by the Singapore Sports Council. Many organisations use it for large scale activities such as the WaterFest 2007, and the Singapore Bay Run 2007.

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TICKET BALLOTING SYSTEM

Q1. Why is the ticket balloting system used again this year instead of the traditional queueing method at Ticket Distribution Centres (TDC)?
Ans:Due to the success of the eBalloting system from the last few years, we have adopted the same system this year. The eBalloting system will make it easier and more convenient for all NDP fans and supporters, including those who prefer to queue at TDCs.

Q2. Is the probability of a successful bid the same whether I apply for two, four, six, Preview or Actual day tickets? How about the probability of success between Singapore Citizens and PRs?
Ans: In general, the larger the number of tickets applied for, the lower the chances of being successful. For example, if you applied for two tickets, your chances of winning are higher than those who applied for four tickets and six tickets respectively. Singapore Citizens will also have a higher chance of being more successful than PRs.

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TICKET APPLICATION

Q1. What are your safeguards against illegitimate and ineligible applicants?
Ans:All NRIC numbers will be verified against the Singapore and PR NRIC databases to ensure their validity and authenticity. In addition, winners will need to present their NRICs for verifications during the collection of tickets at the Ticket Collection Centre (TCC).

Q2. How will the organisers safeguard the confidentiality of the applicants' information?
Ans:We will only require the NRIC number and a contact number from the applicants. These private information received during the application process will be handled with strict confidentiality, and will be destroyed upon completion of the audit for the ticket distribution.

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TICKET NOTIFICATION

Q1. What happens if a successful applicant cannot be contacted? How many times will you try to contact the person?
Ans:Ticket notification occurs over a 7-day period where our operators at the notification centre will make multiple attempts to contact all successful applicants. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all applicants to ensure that they key in an accurate contact number during the application process. Only successful applicants will be notified.

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TICKET COLLECTION

Q1. What form of identification is required when collecting tickets?
Ans:To ensure that the entire ticket distribution is fair, your identity will need to be verified during the ticket collection. You can use either your NRIC, Passport or a Qualified Driver’s Licence at the TCC for verification. Parents of successful applicants under the age of 12 can use their child's Birth Certificate for verification.

Q2. What if I am unable to collect the tickets during the collection period? Will you send me the tickets?
Ans:Successful applicants who are unable to collect the tickets at the TCC during the collection period can assign a representative to collect the tickets on their behalf. The representative will need to produce the NRIC / Passport / Birth Certificate or Qualified Driver’s Licence of the successful applicant for ticket collection. He will also need to produce his NRIC / Passport or Qualified Driver’s Licence for recording purposes.

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PARADE AND CEREMONY

Q1. What is new in this year's Parade & Ceremony (P&C) segment?
Ans:The most refreshing part of this year's parade will be the three dimensional presentation of the parade. Unlike previous NDPs, this year's parade will be presented on the three-tiered stage, giving the spectators an exhilarating panoramic view. The Guard-of-Honour contingents will be forming up on the extended promenade, providing the spectators an up close and personal experience of the parade.

The other key highlight of the parade is the 6-minute aerial display by the RSAF Black Knights. The Black Knights will showcase various breathtaking and exciting aerobatic displays within the airspace of the Marina Bay. It will provide a rousing finale to the P&C segment before transiting to the Show segment.

The Presidential Gun Salute (PGS) Battery has been relocated to the front of the Singapore Flyer. This will allow an up-close viewing of the firing by the tourists and visitors.

Q2. What is the duration of the P&C segment?
Ans:The P&C segment is approximately 60mins. It will commence at approximately 1815hrs after the Pre-Parade segment, and will end with the RSAF Black Knights aerial display.

Q3. How is the Parade Commander and Parade Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM) chosen? What are the selection criteria?
Ans:Every year, the Parade Commander and Parade RSM are selected based on their seniority, performance, and bearing; Leading the parade this year is LTC Mark Teo Cheng Hai from Joint Communications and Information System Department (JCISD); The Parade RSM is MWO Shamsuddin Bin Isnin from the School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC).

Q4. Who are participating in the parade?
Ans:The five pillars of Total Defence will be represented by the marching contingents. Contingents from the three services will represent Military Defence. The Police and Civil Defence contingents will represent Civil Defence. The Psychological Defence will be represented by the Uniformed Youth Organisations (UYO). They are the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), National Civil Defence Cadet Corps, St John, Red Cross Youth, Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Girl Guides and Scouts. The Social Defence pillar will be represented by the Peoples' Action Party (PAP) and the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) participants. The Economic Defence will be represented by Sembcorp Industries, Toll Logistics (Asia) Limited and ERA.

The basic consideration for selection of participants is to have a representation across all five components of Total Defence. Most participants for the P&C segment have traditionally participated in NDP, namely the SAF, SCDF, SPF and the UYOs contingents. The other contingents are selected across ministries/statutory boards, local organisations and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Q5. How many participants are there for this year’s P&C segment?
Ans:There are approximately 2,600 participants on parade this year. There is an increase of approximately 200 participants as compared to NDP 2007 due to the participation of more Economic groups and the SAF Central Band.


Q6. Why is the Presidential Gun Salute (PGS) battery located at Singapore Flyer this year, instead of the previous site?
Ans:The previous year's location at the Sands Integrated Resort development site is not available for the deployment of the PGS battery this year. The Singapore Flyer is the latest icon of Singapore, and is located within the vicinity of the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility. Hence, locating the PGS battery at this location allows it to support the parade with the desired effects, allowing the spectators to experience and feel the guns firing.

Q7. What is Feu-de-Joie and what does it represent?
Ans:Feu-de-Joie means Fire of Joy in English. In the Feu-de-Joie, the Guard-of-Honour contingents will execute three rounds of fire consecutively from left to right. This was a practice adopted from the French, who fired their muskets spontaneously in celebration of a battle victory. This is one of the traditions that we’ve adopted and preserved as a ceremonial expression of joy and festivity.

Q8. Are there more rehearsals this year?
Ans: We have always tried to achieve what we want with the minimum number
of rehearsals possible. This principle is no different from previous NDPs.

Q9. Will the rehearsals affect the school children in terms of their studies?
Ans:The organisers have worked very closely with MOE to avoid scheduling rehearsals during the examinations period. The rehearsals for the school children have been rescheduled so that they can prepare for their examinations. We also give the schools the flexibility to schedule their internal rehearsals where they deem fit.

Q10. Why is the Dynamic Defence Display (3-D) segment not featured this year?
Ans:The 3-D segment was showcased in NDP 2007 to commemorate 40 years of National Service (NS 40). This year, the RSAF Black Knights' aerial display will be featured to commemorate 40 years of RSAF.


Q11. Besides the Black Knights aerial display, are the RSAF aircraft involved in other parts of the parade?
Ans:A total of 11 aircrafts will participate in NDP 2008 across various segments of NDP 2008. It starts off with supporting the “Red Lions” free-fall jumpers during the Pre-Parade segment. During the parade, a CH-47D Chinook helicopter escorted by four Apache (AH64D) attack helicopters will execute a fly-past of the National Flag across the Floating Platform while the National Anthem is being sung. The spectators will also witness the RSAF Black Knights salute to the Nation with the execution of a visually spectacular bomb burst. The RSAF Black Knights will then perform a 6-minute high adrenaline aerial display within Marina Bay to end the P&C segment.

Q12.: What are the safety measures taken for the Aerial Display in NDP 2008?
Ans:First, RSAF aircrafts abide by the prescribed minimum altitudes over Marina Bay airspace and ensure that there is sufficient vertical separation between the various aircraft and formations. In the event of any in-flight emergencies, the affected aircraft will manoeuvre clear of built-up areas and populace. Second, the aerobatic profiles are carefully selected in view of the airspace considerations, reducing complexities in the manoeuvre and lower the risks of incidents. Third, a progressive training programme has been formulated to ensure the readiness of the pilots to perform in the aerial display.

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SHOW

Q1. What is new in the NDP 2008 Show?
Ans:NDP 2008 features a three-tiered stage, embracing a brand new concept of layering performers on different levels. Greater variation in presentation can then be achieved through fresh positioning and movement opportunities. Performers are also able to utilise the space created under Tiers 2 and 3 as a backstage area; There is also an expanded Pre-Parade segment, with volunteers from various communities participating in the mass line dancing and wheel-chair dancing performances. Line-dancers from the Country Line Dance Association of Singapore, the Line Dance Society of Singapore and Dance Zone join up to form a massive line-dance on the platform, comprising 530 participants from all over the island.

In a nod to Singapore’s ideals of meritocracy and fairness, dancers on wheelchairs from the D’Passion Dance Group grace National Day 2008, staging a vibrant, energetic performance.

Q2. The on-going and unfinished construction of the Sands IR is just behind the Floating Platform, would that not be a very unsightly feature during the NDP 2008 Show? What is the committee doing about it?
Ans:The NDP Show Committee has engaged designers to create beautiful graphic elements to divert eyes to the surrounding buildings and iconic landmarks. An aesthetically pleasing, asymmetrical stage design created through the gently down-sloping lines and curves of the lighting towers and tiers, represents Singapore’s drive to break out of the mould and express her creativity. Through these same beautiful curves, the audience’s attention is drawn to the beautiful city skyline.

Q3. Audience participation is an essential part of the NDP, how will it be manifested during the Pre-Parade segment and throughout the entire Show segment?
Ans:Audience participation is definitely a quintessential part of the NDP Show, and the NDP 2008 Show Committee have engaged ‘motivators’ to get the crowd pumped up for the show. A thing to look out for would be the Singapore Cheer, which was composed by renowned music arranger, Iskandar Ismail, who has infused a ‘Singapore Rap’ into the Cheer. To further promote audience participation, DesignSingapore has created a ‘Birthday Card Design’ which calls on the audience to hold up coloured ‘SPARK!s’, which together spells out ‘SHINE SINGAPORE’!

Q4. Every year, there are a few performances that the audience will be looking out for during the show (free-fallers, theme song performance and fireworks display), how will the other performances in this year's show stack up against these 'hot favourites'?
Ans:Every year, the NDP Show is created to fully entertain and cater to the masses. Each performance brings something different to the table, to suit the different palates of our people. Rather than competing with each other, the various performances build the energy up to the atmospheric finale.

Q5. Will there be any fresh, new and up-and-coming faces/celebrities to look out for during the show? Hosts and performers seem to be on rotation too.
Ans:Yes, definitely. For example, there is a young up-and-rising jazz singer – Nathan Hartono - whom we've engaged to perform with a multi-racial choir. Only 17 years old, Nathan has already released two albums and also held his first concert at the Esplanade last year. Backed up by 30 multinational children from all over the world, Nathan welcomes the world to Singapore. Together, they portray a multicultural, multiracial, friendly and all-accepting Singapore.

Also, we have two new faces – Huda Ali and Ebi Shankara - in our entourage of five hosts. Nurhuda Ali, more popularly known as Huda Ali, was the winner of Anugerah SKRIN 06, Suria’s talent search competition. As part of the win, Huda had an acting role in the movie “Evolusi KL Drift”. She appeared alongside heartthrob Aaron Aziz in Suria’s biggest interactive drama “Cinta Q”. Ebi Shankara, recent winner of Vasantham Star, the reality TV singing competition, is currently a diploma student in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and has had previous experience in theatre and television. His down-to-earth personality and beautiful voice control has won him thousands of fans.

Q6. The NDP is after all a show, so what is this year's NDP trying to show?
Ans:“Celebrating the Singapore Spirit” is the core theme which NDP 2008 is based on – to celebrate and appreciate the dedication and indomitable spirit of all Singaporeans, here or abroad, of all races, languages and religions. The Singapore Spirit is what brought us through tough times, and what gave us the ability to soar, to realise and to succeed. NDP 2008 showcases Singapore’s vibrant history and achievements, its rich culture and its varied people.

Q7. Will the costumes be integrated into the performers' routines?
Ans:Yes, of course, they will be. One good example would be the 8 human fountains that come to life with their costumes that spray water in all directions. These human fountains represent the worlds of music, painting, architecture, literature, theatre, dance, science and mathematics. This adds more volume to the performers’ routines.

Q8. What are the key highlights of this year’s Fireworks?
Ans:For the first time, NDP 2008 will feature the ‘Mascleta’ (Spanish). This display is a pyrotechnics symphony – choreographed perfectly to the rhythm and dances beautifully to the beat of the music. Another highlight is the ‘Chasing stage’ pyrotechnics. The chasing pyros would flow flawlessly through varied patterns and effect styles, culminating to the Fireworks finale with various aerial bursts shells into the sky.

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NE SHOWS

Q1. How many schools will be involved in the NE Shows?
Ans:Over 52,000 Primary 5 students from over 170 primary schools will be involved in the NE Shows.

Q2. When are the NE Shows?
Ans:There are a total of 3 NE Shows and they will be held on the 5, 12 and 19 July respectively. In the event of severe wet weather, the NE Shows may be postponed to the planned alternate dates of 6, 13 and 20 July respectively.

Q3. What time does it start and end?
Ans:Each NE Show will be about 3 hours, similar to the Preview and actual NDP. It will commence from approximately 1715hrs with the Pre-Parade segment, and end at approximately 2015hrs.

Q4. How are the students being transported to the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility?
Ans:Students will first assemble in their schools. MOE, together with the SAF will arrange for MRT and bus services to ferry the students to the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility for the NE Shows.

Q5. How will the students get home?
Ans:A mixture of MRT and bus services will be utilised to bring the students from the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility back to their schools. Parents will be able to pick up their child at their respective schools.

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FUNPACKS

Q1. How is the design of this year's funpack like, and what will be included?
Ans:This year’s funpack design is “Perspectives”, designed by Terence Woon, an award-winning industrial designer at A*STAR SIMTech. Based on the concept of connectivity and celebrating the depth and breadth of the Singapore Spirit, the Funpack is made using Tetrapak, emphasising sustainability and the importance of making inexpensive, green choices.

The artwork on the package was designed by Chng Seok Tin, celebrated printmaker and recipient of the 2005 Cultural Medallion Award and Tan Haur, together with 11 students from the School of the Arts and Very Special Arts. Each funpack challenges its owner’s perspectives, and through the collage of designs featured on each funpack, tries to stir up the unconscious emotional bonds between Singaporeans who have not yet crossed paths.

Among the usual snacks and drinks in the funpack, there is the interactive light and sound prop, the Air Glove. Designed with the natural human reaction to clap and cheer when celebrating in mind, the Air Glove was crafted in a shape of a hand, and lights up when there is motion or impact. The Air Glove evokes excitement and spontaneity, transforming the seating gallery into a sea of light and sound, especially during audience interaction scenes.

Q2. Where do you get volunteers to pack the funpacks for NDP? Can I volunteer to help with the funpacks?
Ans:We have sufficient manpower from the Army to pack and distribute the funpacks. We have also finalised our manpower requirements and welcome you to volunteer for future NDPs.

Q3. Will there be excess funpacks leftover from the NDP?
Ans:We will prepare sufficient funpacks to be given out to spectators and participants of NDP shows. This is also in line with our efforts to reduce, and move towards a 'greener' NDP.

Q4. Where can I collect the funpacks?
Ans:For ticket holders, the funpacks will be distributed on the day of Preview and NDP; For students attending the NE shows, their funpacks will be distributed prior to the show at their schools.

Q5. Can I suggest on the choice of items in the funpack this year?
Ans:There are guidelines such that only essential items are included in the funpacks. However, we are willing to take suggestions and consider them for subsequent years' funpacks.

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SECURITY

Q1. What are the prohibited items that we can't bring during CR/NE/PRE/NDP?
Ans: For the safety of fellow spectators, the following items are prohibited:
a. Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares.
b. Compressed gases.
c. Oxidizing substances such as bleaching powder and peroxides.
d. Flammable liquids such as paints and adhesives.
e. Flammable solids such as safety matches and articles which are easily ignited.
f. Disabling devices such as mace or pepper sprays.
g. Poisons such as arsenic, cyanides or insecticides.
h. Radioactive materials.
i. Corrosive materials such as mercury.
j. Any other materials not covered above, which during the show may present a danger to other spectators, such as magnetized, offensive or irritating materials.

Q2. Are there any exceptions to the list of prohibited items that we can't bring?
Ans:This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by our officers at the security checkpoints.

Q3. What happens if there is a fire/ bio-chemical attack?
Ans:We would advise all spectators to stay calm. We have well rehearsed contingency plans to contain the threat and evacuate spectators to safe areas.

Q4. Will there be a long queue at the security checkpoints before entering the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility?
Ans: Stringent security checks are enforced at the entrance to the Marina Bay Multi-Purpose Facility in order to ensure the safety of the public. Ticket holders are strongly encouraged to refrain from carrying big bags, this will expedite the security screening process to prevent long queues. Ticket holders are also advised not to bring any materials or articles that may pose a hazard to those around them, eg. Flammable liquids, aerosol spray bottles and cans, etc.

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MEDICAL SERVICES

Q1. What are the medical services available?
Ans:Medical services (including ambulance services) will be provided for both participants and spectators during Combined Rehearsal (CR) and show days (and their respective reserve days). There will be medical posts located within the Seating Gallery and various holding areas to provide medical coverage. All medical posts are equipped with resuscitative equipment to attend to emergencies.


Q2. If a participant and spectator was to be sent to a hospital, do they have to pay?
Ans:Consultation charges are currently being wavered for patients requiring treatment at the emergency departments at Singapore General Hospital and Kandang Kerbau Women’s and Children’s Hospital during rehearsals and show days (including reserve dates). However, if patients were to require inpatient admission, the normal hospitalisation charges will still apply.

Q3. How do I locate a Medical Post in the Seating Gallery?
Ans:There will be two Medical Posts located within the Seating Gallery, one each at the eastern and western sectors of the concourse area. Signboards will be posted to provide directions to the medical posts. In addition, First Aiders from the St. John Ambulance Brigade and Singapore Red Cross Society will be stationed within the Seating Gallery to direct you to the appropriate medical post.

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CELEBRATIONS

Q1. Is there a theme for Celebrations this year?
Ans:The Celebrate Singapore events will be aligned with the NDP 2008 theme of “Celebrating The Singapore Spirit”.

Q2. What is the purpose of Celebrations events?
Ans:The purpose of the Celebrations is to create the buzz and heighten the celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of NDP 2008 and allow more people to participate in the celebrations of the nation’s birthday.

Q3. How is this year's Celebrations different from the past, such as the carnivals held at Marina South?
Ans:This year's Celebrations features an island-wide, 6-week long calendar. Celebrate Singapore 2008 adds variety and range to Singapore’s annual National Day Celebrations, with many new and exciting elements. E.g. K1 Go-Kart Race, the Variete! Street Theater and the Annual BayFest. With at least 10 different events spread across the island over six weeks, Celebrate Singapore 2008 will reach out to more people.

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Acronyms:

1.NDP – National Day Parade
2.NDCC – National Day Celebrations Committee
3.SG – Seating Gallery
4.FG – Floating Platform
5.TCC – Ticket Collection Center
6.RSAF – Republic of Singapore Air Force
7.RSN – Republic of Singapore Navy
8.MB – Media Brief
9.P&C – Parade and Ceremony
10.MOE – Ministry of Education
11.SCDF – Singapore Civil Defence Force
12.SPF – Singapore Police Force
13.PCG – Police Coast Guard
14.NE – National Education
15.CCR – Combined Component Rehearsal
16.IMDR – Individual Mass Display Rehearsal
17.CMDR – Combined Mass Display Rehearsal
18.CR – Combined Rehearsal
19.EXCO – Executive Committee

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IMPORTANT DATES:

1. TICKETING

16 May – 25 May: Ticket Application
27 May – 4 Jun: Ticket Balloting
5 Jun – 11 Jun: Ticket Notification
13 Jun – 22 Jun: Collection of Tickets
23 Jun – 24 Jun: Collection of Tickets (reserve list)

2. REHEARSALS

21 Jun – CR1
28 Jun – CR2
05 Jul – NE 1/NDCC Vetting/CR3
12 Jul – NE 2/CR4/MOD Vetting
19 Jul – NE 3/CR5
26 Jul – CMDR
2 Aug – PREVIEW
9 Aug – NDP 2008

MEDIA BRIEFS

14 May – MB 1 (NDP 2008 Concept and Overview)
11 Jun – MB 2 (NDP 2008 Parade and Ceremony)
8 Jul – MB3 (NDP 2008 Pre-Parade and Show)
19 Jul – MB 4 (NDP 2008 Celebrations)

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