MORE SINGAPOREANS TO GET INVOLVED IN NDP 09

For many Singaporeans, watching the National Day Parade (NDP) live has always been a highlight to look forward to each year. As Singapore turns 44 this year, NDP 09 calls for every Singaporean to be not just a spectator, but a participant in his or her own way as well.

"National Day belongs to all of us, not just those experiencing the parade live. We want to reach out to all Singaporeans and have as many Singaporeans as we can participate in the celebrations," said Colonel (COL) Ang Heng, Chairman of the NDP 2009 Celebrations Committee, at a media brief on 27 May.

COL Ang and his committee are planning a series of engagement activities that will take place in the line up to National Day in August.

These activities aim to involve all Singaporeans by having them express what they feel about National Day, explore the idea of nationhood, connect with the latest happenings, care for the less privileged, and celebrate the nation's birthday on 9 Aug.

Projects and contests have been organised to provide a platform for individuals to express their thoughts about National Day through words, pictures, videos and films.

One example is the "My dream for Singapore" project, which encourages Singaporeans to pen their hopes and dreams for the nation on reflection cards, as well as through an online portal, www.mydream.sg.

Howard Tan, a Primary Five student at Park View Primary School, wrote this on his reflection card: "My dream for Singapore is for her to be an IT-savvy country...and for everyone to be safe and healthy..."

A "Singapore My Home" photography competition aims to encourage Singaporeans to capture interesting sights of Singapore, while a "MyPledge" short film competition allows them to reflect on the words of the Pledge through the creative medium of film. Visit www.singaporemyhome.sg and www.mypledge.sg for more details.

New media platforms have also been employed to keep Singaporeans connected and informed about the development of the celebrations.

NDPeeps, NDP 09's Facebook page, is for users to browse photo albums and videos related to National Day, and to participate in discussions by writing their views on the "wall". NDPeeps has about 6,500 fans to date.

Online blogs, such as those of NDP 09 official blogger Cruz Teng, give first-hand accounts of the NDP preparations and rehearsals.

The 933 FM DJ, whose first blog was on how much he had always wanted to be a part of NDP, said: "When I was in National Service, I even wondered if I would be part of the Guard of Honour contingent...this is the first time I can be part of NDP, not just as a spectator," he said.

Other new media platforms such as Twitter, Youtube and Flickr also keep the public updated on National Day events via news, videos and photos.

Activities to explore the various aspects of being Singaporean, care for the less fortunate, and celebrate National Day will be rolled out as the nation draws closer to her birthday.