NDP 2010 - INSPIRING SINGAPOREANS TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS

"When you wish upon a shooting star, wouldn't it be great to have not one but five stars? Your dreams will definitely come true," exclaimed Mr Torrance Goh, Branding and Design Director of National Day Parade (NDP) 2010.

This was the inspiration for this year's NDP logo.

For Mr Goh, the logo is simple yet meaningful.

"It shows the five white stars of the Singapore flag and the trails of these five shooting stars form the shape of the crescent moon," said Mr Goh at the first NDP media brief held on 12 May. "It symbolises aspiration and hope."

Tying in with this year's NDP theme 'Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag', the organisers hope Singaporeans can reflect upon the nation's achievements within a short span of 45 years and be inspired to work towards their own dreams.

"'Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag' inspires Singaporeans to be confident in painting a better picture for Singapore and encourages them to express their pride and love for the country," said Colonel (COL) Benedict Lim, Chairman of NDP 2010 Executive Committee.

The nation's 45th birthday bash returns to the Padang where the first NDP was held.

For the very first time at the Padang, spectators will get to see the Presidential Drive-Past. Said COL Lim: "After much preparation on the ground, the Presidential Drive-Past can be held at the Padang this year. The Presidential Drive-Past brings the people closer to the President and the President closer to the people."

Singaporeans can also expect a larger and grander display of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) capabilities. There will be a four-minute aerial display of 20 aircraft, including the debut of two latest aircraft fleets - the F15SG multi-role fighter and the G550 airborne early warning aircraft.

The Mobile Column, a parade of vehicles and other hardware from the SAF, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force, will be rolled out with a total of 210 hardware pieces with more than 30 percent of them making their first appearance.

"To reach out to all Singaporeans, we will extend part of the NDP activities beyond the Padang. The Mobile Column, a crowd favourite, will travel from the Padang to the Marina Bay and to five heartland locations," said COL Lim.

A two-way live telecast between the Padang and each of the five heartlands - Choa Chu Kang, Bishan, Eunos, Sengkang and Woodlands, will bring the entire nation together for the celebration. At 8.10pm on 9 Aug, all Singaporeans will also be encouraged to recite the National Pledge and sing the National Anthem in unison. This 'One Voice 2010' hopes to further strengthen the cohesion among Singaporeans.

Comprising four acts - Red and White, Five Stars, Crescent Moon and Our Flag, the NDP 2010 Show will conclude with fireworks displays at nine locations lasting over three minutes.

"As planners, we believe that this year's fireworks displays will be more spectacular. It is not just focused at the Padang, but also all over the urban terrain around the Padang," added COL Lim.

Besides the official NDP 2010 website (www.ndp.org.sg) and the NDPeeps Social Media Platforms, enthusiasts will be able to enjoy NDP updates at their fingertips with the launch of 'NDP OnTheGo', a new mobile phone application (app) for iPhone and Andriod phones. This app allows users to access the latest NDP news and share content with their family and friends through Facebook and Twitter anytime, anywhere. It even has an event locator to guide users to the respective celebration venues as well as an augmented reality feature to provide information on key landmarks around the Padang. "Online users want instant information, social interaction and mobile abilities. Based on these considerations, we have come up with many solutions. We hope that with 'NDP OnTheGo', we will be able to reach out to iPhone and Andriod phones users and spread the message of NDP," explained Major (MAJ) Alan Toh, Chairman of NDP 2010 Communications and Multimedia Committee. This app can be downloaded for free from the official NDP 2010 website from 1 Jun onwards.