'THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT PARADE'

The last of the fireworks has been lit, the confetti has been swept up and the flags and banners have been taken down.

As August draws to a close, so does the celebratory mood of the National Day Parade (NDP) 2005. But thoughts are already on next year's parade.

Director of the Volkswagen Group Singapore, Dr Olaf Duebel, revealed that his company would definitely consider participating in NDP 2006 if there is an opportunity.

At this year's parade, Volkswagen Group sponsored six shiny red and white new Beetle Cabriolets that were used to transport the six NDP emcees onto the Padang during the pre-parade segment.

This was the company's first participation in an NDP.

"We are very proud to have had the opportunity to be part of the parade this year, and we are open to doing it again next year," said Dr Duebel.

"After all, we have a long relationship with Singapore and NDP is an excellent opportunity for us to show this relationship!"

As for homegrown brand Akira, there is an added significance in being part of Singapore's birthday celebration.

Its managing director, Ms Julia Tong, said the experience has been "very meaningful".

"We are the people's brand, used daily by all Singaporeans. NDP is a nation-wide celebration, involving all Singaporeans. So naturally Akira is very proud to participate in this celebration!" Ms Tong said.

This year, Akira sponsored 250,000 NDP logo caps, and provided almost all the television screens used for NDP 2005.

Will the company participate in next year's parade?

"Oh yes! We're very keen!" said Ms Tong.

For their contributions and support for NDP 2005, more than 80 major participating organisations and sponsors were recognised at a dinner hosted by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 26 Aug.

Mr Teo presented souvenirs and certificates of appreciation to these organisers and sponsors for making the NDP celebrations a big success.

"The success of the event would not have been possible without the whole-hearted support, commitment and dedication from all of you in delivering such a joyous and momentous celebration for the nation," said Mr Teo.

"With the strong foundations that we have built, we have every reason to be confident in making our future together. Let us continue to strive to prosper as a nation."

"Your enthusiasm and spontaneity by coming forward to support NDP 20005 gives me great confidence that we will succeed as a nation," the minister added.

Apart from the 100,000 spectators who experienced NDP in the two national education shows, the preview and the actual parade on 9 Aug, more than 100,000 Singaporeans also celebrated National Day at three heartland locations and the Carnival@Marina.