IT IS a birthday wish that could not have been granted too soon - local songbird Joi Chua has finally been picked to sing the National Day Parade (NDP) theme song, a week before she turns 30.

She will be joined by another first-timer - Singapore Idol and Asian Idol winner Hady Mirza, in presenting Shine for Singapore, penned by local songwriter Benny Wong.

An elated Ms Chua said she was honoured to sing for the nation as 'everybody should get a chance to do it'. Accomplished local artistes are usually given the honour of singing each year's song, but Ms Chua, who has been in the local scene for about eight years, never got the chance.

Now, she will have her moment - it is understood that Stefanie Sun, who has sung the theme song twice, was approached but could not fit it into her schedule. Fellow singer Mirza, 28, who says the song reflects his personal journey as a singer, is equally thrilled at being picked. 'It?s about how Singapore is where I will always find hope and fulfil my dreams,' he said.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.