Parliament: National Day committee exploring how more people can watch parade next year

SINGAPORE - The organising committee for next year's National Day Parade is seriously exploring ways to let more Singaporeans watch the show, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in Parliament on Tuesday.

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Reply by Dr Ng Eng Hen at Parliament on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2014:

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Minister for Defence in view of the celebration of Singapore's 50th National Day next year, whether the Government will consider having two NDP Preview shows so that more Singaporeans can have the opportunity to attend the parade at the Padang and celebrate this very significant National Day.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) agrees with the Member of Parliament Mr Liang that it would be good, indeed ideal, if more Singaporeans could attend NDP 2015 next year, in celebration of our 50th National Day.

The Organising Committee is evaluating various options to achieve this. The member has asked about extra shows. Let me just give some details on our current format.

There are now four shows open prior to the actual NDP - three National Education Shows for school students and the NDP Preview itself. Member has suggested and asked if another NDP Preview would be one way of increasing the attendance. We can explore the idea but adding another NDP Preview may tax participants too heavily who would require some rest before the actual NDP Show.

However, the Organising Committee is exploring other ideas to allow more Singaporeans to see the show live such as increasing the seating capacity at the Padang or creating satellite viewing platforms throughout the Marina Bay area during the Preview and NDP15. We are also working with the People's Association on activities to celebrate National Day in Heartland locations.