National Day Parade, 2009
Encyclopedia
The National Day Parade 2009, also known as NDP 2009, was a national ceremony held on 9 August 2009 at The Float at Marina Bay to commemorate Singapore
's 44th year of independence. For the third time, the event was held in the Marina Bay area.
The five stars forming the fingers symbolise democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality in vibrant colours reflecting the nation's diversity. Reaching up in celebration of progress as a nation, the shooting stars represent people's hope for a better future.
. It is about our coming together as one united people, to Reach Out to all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion, and to Reach Up towards our hopes and aspirations articulated when we pledge to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
, telephone
, the Internet
, and self-service automated payment machines such as "AXS" or Self-service Automated Machines ("SAM").
Tickets application were opened from 16 to 25 May 2009. Applicants chose to apply for tickets to the preview parade on 1 August 2009 or actual parade on 9 August 2009.
Companies Joining the March In:
and the bags come in eight colours.
Some of the highlight items in the bags included interactive items such as a heart-shaped lantern and a hand-shaped drum.
There were also 10,000 special edition National Day Parade bags. These special edition bags were sold at S$15 and all proceeds will go to The Community Chest of Singapore
.
The parade was pushed back by an hour and the show and the parade were all integrated in one show.
The stage for the show was moved up four metres above the original floating platform stage. In addition, the new stage had three more entrances to allow performers to make a dramatic entrance.
Other changes also included a new performance grid
and an LED
screen. The cubic grid consisted of two portions, each measuring eight cubes high and seven cubes wide. Each grid was six storeys high and was equipped with three scene-changing screens.
In addition, the 23 marching contingents were entered from five different directions onto the stage.
A new city march-pass segment was introduced. The marching contingents moved out from The Float at Marina Bay to the city, where they marched along a 3.2-km stretch of road.
The marching contingents took a route around the Esplanade and passed by landmarks like the Merlion
, the Old Supreme Court and the City Hall
.
. The composition and lyrics were also done by Electrico. The Chinese version of the theme song, entitled 就在这里 (Right Here), was sung by Chen Wei Lian and composer Xiao-han (小寒).
The music video for What Do You See? by Electrico, was directed by Bertrand Lee.
channels which included Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria
, Vasantham, okto, TVMobile and Channel NewsAsia International
. The commentary on Channel 5, Channel NewsAsia, TVMobile and okto was in English, Channels 8 and U in Mandarin, Suria in Malay and Vasantham in Tamil.
, Warna 94.2FM
and Oli 96.8FM
in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil respectively.
clubhouses and the Padang
.
attack, the Singapore Civil Defence Force
and Singapore Police Force
had prepared stations outside the stadium as a precaution. Evacuation routes were planned and if such an attack is to happen, spectators are able to evacuate in an orderly manner. Sharp items such as knives and scissors
are not allowed into the stadium and will be confiscated. For security reasons, X-ray
scanners and metal detectors are put in place at the stadium.
Since the parade is held by the bay, waterways in the bay was out of bounds
to the usual sea craft and bumboats ferrying tourists along Singapore River
.
Due to the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, upon arrival, all participants were screened by thermal scanners before entering the holding area. Thermal scanners had been situated at all entry points.
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
's 44th year of independence. For the third time, the event was held in the Marina Bay area.
Logo
The NDP 2009 Logo depicts a stylised hand reaching out to Singaporeans of different backgrounds, connecting all as one united people. A motif of the heart on the palm of the hand embodies people's compassion and care for their citizens.The five stars forming the fingers symbolise democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality in vibrant colours reflecting the nation's diversity. Reaching up in celebration of progress as a nation, the shooting stars represent people's hope for a better future.
Theme
The theme for NDP 09, “Come Together – Reaching Out, Reaching Up” draws inspiration from the Singapore National PledgeSingapore National Pledge
The Singapore National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to Singapore. It is commonly recited by Singaporeans in unison at public events, especially in schools, in the Singapore Armed Forces and during the National Day Parade.-Origin:...
. It is about our coming together as one united people, to Reach Out to all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion, and to Reach Up towards our hopes and aspirations articulated when we pledge to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
Tickets
As in previous years, Singaporeans had to e-ballot to obtain tickets for the preview and parade. Applications for e-balloting were made through SMSShort message service
Short Message Service is a text messaging service component of phone, web, or mobile communication systems, using standardized communications protocols that allow the exchange of short text messages between fixed line or mobile phone devices...
, telephone
Telephone
The telephone , colloquially referred to as a phone, is a telecommunications device that transmits and receives sounds, usually the human voice. Telephones are a point-to-point communication system whose most basic function is to allow two people separated by large distances to talk to each other...
, the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
, and self-service automated payment machines such as "AXS" or Self-service Automated Machines ("SAM").
Tickets application were opened from 16 to 25 May 2009. Applicants chose to apply for tickets to the preview parade on 1 August 2009 or actual parade on 9 August 2009.
Uniformed Groups Participating in Ndp 2009
Marching in Song: We Are One- Singapore Red Cross Youth Society(Leading March-in Contingent)
- National Cadet Corps (Marching Out Leading Contingent)
- National Police Cadet Corps
- St John's Ambulance Brigade
- Singapore Scouts Association
- Boy's Brigade
- Girl Guides
- Girl's Brigade
- National Civil Defence Cadet Corps
Companies Joining the March In:
- PAP
- Sembcorp Marine
- NTUC
Funpacks
The National Day Parade 2009 Funpack included a versatile two-in-one bag with a detachable flap, which can be turned from a messenger bag into a tote bagTote bag
A tote bag is large and open bag, with a handle centered atop each side. In the classic cloth version, arched straps form both handles. Straps' ends run down both sides, ending under the second fabric layer there, which shields the lower surfaces...
and the bags come in eight colours.
Some of the highlight items in the bags included interactive items such as a heart-shaped lantern and a hand-shaped drum.
There were also 10,000 special edition National Day Parade bags. These special edition bags were sold at S$15 and all proceeds will go to The Community Chest of Singapore
The Community Chest of Singapore
- General :The Community Chest was established in 1983 with a simple yet vital mission: to raise funds for the nation’s many charities. It is about raising funds from the community for the community in need...
.
Parade & Ceremony
- Parade Commander : LTC Yeong Chee Meng
- Reserve Parade Commander : LTC Lek Seng Khoon
- Parade Regimental Sergeant Major : MWO Devendran
- Reserve Parade Regimental Sergeant Major : MWO Albert Chen
- Colours Sergeant Major (Army) : 1WO Chua Hock Guan
- Colours Sergeant Major (Air Force) : TBA
- Colours Sergeant Major (Navy) : TBA
The parade was pushed back by an hour and the show and the parade were all integrated in one show.
Stage
The stage was moved 20 metres forward and some nine meters upwards. Performers were not seen on the floating platform as it was used as a holding area instead.The stage for the show was moved up four metres above the original floating platform stage. In addition, the new stage had three more entrances to allow performers to make a dramatic entrance.
Other changes also included a new performance grid
Grid
Grid or The Grid may refer to:In entertainment and media:* The Grid, an electronic dance group* Kevorkian Death Cycle, a music group formerly called Grid* The Grid , a 2001 third person shooter...
and an LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
screen. The cubic grid consisted of two portions, each measuring eight cubes high and seven cubes wide. Each grid was six storeys high and was equipped with three scene-changing screens.
Parade and Ceremony
For the first time, the Presidential Gun Salute was held on water. The floating platform carrying the guns were sailed into position and stop about 200 metres away from the gallery.In addition, the 23 marching contingents were entered from five different directions onto the stage.
A new city march-pass segment was introduced. The marching contingents moved out from The Float at Marina Bay to the city, where they marched along a 3.2-km stretch of road.
The marching contingents took a route around the Esplanade and passed by landmarks like the Merlion
Merlion
The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot of Singapore. Its name combines "mer" meaning the sea and "lion". The fish body represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "sea town" in Javanese...
, the Old Supreme Court and the City Hall
City Hall, Singapore
The City Hall in Singapore is a national monument gazetted on 14 February 1992. Located in front of the historical Padang and next door to the Supreme Court of Singapore, it was designed and built by the architects of the municipal government, A. Gordans and F. D. Meadows from 1926 to 1929...
.
Key Highlights
- Enhanced Night Visual Effects – The starting time was shifted to 6pm (SSTSingapore Standard TimeSingapore Standard Time or Singapore Time based in Singapore uses a time zone eight hours in advance of UTC .- History :...
). PiGi projections and LED mesh screens, combined with special lighting effects will deliver multimedia content. - Soundtrack Of Our Lives – Tunes, jingles and speeches of iconic and historical significance.
- Pledge Moment – Anchor of NDP 2009, at 8:22pm (SST) on August 9, the Singapore Civil Defence ForceSingapore Civil Defence ForceThe Singapore Civil Defence Force is the main agency in charge of the provision of emergency services in Singapore during peacetime and emergency.A uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the main role of SCDF is to provide...
chime sounded over the national public warning system, which had invited Singaporeans to recite the Singapore national pledge as one nation. All MediaCorpMediaCorpMedia Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
radio stations and TV channels, will stop regular programmes to bring The Pledge Moment 'live'. 615 partner locations from both local and overseas will also make announcements to remind the public of the pledge moment. - A mobile Combined Schools Choir
- 20 Large Puppets arriving on large white boats
- 24 Performing Podiums located throughout the spectator stands
- Performers performing on large high-rise grids totaling 8 storeys
Theme song
The official theme song of the National Day Parade, entitled What Do You See?, was sung by a local alternative rock band, ElectricoElectrico
Electrico is a pop rock and indie Singaporean band originally formed in Singapore in 1996, which went by the name Electric Company in 1996. This band is still active with the present line-up which includes David Tan, Desmond Goh, William Lim Jr.- Electric Company: 1996-1997 :Electric Company was...
. The composition and lyrics were also done by Electrico. The Chinese version of the theme song, entitled 就在这里 (Right Here), was sung by Chen Wei Lian and composer Xiao-han (小寒).
The music video for What Do You See? by Electrico, was directed by Bertrand Lee.
TV channels
As a national event, the parade was broadcasted 'live' from 6.15pm to 8.30pm (SST) across MediaCorpMediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
channels which included Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
, Vasantham, okto, TVMobile and Channel NewsAsia International
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia is an English language pan-Asian news network based in Singapore and owned by MediaCorp. Started on 1 March 1999 based in Singapore by Television Corporation of Singapore, it was launched internationally on 12 February 2001 as the international broadcasting arm of Channel...
. The commentary on Channel 5, Channel NewsAsia, TVMobile and okto was in English, Channels 8 and U in Mandarin, Suria in Malay and Vasantham in Tamil.
Radio
MediaCorp Radio stations covered the parade 'live' over 938LIVE, Capital 95.8FMCapital 95.8FM
Capital 95.8FM is a Mandarin radio station of MediaCorp in Singapore. It keeps the Chinese community informed about the latest news, and entertains with magazine-style programmes and popular music from the 60s to the 90s. It's programme often includes gossip, speculation and over-exaggeration of...
, Warna 94.2FM
Warna 94.2FM
Warna 94.2FM is a contemporary music radio station of MediaCorp playing a unique blend of international Malay top 40 hits, and providing islamic programmes, world and local news, 100% malay music and infotainment. The station was voted the favourite Malay radio station in 2006...
and Oli 96.8FM
Oli 96.8FM
Oli 96.8FM is a contemporary music radio station of MediaCorp playing a unique blend of Hindi Top 10 movie hits. Oli 96.8FM is the only official Hindi language radio station to be launched...
in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil respectively.
Online
'Live' webcast was also available on the official NDP website, MediaCorp NDP webpage and Channel NewsAsia Live.Others
'Live' telecast of the parade and celebrations were also available at selected community centres, SAFRASafra
Safra may refer to:*People:**Edmond J. Safra***Lily Safra, chairman of the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation**Jacob Safra**Jacqui Safra**Joseph Safra**Safra A...
clubhouses and the Padang
Padang, Singapore
The Padang is an open field located within the Downtown Core of the Central Area in Singapore, at the heart of Singapore's central business district. It was formerly known as the Padang Cricket Ground...
.
Security
In the event of a chemical or bombBomb
A bomb is any of a range of explosive weapons that only rely on the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy...
attack, the Singapore Civil Defence Force
Singapore Civil Defence Force
The Singapore Civil Defence Force is the main agency in charge of the provision of emergency services in Singapore during peacetime and emergency.A uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the main role of SCDF is to provide...
and Singapore Police Force
Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
had prepared stations outside the stadium as a precaution. Evacuation routes were planned and if such an attack is to happen, spectators are able to evacuate in an orderly manner. Sharp items such as knives and scissors
Scissors
Scissors are hand-operated cutting instruments. They consist of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles opposite to the pivot are closed. Scissors are used for cutting various thin materials, such as paper, cardboard, metal foil, thin...
are not allowed into the stadium and will be confiscated. For security reasons, X-ray
X-ray
X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma...
scanners and metal detectors are put in place at the stadium.
Since the parade is held by the bay, waterways in the bay was out of bounds
Out of bounds
Out of bounds is the area outside the boundaries of a sport's field of playOut of Bounds may also refer to:* Out of Bounds , a movie starring Anthony Michael Hall...
to the usual sea craft and bumboats ferrying tourists along Singapore River
Singapore River
The Singapore River is a river in Singapore with great historical importance. The Singapore River flows from the Central Area, which lies in the Central Region in the southern part of Singapore before emptying into the ocean...
.
Due to the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, upon arrival, all participants were screened by thermal scanners before entering the holding area. Thermal scanners had been situated at all entry points.