NDP 2014 to be held at Marina Bay, not at new stadium
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SINGAPORE — After months of speculation, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has finally confirmed that next year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will be held at the Marina Bay floating platform, and not at the Sports Hub.
The S$1.33-billion facility, which is expected to open its doors in April next year, had been touted as a possible venue, with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong not ruling out the prospect, even up to two weeks ago.
In response to TODAY’s queries, NDP 2014 EXCO Chairman Colonel Wong Yu Han said that the Sports Hub will not hold the parade because “preparations ... require the venue to be confirmed a year ahead”.
The decision on the venue for NDP 2015, though, has not been finalised, he added. “The NDP EXCO 2015 has just been formed and will consider various venues for the event.”
When contacted, SportsHub Pte Ltd’s (SHPL) Chief Executive Officer Philippe Collin Delavaud said it noted MINDEF’s decision and added: “We remain open to working with the organisers should they require our support in the future.”
In May, SHPL had raised hopes that next year’s NDP could be held at the Sports Hub, saying: “We have already begun our discussions to understand their needs as it is a large-scale event. We will work closely with the organisers during the NDP preparation period, to ensure that Singaporeans have an exhilarating experience at the new National Stadium during NDPs.”
Although Mr Wong had pointed out that the NDP organisers’ final decision would hinge on logistical and operational requirements — including sufficient lead time for rehearsals — before deciding on the venue of the parade, he did not rule out Sports Hub as a possibility when he answered a question in Parliament in September on the progress of constructions.
Noting that works were progressing on schedule, he had said: “This means that the new National Stadium would technically be available for the NDP in August 2014.”
At the announcement two weeks ago of the S$50-million, 15-year OCBC sponsorship of five facilities within the Sports Hub, Mr Wong also confirmed that discussions have taken place over the possibility of the Sports Hub’s National Stadium staging next year’s NDP.
But he added: “MINDEF is working out with the SportsHub people about the NDP in 2014, but it may be difficult because of the timing.”
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no difference - with what the coctry becum - riots, wesite hacked, traffice mrt conjections, boycott - really is ery boleh! dont celcbrte better - save some tax payer's money.
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Sorry, the show must go on.
Not for you but for all the guys staying across at the hotel.
More "honest" mistake will be expected.
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Originally posted by Medicated Oil:
Sorry, the show must go on.
Not for you but for all the guys staying across at the hotel.
More "honest" mistake will be expected.
yeh lor - wayang only
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Originally posted by charlize:
siao charly, chio simit?
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Originally posted by Craptalkone:
siao charly, chio simit?
He too high already that's why keep on laughing in every post -
Woot.
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