Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Allocation of National Day Parade Tickets

Ms Yip Pin Xiu: To ask the Minister for Defence with regard to the National Day Parade (a) whether a meaningful number of tickets can be allocated to migrant workers given their contributions to the prosperity of our country; (b) if so, whether the Ministry will consider the number of years of service in Singapore as criteria for the allotment of these tickets; and (c) whether the Ministry plans to allocate a certain number of tickets for new citizens for the purpose of integration.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

As demand for tickets to the National Day Parade (NDP) are much higher than capacity, the priority of allocation will continue to be for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, as the NDP is a key national event to celebrate our nation's independence together. Some previews are also reserved for school children as part of their national education.

Over the years, the NDP organising team has been expanding the overall capacity to respond to the high demand. Since 2016, a second Preview was added. Last year, the mobile column was extended into the heartlands. NDP celebrations have also been organised around the venues at the Padang or Floating Platform. These fringe and satellite activities allow tens of thousands more, including our migrant workers, to join the celebrations.