Response to The Straits Times Forum Letter on ''Tweak the balloting system so applicants who have never been successful will have a higher chance''

NDP ticketing system fair and transparent

We thank Mrs Tan Poh Cheng for her feedback in her forum letter on 21 May 2011 titled ‘Tweak the balloting system so applicants who have never been successful will have a higher chance’.

The balloting of NDP tickets is conducted by means of an electronic balloting software programme which randomly selects successful applicants from the entries submitted by Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Our four-stage ticket distribution process of ticket application, electronic balloting, ticket notification and ticket collection is reviewed by an independent auditing firm to ensure fairness and transparency.

We would like to remind the public that the sale and purchase of NDP preview and actual day tickets are strictly prohibited. For those who are unable to secure actual day tickets to The Float @ Marina Bay, they are invited to join the Celebrations @ The Bay where a string of complementary celebrations will be held and where the public can also view the fireworks from various vantage points in and around the Marina Bay area on 9 Aug 2011.

Colonel Alvin Kek
Chairman Executive Committee, NDP 2011

MINDEF's reply was published as "Sale of NDP tickets strictly prohibited" The Straits Times, 27 May 2011