Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Government's Total Expenditure on National Day Parade

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: For each of the last 10 years, what is the Government's total expenditure on the National Day Parade, with an itemised expenditure breakdown including associated manpower costs for civil servants and soldiers on parade duty.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: The National Day Parade (NDP) is the most significant highlight on our national calendar and one that brings Singaporeans here and overseas, of all races and religions, together to celebrate our independence. 125,000 spectators^[1] watch the parade live at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and over 2 million view the show on television each year.  Many more Singaporeans follow the parade around the world through Channel News Asia (International) and Live Web streaming. 

Government expenditures on the NDP for the last 10 Financial Years are presented in the table below.

In general, costs of the NDP rose substantially when held in venues like the Padang and the Marina Float as these sites required substantial preparatory work for the show and spectator stands.  The NDP show accounts for about half the expenditure and includes costs of production and items such as costumes and props, lighting and effects, as well as rental of multi-media equipment.  The remaining expenditure is on infrastructure development and improvement works, logistics and supplies, publicity and security operations.  Manpower costs are imputed in all these items but as they are not directly costed, MINDEF is unable to provide an accurate figure.

On average, about 10,000 SAF and Home Team personnel are deployed for the NDP.  Very few civil servants are directly involved.  Another 5,000 participants from civilian organisations, private companies, schools and volunteer groups take part in various segments of the celebration.  Participants are provided meals and transportation for the rehearsals. They are also provided props and costumes for their performances.  They represent Singaporeans of all ages from all walks of life and background who spend many hours a week over several months preparing and rehearsing to perfect their drills and performances.  The commitment and contributions of these participants are entirely voluntary and far exceed what they receive.

1. This figure is for Marina Bay Float with a seating capacity of about 25,000. There are 3 National Education Shows, Preview and Actual Day.

2. For FY10, the higher expenditure was due to the hardening of the field so that it could withstand a heavier load as well as the putting up of LED screens and supporting towers for the visual display.