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09 Aug 2024
As Singapore celebrated its 59th birthday at the National Day Parade (NDP) 2024, the spotlight often falls on the vibrant performances, breathtaking fireworks, and the patriotic fervour that engulfs the nation. To deliver such a spectacular show and ensure that it ran smoothly and safely, teams from the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) worked tirelessly for months alongside the SAF.
The preparation for such a grand event was no small feat and required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. DSTA’s involvement spans across six specialised teams, each playing a crucial role in bringing the NDP to life.
DSTA Chief Executive (CE) Ng Chad-Son and senior management met with the NDP teams to thank them for their contributions.
Programme Manager (Building and Infrastructure) Bertschin Tan (left) and Senior Engineer (Building and Infrastructure) Lee
Choon Keat (right) of the Infrastructure and Decorations Team conducting safety checks along the seating galleries.
Creating a visually stunning and structurally safe environment for the parade was led by the Infrastructure and Decoration Team. The Infrastructure and Decoration team managed the entire process of building the seating galleries, performance stage, the lighting towers, sound towers and LED towers, from tender to preparation to construction, all while ensuring the safety of the infrastructure.
“Within a span of two months, we managed to get this entire setup ready and safe for NDP. It is very rewarding to be part of NDP because the work that my team and I do allow us to contribute back to our nation,” shared Programme Manager (Building and Infrastructure) Bertschin Tan, co-chairman of Infrastructure and Decoration Team.
Senior Manager (Portfolio Planning & Resource Management) Malathi D/O Theyagarajan (centre) of the PA and Sound team and her teammates doing sound checks prior to NDP.
The PA and Sound team was in charge of delivering an immersive audio experience for the audience. Sound quality had to be exceptional, be it for performances, speeches or announcements.
Senior Engineer (Systems Management) Loo Zhen Xi (right) and Senior Engineer (Systems Management) Wong Kong Len of the Fireworks Safety team doing their safety checks on-site.
The Fireworks Safety team calculated the necessary safety distances and implemented safety measures for fireworks to be deployed safely during the NDP. Their careful planning and attention to detail provided a secure and spectacular display for all to enjoy. This year, they introduced a new set of fireworks displays, designed to deliver a captivating 360-degree viewing experience for the audience.
The Power Support Team ensured power resiliency throughout NDP.
The Power Support team computed the power requirements and was in charge of the seamless delivery of power to support NDP. Senior Engineer (Building and Infrastructure) Darren, co-chairman of the Power Support team said “Power is crucial to NDP, as it drives the displays, lights, and sound that make the performances unforgettable for the audience. My team and I feel a deep sense of accomplishment, collaborating with different teams to bring this spectacular show to life."
The Procurement team sourced for a wide range of items, contributing to a vibrant NDP.
The Procurement team procured the majority of the items needed for the NDP, including costumes, props, screens and the infrastructure of the parade. They made sure that the resources required for a grand show are sourced efficiently, of high quality, and cost-effective.
“It gives me great satisfaction to see the items that we procured get featured on national TV and watched by millions of Singaporeans, as this opportunity doesn’t come by every day.” said Manager (Procurement) Lim Yijie.
The Integrated Security Operations deployed LiDAR sensors to monitor the crowd count and density, enhancing crowd control and management during NDP.
The Integrated Security Operations team led the deployment of the Army’s Command and Control Information System to support island-wide security. They used a video analytics platform for effective real-time video surveillance, complemented by 3D maps which enabled a more detailed terrain visualisation, to facilitate operational planning and resource deployment during NDP.
“We partner with the SAF to deploy systems that facilitate security operations for NDP. I find it very exciting to work alongside many different teams to make NDP24 a success.” shared Engineer (Land Systems) Clara Keng, member of the Integrated Security Operations team.