Singapore‘s 55th National Day is just two weeks away! Even though our nation is still battling with COVID-19, we are still going ahead with the usual National Day Parade (or NDP) celebrations. However, we are doing it on a much smaller scale.
The NDP 2020 will still proceed but with a smaller number of participants and spectators. It will be divided into two segments: a morning parade at Padang and an evening show at the Star Performing Arts centre. Some Singaporeans are not quite keen on the celebrations since we are still battling with this pandemic. What’s your take on this? I am not sure what they have planned fully but I think they should do away with the Heartland fireworks though.
Each family receives an NDP 2020 fun pack!
Most of us will be watching the parade on 9 August from the comfort of our own homes as part of the NDP festive activities will be brought to us via live broadcasts over the television and internet in the afternoon. Before 9 August, each household in Singapore is entitled to receive a free NDP 2020 Singapore Together pack consisting of essential items like masks and sanitizers. It also includes some celebratory items like the Singapore flag and face tattoos.
The NDP 2020 Recyclable Tote bag
I collected mine from the nearest community centre with my I/C. All the items are packed into a recyclable tote bag which is uniquely designed by either artists with disabilities or Primary 5 students who submitted their artwork for this tote bag design competition.
There are 20 different designs chosen to be printed on the tote bags. It’s a rather huge tote bag which can also be used as a shopping bag for groceries. But I guess many of us Singaporeans would have a gazillion amount of free tote bags left lying around at home. No wonder some Singaporeans opt not to receive the NDP fun packs.
What’s in the NDP 2020 Singapore Together pack?
Usually, there are about 24 to 25 items in an NDP fun pack but this year, the NDP committee has decided to reduce it to just 12 items. Each pack is worth about $2.40.
If you have not collected yours yet, make sure you do so by 2 August!
1. Handheld Flag + Singapore State Flag + Pledge Card
Currently, we were being told that they will not include the state flag in the fun pack unless we requested it at the collection point. The state flag is usually hung outside our HBD flats or balconies during the National Day celebration period.
Another way to express patriotism is to fill up the pledge card and write your heartfelt thoughts for Singapore.
2. AIR+ Medical Grade Surgical Mask (x 2)
There are 2 packets of surgical masks which is meant for single use. Each packet has 2 pieces of surgical masks. At the early stages of the pandemic, the government also distributed 4 pieces of surgical masks to each household. These masks will really come in handy and they have also packed in some reusable masks too.
3. Forever Family Reusable Mask (x 4)
You can find 4 pieces of reusable masks in the fun pack too. These 3-ply reusable masks has a Singapore lion symbol embossed on it. It’s very comfortable but it is not as breathable as I think it would be. It’s also difficult to talk through the mask as the inner layer often get collapsed into your mouth as you speak.
Nonetheless, it is still a decent mask which is comfortable to wear against the skin. And I am thankful that such high quality masks are given to us.
5. MEDPRO Digital Thermometer + Magnet + iron-on flag
To encourage Singapore to practise good personal hygiene, the government continues to supply thermometers and hand sanitisers to all Singaporeans. During the pandemic, Temasek foundation also distributed free sanitisers to all Singaporeans and PRs.
Along with the essential items, there’s also a face tattoo, iron-on flag, SG together commemorative magnet and a red filter sticker for the phone torch.
6. Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer (x 2)
7. Khong Guan Biscuits
Every year, they will also thrown in a packet of Khong Guan biscuits and some drinks. It’s a packet of buttery old-fashioned biscuits.
8. YEO’s Chrysanthemum Tea
This year, YEO’s announced on the Social Media platform that there is going to be a surprise for those with these special edition 2020 cans. They will only do the big reveal on 9 August. I wonder if it is a lucky draw or something. Or are they going to ask us to reuse this can for something else?
9. NDP Face tattoo stickers
Plaster these temporary tattoos on your face or body as we celebrate NDP right from our house. It has always been a must-have item in NDP fun packs.
10. Red filter for your Phone
This is just a red filter sticker which is meant to be stuck on the torch light source of your phone. Once you have done that, turn on the torch function and which how the phone radiates a soft glow of red.
You can literally ‘paint the town red’ with these red flashlights.
Do you know that the bag is foldable?
Do you know you can actually fold the bag and tucked it into the small inner pocket found inside the bag?
Alongside with the NDP 2020 pack, there’s also an NDP 2020 E-discount booklet where you can enjoy small discounts and deals during this celebratory month.
Take it or leave it?
Even though 112,000 people have signed the petition to appeal to the committee to opt-out of receiving the NDP 2020 pack, I still think all should get your hands on one of these bags if you are eligible to redeem these fun packs. The masks will be useful, for sure. Any unused items can be returned to designated stations after NDP. So why not?
