With Singapore's 58th birthday just days away, Royston Tan, Creative Director of NDP 2023 reveals what inspired him while he was putting together this year's National Day Parade and how he's making the show relatable to all Singaporeans.

Presented by: Lynlee Foo

This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Special thanks to NDP 2023 Executive Committee, all NDP music composers and artists

Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:53)  Lots of interesting elements to expect at this year's show! Could you give us a behind-the-scenes description of the preparations from conceptualisation, all the way to the end product?

(01:30) So, in a first for NDP - the show audience will quite literally smell the show in Act Two - to be exact, a whiff of a "Tembusu" scent that's specially curated for this year's NDP. Tell us more about this special creation - how was it made and what are the feelings you're hoping to evoke? 

(03:35) Fast forward to 2023 - your second NDP outing as creative director. We hear that you've got a little regret back then. Could you elaborate on what that was and how you're going to fill that little hole in your heart this time round? 

(04:32) As with any creative works, it's always nice when we see a unique part of the director in the production itself. So this time, what signature touches of Royston Tan will we see in this year's parade?

(06:06) Music to me is something that is very close to my heart, and it always has that ability to unite people. And so, among so many National Day theme songs, do we have the privilege to hear you sing a little bit of your favorite song? And what does it mean to you?

(07:09) As we close in to 9th August - could you share with us your birthday wish for Singapore this year? What do you hope to see in the coming years?