# NS Square a Tribute to National Servicemen and their Families; A Space for All to Enjoy

- **Source:** Ministry of National Development
- **Published:** 2024-03-19T09:00:00.000Z
- **Author:** Ministry of National Development
- **Original:** https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/ns-square-a-tribute-to-national-servicemen-and-their-families-a-space-for-all-to-enjoy
- **Topics:** Government & Policy

## Featured rationale

The year-round waterfront venue could enhance Marina Bay’s recreational appeal and visitor activity, potentially supporting surrounding commercial, dining and leisure uses.

## AI summary

NS Square, scheduled for completion by 2027, will replace The Float @ Marina Bay with a permanent stage, approximately 30,000 seats and public amenities.

## Original article

1. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of NS Square this afternoon. Also present were members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (Defence and Foreign Affairs), attendees from other Ministries and Statutory Boards and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF). The redevelopment of The Float @ Marina Bay to NS Square was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the NS50 celebrations in 2017 as a tribute to all past and present National Servicemen and their families. Overlooking the city skyline in the background, NS Square will be a permanent tribute and prominent reminder of the central role that National Service plays in ensuring Singapore’s peace and prosperity.

2. NS Square will be a unique venue to stage large-scale national and community events, such as the National Day Parade (NDP) and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, host public events such as concerts, performances, sporting activities and competitions, as well as provide more spaces within Marina Bay for the public to enjoy community and recreational activities. When completed, NS Square will further enhance Marina Bay as a choice destination for Singaporeans to come together, reflect our local identity and strengthen our sense of belonging.

3. During the ceremony, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of National Service, the significance of NS Square and the recognition of the valuable contributions of past and present national servicemen and their network of support towards Singapore’s defence and security. He said, “A strong SAF and Home Team can only be as strong as its people, and NSmen form the bulk of its fighting and operational forces. Without the commitment of NSmen, the SAF and Home Team cannot be strong and our deterrence will fail… NS Square aims to be a place for NSmen and their families to enjoy the peace and prosperity of a Singapore which they have protected over the years.” He added, “This NS Square will be a new facility, but it will build upon the strong foundations of rich traditions, and legacies in our journey together as a nation… It will become a national landmark for all Singaporeans. It will be another jewel to add to the already impressive skyline around Marina Bay... and one given over to NSmen and their families to show our country’s deep appreciation.”

4. Elaborating on the conceptualisation of the name of NS Square, Dr Ng added, "That humble and ordinary Parade Square, amid the refinement and luxury, is both a recognition and reminder to all national servicemen that their journey to become full-fledged soldiers began on the Parade Square - where discipline, strength, camaraderie, loyalty, integrity, among other important values were forged in them."

5. NS Square will be an attractive waterfront venue set against the signature skyline of Marina Bay. It will feature a new permanent stage deck and grandstand with an increased seating capacity of about 30,000 people, that will allow more Singaporeans to watch NDP and other events on-site each year. An NS-themed gallery within the development will showcase our nation’s defence, and the stories and contributions of SAF, SPF and SCDF national servicemen across generations through various multimedia platforms and hardware displays. In addition, NS Square will be a community space with a new waterfront promenade, and house a variety of sports facilities and dining options for the public to enjoy all year round.

6. NS Square is designed with environmentally sustainable features to reduce its energy consumption and footprint. These include tapping into the Marina Bay District Cooling network[1] for its air-conditioning systems, and the use of solar panels to supplement its energy needs. The demolished materials from the Floating Platform – concrete and steel, will also be used to supplement the construction materials for constructing the new development.

7. NS Square is expected to be completed by 2027. More details on NS Square and its facilities will be available closer to its completion.

[1] Situated in the Marina Bay financial district, the Marina Bay District Cooling network is an underground, centralised energy system that distributes chilled water to supply air-conditioning to a network of buildings. This energy- and economically-efficient utility service improves the district’s energy efficiency and reduces its carbon emissions.

## Chinese translation

> Translation model: grok_cli

### 国民服役广场向国民服役人员及其家属致敬；供全民共享的空间

1. 国防部长黄永宏医生今天下午主持了国民服役广场（NS Square）的奠基仪式。出席者还包括政府国会委员会（国防与外交事务）成员、其他部委和法定机构代表，以及来自新加坡武装部队（SAF）、新加坡民防部队（SCDF）和新加坡警察部队（SPF）的战备国民服役人员（NSmen）。将滨海湾浮动舞台（The Float @ Marina Bay）重建为国民服役广场，最初由总理李显龙在2017年国庆服役50周年庆祝活动期间宣布，以向所有过去和现在的国民服役人员及其家属致敬。国民服役广场以城市天际线为背景，将成为永久性的致敬地标，并鲜明提醒国民服役在确保新加坡和平与繁荣方面所发挥的核心作用。

2. 国民服役广场将成为举办大型国家和社区活动的独特场地，例如国庆庆典（NDP）和滨海湾新加坡跨年倒计时；亦可承办音乐会、演出、体育活动与比赛等公众活动，并为公众在滨海湾提供更多开展社区与休闲活动的空间。建成后，国民服役广场将进一步提升滨海湾作为新加坡人汇聚一堂、体现本地身份认同并增强归属感的优选目的地。

3. 仪式上，黄医生强调了国民服役的重要性、国民服役广场的意义，以及对过去和现在的国民服役人员及其支持网络为新加坡国防与安全所作宝贵贡献的肯定。他说：“一支强大的武装部队和内政团队，其力量取决于其人员，而国民服役人员构成了其作战与行动力量的主体。没有国民服役人员的承诺，武装部队和内政团队就无法强大，我们的威慑也会失效……国民服役广场旨在成为国民服役人员及其家属享受他们多年来所守护的新加坡之和平与繁荣的地方。”他补充道：“这座国民服役广场将是一座新设施，但它将建立在我们作为一个国家共同历程中深厚传统与遗产的坚实基础之上……它将成为全体新加坡人的国家地标。它将为滨海湾一带本已令人瞩目的天际线再添一颗明珠……并将其献给国民服役人员及其家属，以表达国家对他们的深切感谢。”

4. 在阐述国民服役广场名称的构思时，黄医生补充说：“那片谦逊而平常的阅兵广场，置身于精致与奢华之中，既是对所有国民服役人员的认可，也是对他们的提醒——他们成为正式士兵的旅程始于阅兵广场，纪律、力量、战友情谊、忠诚、正直等重要价值观正是在那里锻造而成。”

5. 国民服役广场将成为一座迷人的滨水场地，背靠滨海湾标志性天际线。它将设有新的永久性舞台甲板和看台，座位容量增至约3万人，让更多新加坡人每年能够现场观看国庆庆典及其他活动。开发项目内还将设有以国民服役为主题的展馆，通过多种多媒体平台和实物展示，呈现我国的国防，以及武装部队、警察部队和民防部队国民服役人员跨代的故事与贡献。此外，国民服役广场将是一处社区空间，设有新的滨水长廊，并配备多种体育设施和餐饮选择，供公众全年享用。

6. 国民服役广场的设计融入了环境可持续特征，以降低能耗和足迹。其中包括接入滨海湾区域供冷网络[1]用于空调系统，以及使用太阳能电池板补充能源需求。浮动平台拆除所得的材料——混凝土和钢材——也将用于补充新开发项目的建筑材料。

7. 国民服役广场预计于2027年竣工。有关国民服役广场及其设施的更多详情，将在接近竣工时公布。

[1] 滨海湾区域供冷网络位于滨海湾金融区，是一套地下集中式能源系统，通过输送冷冻水为建筑群供应空调。这一节能且具经济效益的公用服务提升了该区域的能源效率，并减少了碳排放。