Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his annual National Day Message at the new Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, which reopened last year after a four-year and $158 million facelift.

Here are 5 key points of his message:

1. A recap of the history of Singapore's independence: The 9th of August 1965 was when Singapore's world changed. At 10 a.m., a radio announcer read the Proclamation - Singapore had left Malaysia and would "forever be a sovereign, democratic and independent nation".

2. Ample reasons to celebrate on Singapore's 50th birthday as Singapore "turned vulnerabilities into strengths":

i) How a struggling economy with no domestic market made the world our market and created jobs for our people.

ii) How without any domestic hinterland, we made PSA and Changi Airport the best in the world.

iii) How from being utterly dependent on Johor for water, we turned the whole island into one catchment area, and developed NEWater.

iv) How while we had no natural resources, we educated every Singaporean and created opportunities for their talents to thrive.

3. "We are stronger as one people": PM Lee pointed out two heartwarming examples this year: 1) How Singaporeans instinctively gather to lift a truck to save someone trapped underneath; and 2) How Singaporeans continue singing the National Anthem with gusto at the SEA Games when the music fails.

4. The significance of Victoria Concert Hall: In 1954, Mr Lee Kuan Yew launched the People's Action Party (PAP). In 1958, "Majulah Singapura" was first performed. It was at the Padang nearby, where National Day Parades were held.

5. No mention of Singapore's economy forecast growth figures: This is the first time PM Lee did not mention the economy's forecast growth figures for the National Day Message.

Watch the full 8-minute National Day Message 2015 here.

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Or read his full speech here.

Bonus material: Behind the scenes of the National Day Message 2015.

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Top photo courtesy of Ministry of Communications and Information

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