Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his annual National Day Message this year at the Alexandra Park Connector.

Here are five things about National Day Message you’re better off not knowing. For everything else, there is our summary in 60 seconds.

1. What is the National Day Message?

The National Day Message is pre-recorded and broadcast on the eve of National Day. It usually focuses on economic issues, with PM sharing official economic forecasts, Singapore’s economic performance in the past year and its challenges ahead.

2. Venue of the National Day Message

Although the earlier speeches used to be recorded at the Istana, PM Lee started to record his NDM in various locations of Singapore over the past few years.

The location chosen was perhaps to reinforce a message in NDM. Previous locations included Bishan Park (2012), the Pinnacle@Duxton, the Marina Bay floating platform, the Toa Payoh HDB estate and the National Library Building.

3. The meaning behind the location choices 

The choice of Alexandra Park Connector near Dawson was, in PM's words, an example of how "we are upgrading Singapore, year by year".

Last year's message was recorded at the SAFRA clubhouse in Toa Payoh, the location of SAFRA’s 1st clubhouse in 1975. He recorded the message at SAFRA to thank the National Servicemen and their families for their contributions.

4. But what has changed this year?

There is less emphasis on Singapore's GDP figures this year.

One way to assess PM's focus on Singapore's GDP is to look at which paragraph GDP figures were mentioned over the years.

NDM 2009: 1st Para "Singapore has had a turbulent and challenging year. In January, dark clouds had gathered all around us. Our economy was hit by the worst storm in our history. Exports went down by a third, and manufacturing declined sharply, since we produced for world markets. Given this backdrop, we projected GDP to shrink this year by 6% to 9%."

NDM 2010: 2nd and 3rd Para "Our economy has rebounded strongly from last year’s recession. GDP grew 17.9% Y-on-Y in the first half of this year. Many jobs have been created, and unemployment is low.  Our workers can look forward to better wages, more overtime and higher bonuses this year"

NDM 2011: 1st Para "The Singapore economy is consolidating its recovery from the 2008 global economic crisis. GDP grew 4.9% in the first half of 2011, while unemployment remains low at 2.1%. Despite some risks on the horizon, we project steady growth of 5-6% for 2011."

NDM 2012: 2nd Para "Against this backdrop, Singapore is doing quite well. Our economy grew 1.7% in the first half of 2012 and we are on track for 1.5-2.5% growth for the year. Internationally, Singapore’s standing is high, whether with emerging countries like India and China or advanced nations like the US. Domestically, we are clearing the backlog of applicants for HDB flats, building more MRT lines and upgrading our bus services. Our GST Vouchers and U-Save rebates will help lower-income households cope with inflation."

NDM 2013: 4th Para "Our economy is holding steady amidst global uncertainties. We are attracting more quality investments. Unemployment remains low. We grew by 2.0% in the first half of 2013, and expect to grow by 2.5-3.5% this year, higher than previously expected. Even as we tighten up on foreign workers and immigration, we must maintain investor confidence and keep Singapore open for business."

NDM 2014: "Whichever path our students and workers take, ultimately we need a vibrant economy to produce good jobs and fulfilling careers. Our economy grew 3.5% in the first half of 2014, and is forecast to grow 2.5-3.5% for the year. We must keep up this growth over the next decade to help you improve your lives."

Which paragraph was the economy mentioned this year?

7th paragraph? Wrong, unless you are counting from below.

The answer? It is in the 14th paragraph. You have this sense that maybe the GDP figures were provided to us like an afterthought.

5. Mainstream media offer more-of-the-same coverage on National Day Message

PM mentioned that “Singapore has changed".

From the subdued focus on GDP in his NDM, maybe the government has also changed its attitude towards focusing on just economic growth to help Singaporeans.

But who can we count on to offer us that more-of-the-same comfort?

The mainstream media of course.

Just check out their coverage.

Source: Straits Times

Source: Channel NewsAsia website

Their headlines continue to focus on Singapore's GDP figures and the economy.

If the mainstream media is the government's mouthpiece, it really sucks in its role.

Related article:

Everything you need to know about PM Lee’s National Day Message 2014 in 60 seconds

Top photo from PMO Youtube screengrab. 

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