Mou Tuck Deng 无得顶: June 2014

If my memory does not fail me, the old National Stadium was constructed in 1968 by a local contractor named Toh Seng Sit Construction. The old National Stadium was demolished in 2007 to made way for the construction of the new National Stadium. The new Singapore Sports Hub which cost 1.3 billion was officially opened on 27 June 2104 and also starting the count down of 2015 SEA Game. Singapore will be the host for the coming 2015 SEA Game. The new Sports Hub is usually open for events but also accepting bookings now from the public for activities like swimming in the Olympic size swimming pool at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, play volley ball at the multi-purpose sport hall OCBC Arena or kayak at the Water Sports Centre. The purpose is to encourage more people making full use of the facilities. There is also a Sports Hub Library, Singapore Sports Museum and the Kallang Wave Mall for the shoppers. Some restaurants will open progressively to satisfy the food lovers. These are expected to be the feature at every week end where people can enjoy sports with world class facilities.
One of the special design feature of the Sports Hub worth mentioning is the retractable sliding roof. The roof will remain open for natural air ventilation. It can be closed completely to stop rain when the need arises. The seats arrangement is so flexible that it can be re-configured if more space is required. Solar power is used to ventilate under the seating for comfort and yet achieving clean energy. I noticed the Architect had adopted the hot-dip galvanised steel checked plate as floor finishes to the seating area. This is indeed a very good choice of building material. It is robust , non slip, non rust and also durable. This is a better choice as compare to cement and sand screed floor finish.
I came to know that the SCO ( Singapore Chinese Orchestra- 新加坡华乐团 ) is staging a mega concert on 28 June 2014. I told myself that this is a very good opportunity to visit the newly completed Sports Hub and at the same time I can enjoy the musical performance. With many sponsors and credit card discount, I paid $19 per person only for the entrance ticket which I considered very reasonable and also value for money. The outing was good for family bonding. The mega concert was comprising of 128 Chinese orchestra group from all different back grounds. The ensemble of more than 4,500 was conducted by the SSO music director Tsung Yeh ( 叶忡）. The concert has broken the record and was registered in the Guiness World Record for the largest Chinese drum ensemble and the largest Chinese orchestra performance. About 30,000 people attended the concert. Our Prime Minster and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hsien Loong were the Guest of honour. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, and Minster's in Prime Minster Office Grace Fu who is also second Minster for Foreign Affair were also present. Music is the International language. People from all walks of life irrespective of their back ground, race, language and religion all come as one people , one music and one Nation to enjoy the mega musical concert for the night and at the same time admiring the amazing architectural design of the new Stadium. This is the theme of the mega concert - Our people, Our Music 2014.