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Army Open House extends to Monday

SINGAPORE — Even though the much-anticipated Red Lions were unable to perform due to inclement weather, crowds thronged the F1 pit on Saturday (May 27) for the Army Open House.

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SINGAPORE — Even though the much-anticipated Red Lions were unable to perform due to inclement weather, crowds thronged the F1 pit on Saturday (May 27) for the Army Open House.

Close to 33,000 visitors made their way to the event on its opening weekend, drawn by the chance to get up close to military hardware, hands-on experiences and a dynamic show.

Response was so overwhelming that organisers decided to extend it for one extra day, to Monday.

For many, the chance to ride on some of the military vehicles were the real treat.

Marketing coordinator Tan Loo Ying, 42, and her two sons, aged seven and 10, got a chance to get on board the “Very Slender Vessel” (VSV), on public display for the first time.

The 16m-long, 2.4m-wide and 2.5m tall UK-imported vessel is capable of speeds of up to 40 knots in water, said the Singapore Armed Forces.

Commenting that this year’s exhibition offered more hands-on experiences than previous years, Ms Tan said: “My boys enjoy the show a lot more as they can have a go at manoeuvring the vehicles.”

With Singapore marking 50 years of National Service (NS50) this year, the NS50 showcase at the event drew praise from 41-year-old Chong Chan Sin.

“The interactive and digital display booths were very informative, and it helped to boost the confidence I have in our armed forces,” said the manager in the semi-conductor industry, who particularly liked the NS50 showcase.

For others like engineer Bernice Koh, 34, the event offered her a glimpse into what her husband does at work.

“My husband was involved in designing the housing of the Terrex infantry carrier vehicles, so it was a rare chance to finally be able to experience and have a taste of what he works with every day,” she said.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen was present on Saturday to kick off the Dynamic Defence Display show in the afternoon, which showcased the terrexes, Leopard 2 armoured engineer vehicles, among others, in action for approximately 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, the Red Lions had to cancel their parachute display due to the weather.

Dr Ng also tested out remote firing of a prototype of the Next Generation Armoured Vehicle through a tablet device.

Around 3,300 full-time national servicemen, operationally-ready national servicemen and army regulars are participating in the event.

The ad-hoc event returned to a city-centre location for the first time in five years, which appealed to visitors like childcare teacher Arafah Aishah, 30.

“It’s in the city and very near the MRT, so it was very convenient for us to visit over the weekend,” said Ms Aishah, who was there with her auntie and two other sisters.

After Monday, the open house will be in Punggol from June 2 to 4, and subsequently in Jurong East from June 9 to 11.

The Army last held exhibitions in Tampines and Jurong East in 2014, and in Serangoon Nex and Toa Payoh Hub last year.

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