The Singapore Government will be spending twice as much in budget for fireworks this National Day as compared to last year’s. Boasting a 360° view of the pyrotechnics at the Padang and roof-top of seven surrounding commercial buildings, the cost of the fireworks tomorrow (August 9) is undisclosed but is estimated to be at least $7 million for the fireworks fanfare.

On the New Year Eve of 2014, the Sydney City Council spent A$6.8 million to light up the city sky. Singapore’s SG50 celebrations should cost at least twice as much or at least close to the city-state of Australia’s spending.

The Singapore Government has been tight-lipped about the cost of holding National Day parades and their rehearsals, and there is no media report over the past 50 years on its spending. There will also be more buses and free public transport tomorrow – the first in Singapore history.

This year’s National Day will feature an empty seat at the stadium, which is the usual spot of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the father of the present Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Tributes will be paid to Lee Kuan Yew who died in March this year. The ruling party government ordered a recitation of Lee Kuan Yew’s speech tomorrow morning at 9am over the city’s national emergency Public Address broadcast. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will likely call for the General Elections within weeks after National Day.