20-YEAR-OLD NUS student Dawn Ong screamed when she was informed that her photo caption entry for The Straits Times NDP Photo Caption Contest was one of this week's winners.

NATIONAL Day celebrations are moving to the doorsteps of Singaporeans even before the big day itself, with a series of roadshows in the heartland over the next few weekends.

Starting at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh last weekend, the NDP roadshows are part of the effort to bring the parade closer to Singaporeans and drum up interest in the annual spectacular next month.

This is the first time NDP roadshows are being held before National Day.

The roadshow will move on to Jurong Point, Tampines Central and Republic Polytechnic in the next few weeks, before its final stop at Marina Square over the National Day weekend.

Other than performances, a book launch and lucky draws, winning entries of a photo contest entitled Singapore My Home and a short film competition My Pledge will also be on display during the roadshows.

Local band Electrico, which will be singing this year's NDP theme song What Do You See, will also perform.

Singaporeans can also pen their birthday wishes and aspirations for the nation on a wall mural, and view a montage of photographs from previous NDPs.

Bishan resident Kenneth Ng, 42, was with his wife and two daughters at the roadshow at the HDB Hub yesterday. The engineer said the roadshow would give the younger generation an idea of how previous NDPs were celebrated.

Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew said the roadshow was a chance for Singaporeans to find out more about NDP.

While the parade was the natural focal point of the occasion, the minister hoped Singaporeans would also see the deeper purpose behind the National Day celebrations. 'The most important thing is for all of us to come together and reaffirm our dedication to the country, reaffirm our pledge to be one united people, and move forward together.'