SINGAPORE - Close to 33,000 visitors made their way to the F1 Pit Building on Saturday (May 27), to get up close with the army's latest vehicles and weaponry at the Army Open House (AOH) 2017.
Due to the overwhelming response, the two-day open house - which was scheduled to end on Sunday (May 28) - will be extended till Monday (May 29).
The Army Open House, which is organised on an ad-hoc basis, was last held in 2012.
At this year's event, which is themed "Army Ready, Soldier Strong", visitors can try out some of the army's physical training routines, through a specially designed obstacle course.
And in celebration of the 50 years of National Service (NS), an NS50 Showcase exhibition charts the evolution of NS and recognises the contributions of national servicemen, through videos, interactive displays and augmented reality technology.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen visited the open house on Saturday afternoon, and kicked off the Dynamic Defence Display segment, a show featuring the army's tanks, troop carriers and response to a simulated terror attack.
Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong said: "Through AOH17@City, we hope to share the strength of our Army with fellow Singaporeans.
"At the same time, given that this is the 50th year of NS, we hope that the Army Open House and the NS50 Showcase honours our national servicemen who have served, their families, loved ones, employers, and the wider Singapore community who have supported the Singapore Army and NS," he added.
Visitors such as Ms Nicole Pek, 23, a researcher, said the open house was an "eye-opener". "I had the impression the army vehicles were very slow but they moved really fast during the display show," Ms Pek said.
Scientist Jay Sivalingam, 40, who brought his two sons, aged four and two, said: "It's an eye-opener for the kids. For myself, it was good to see the army's latest vehicles and technology. I'm assured we can meet with any challenges (to our nation)."
The public can visit the open house on Sunday (May 28) and Monday (May 29), from 9am to 8pm.
After the F1 Pit Building, the open house will move to Punggol from June 2 to 4, and Jurong East from June 9 to 11, with opening times from 10am to 10pm daily.
