Errors in Tamil Translations on National Day Parade 2017 Rehearsal Collaterals

12 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether there have been errors in the Tamil translations on the National Day Parade 2017 rehearsal collaterals; and (b) what further steps will the Ministry take to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Pamphlets used during the NDP rehearsals contained errors in the Tamil translation. Investigations revealed that the original Tamil translation submitted was correct but errors were made by printers of the pamphlets. Unfortunately, some pamphlets with errors had already been distributed to the audience prior to the discovery. The NDP Executive Committee (EXCO) has apologised publicly for this mistake.

The error arose because the pamphlets were not proof-read after printing and before distribution. This step has been incorporated as standard procedure for all translated texts in NDP materials. Additionally, the NDP EXCO will also ensure that the publishing companies it engages are equipped with the necessary and reliable computer software for correct printing of different languages.