FUTURE PLANS FOR *SCAPE

FUTURE PLANS FOR *SCAPE

46.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) what are the objectives for building scape; (b) with a building cost of $40 million, what will be the ongoing investment in the facilities and youth programmes; (c) whether scape is for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games; (d) who is going to market scape for international events and how; (e) whether the new media production and editing suites are a private initiative or have Government agencies been invited to explore synergies in this area for youths; (f) whether his Ministry is working with MICA to set up a new media library and develop cyberwellness programme with MOE at scape.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: In 2004, my Ministry conducted a nationwide youth consultation exercise called "Youth – Creating our Future". Through this exercise, many young Singaporeans called for more spaces for their social, recreational, sporting and community activities. scape was built in response to these calls. scape will be a platform for our youth to express themselves, and to pursue various interests and projects that contribute to society.

My Ministry has set up *SCAPE Company Limited to manage this youth community space. We have invited young entrepreneurs and youth leaders to serve as directors of the company. My Ministry adopts an arms-length relationship with the company, and the company’s management and its Board have the autonomy to decide on their business and marketing strategies.

To support the company in its mission to deliver quality youth programmes, the Government will provide transitional funding of about $10 million in the first six years. This will enable *SCAPE Company Limited to build up its capability and revenue stream. The plan is for the company to become financially independent eventually.

SCAPE Company Limited is constantly on the lookout for good ideas on programmes that would appeal to our youth. They will also look beyond our shores and market scape for international events. The company has formed partnerships with agencies from not just the public sector, but also those from the private and people sectors.

On the new media space, the company’s intention is to develop part of *scape into a technology-centric area to promote youth initiatives and creative talents. I understand that the company is currently studying a proposal, so I would not be able elaborate on this further.

I would like to thank Madam Cynthia Phua for the suggestions on having a new media library and a cyberwellness programme at scape. I would pass the suggestions on to SCAPE Company Limited for them to look into.

scape will be the venue for the 3-on-3 basketball competition for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. We expect to welcome hundreds of athletes, coaches and guests at scape. This will be a good opportunity for Singapore to showcase *scape to the international community. I am optimistic that all those present will enjoy the competition at this unique venue.