MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Cultural Policy

It is Government policy to develop Singapore's rich cultural heritage derived from the Malay, Chinese, Indian and western civilisations, and, through their cross-fertilization, to evolve a national cultural identity. The Ministry will continue to organise a wide range of activities to promote a better appreciation of our cultural heritage. This will provide our young with the necessary cultural ballast against the erosion of traditional norms and values.

The Ministry will improve its present range of cultural activities to meet growing demands for more sophisticated programmes. Every encouragement will be given to those inclined towards artistic and creative pursuits, with emphasis on excellence and originality. The literary and performing arts will receive greater attention. Apart from sponsoring competitions, exhibitions and performances, the Ministry will provide financial and other forms of assistance to deserving amateur cultural groups. Cultural festivals will be held to provide local artistes with more opportunities to display their skills and talents. The facilities and equipment for theatrical performances at both the National Theatre and the Victoria Theatre will be improved.

Broadcasting and Television

Our radio and television services will continue to inform, educate and entertain. The production and choice of programmes will take into account the need to promote better understanding of one another in our plural society.

By 1978, 85 per cent of the total output on Television, including all locally-produced programmes, will be in colour. This will call for even higher standards of production and presentation.

For radio listeners, the quality of transmission will be further improved with the installation of new higher-powered transmitters and the resiting of the transmitting station.

National Library

The registered readership of the National Library and its branches is expected to reach one-fifth of the total population by 1981. To cope with increasing demands, the library system will be further expanded by providing additional mobile library services and extending opening hours. The acquisition, cataloguing and circulation of library materials will be computerized.

One branch library will be opened in Katong in 1978. Two more are planned for Telok Blangah and Geylang East. With decentralization, the Central Library in Stamford Road will concentrate on specialised reference and information services.

Some 85, 000 volumes of books will be added each year to the library collection The number and range of audio-visual materials will also be substantially increased.

National Museum

With the completion of its Art Gallery, the National Museum has become a centre for local and international art exhibitions. When completely renovated by 1979, the Museum will have more space and better facilities for the conservation and display of exhibits and cultural properties. This would stimulate local organisations and private collectors to donate or loan their collections.

The existing museum activities will be expanded to include weekly conducted tours of the galleries and loan exhibitions for schools to foster better appreciation of our cultural heritage.

People's Association

The People's Association will continue to play its role in nation-building. It will draw in and encourage more people to involve themselves in matters of public interest and national development projects. With half of the population already living in the HDB estates. the Association will gear its programmes to promoting greater social cohesiveness and neighbourliness.

The public will be encouraged to participate more actively in community work, More volunteers will be required to serve on the Management Committees. Women Sub-Committees and Youth Groups. New and better equipped community centres are necessary to cater to the changing needs of the population. Ten such community centres are under construction. Several others are being planned for new housing estates and to replace those affected by development projects.

JEK YEUN THONG Minister for Culture