MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

The Ministry of Communications and Information has three main missions:-

(a) To promote the growth of the transport and communications industry;

(b) To manage a safe and efficient domestic transportation system; and

(c) To keep the public well-informed of Government policies.

Air Transport

We will continue to attract more airlines to fly here by exchanging traffic rights liberally with other countries.

The second passenger terminal at Changi Airport will be ready in 1990. It will be able to handle 10 million more passengers per year, keeping Changi Airport as a major regional hub. Sea Transport

Singapore is the world's busiest port. We aim to become the world's best port, offering the widest range of maritime services. We will build a new container terminal on Pulau Brani, and an international passenger terminal at the World Trade Centre.

Telecommunications

In 1989, we will launch an aeronautical telecommunications service. Passengers on board aircraft can then make telephone and data calls to the ground. By

1991 Telecoms will replace coin-phones with cardphones which can make both local and international direct dialing (IDD) calls. By 1994 we will fully computerize our telephone network.

We have launched Teleview, an advanced photo-videotext system, and will now refine the system before offering the service to the public. We have just introduced the Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) to the business community, and will make it available nationwide in 1989.

Land Transport

We will continue to regulate the growth in the car population and car usage, to keep our roads congestion-free.

MRT construction has progressed smoothly. The first trains began running in November 1987, six months ahead of schedule. The system will be fully operational by 1990.

We will integrate bus services with the MRT to provide convenient access, minimize duplication, and maintain a high quality of service.

Information

We will help to keep Singaporeans well informed and knowledgeable, so that they can understand international developments, national issues and Government policies better, and play a role in nation-building.

We will improve our external public relations programme to strengthen friendly relations with other countries and investor confidence in Singapore.

Broadcasting

SBC will also cater more for the increasing number of young educated Singaporeans. It will improve its News and Current Affairs programmes, and broadcast more community-based news stories and interviews to clarify policies and stimulate discussion on current issues.

SBC's local drama and variety productions will promote national values while entertaining. SBC will also produce more dramas in English which all communities can view and identify with.

DR YEO NING HONG Minister for Communications and Information