Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information & The Arts, #36-00, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963, Tel: 3757794/5

SPEECH BY MR MAH BOW TAN

MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TELEPARK

ON 8 NOVEMBER 1996 AT 10.30 AM

AT TAMPINES NEW TOWN

A key factor that has enabled Singapore to stay competitive economically is its modern and efficient telecommunication networks. The annual World Competitiveness Report had for the last few years acknowledged Singapore's telecommunication infrastructure to be amongst the best in the world. To maintain Singapore's economic competitive edge, it is imperative that we continue to expand and upgrade our telecommunication facilities for both business and residential use.

2 In May this year, I announced the Government's decision to advance the expiry of Singapore Telecom's exclusive licence to provide basic telecommunication services from 2007 to 2000. This was done with the objective of enhancing Singapore's competitive edge in telecommunication infrastructure and services in mind. The telecommunication industry is undergoing phenomenal changes. Singapore has to move with the changes or be left behind. We have to decide how best to make sure Singapore keep up with the rapid changes in this industry.

3 The Government recognises that a competitive telecommunication market can bring about telecommunication services of higher quality, of wider choices and at more attractive prices. It will also bring the latest innovations in telecommunication infrastructure and services to Singapore faster.

4 In a fast changing telecommunication environment that is gearing toward more liberalisation and competition, we expect the telecommunication services to become increasingly more sophisticated and diversified. The telecommunication service providers who are able to succeed in the next millennium will be those who can thrive in a competitive environment and at the same time identify and meet the needs of different niche markets.

5 I am pleased to be here today to officially open the Telepark. The Telepark is Singapore Telecom's response to a changing business environment. With the growing trend of multi-national corporations out-sourcing their non-core operations to their preferred total service provider, Singapore Telecom decided in 1991 to construct a specially designed building to centrally house all its telecommunication facilities in order to better meet its customers' needs.

6 Telepark is a pioneer in Asia as a comprehensive facility management and telecommunication complex. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and connectivity and is equipped with extensive telecommunication infrastructure such as optical fibre transmission system, data communication network as well as satellite antenna / VSAT systems. Singapore Telecom tells me that these facilities are designed with the requirements of heavy telecommunication users in mind. The facilities would especially be relevant to companies which seek to establish Singapore as their communication centre.

7 The Telepark will pave the way for Singapore to be a world class centre for telecommunication facilities management. It is geared to attract international companies to establish their data centres, IT and broadcasting hubs in Singapore. It has direct access to international gateways and the national networks via diversely routed optical fibre cable systems. Singapore Telecom's Telepark will help enhance Singapore's business hub position in the region.

8 Singapore Telecom's choice to locate the Telepark in the Tampines New Town is commendable. The Government encourages the growth of regional centres outside the Central Business District. The Tampines Regional Centre is designed for de-centralised commercial activities from downtown business districts. It will be developed into a second financial district outside Shenton Way. The Telepark is thus strategically positioned to cater to the needs of the financial and commercial entities in this part of the island. The Telepark will add to the dynamism of Tampines New Town as it grows into a vibrant commercial centre.

9 I therefore congratulate Singapore Telecom on the choice of the site. And I also congratulate Singapore Telecom on the successful completion and commencement of operations of Telepark. It is now my pleasure to declare the Telepark formally open. Thank you.

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