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Synopsis :

Programme is a round up of major events in Singapore in the 12 months of 1980. These events include:

1.   Government's decision to move to the second phase of its industrialisation programme. It  introduces new attractive schemes and the National Wages recommends two-tier wage policy. The Secretary General, NTUC Lim Chee Onn reminds Singapore workers of their responsibility to the nation [includes excerpt of speech].  

2.   National University of Singapore (NUS) established on 7 July with the merging of Nanyang University and University of Singapore. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew suggests the setting up of a separate institute of engineering at Nantah campus in 1982.

3.   Major projects of the year include:
 
a)   petro-chemical complex at Pulau Ayer Merbau between Singapore, Japan and a group of international companies;
b)   Raffles City complex taking off in August;
c)   viaduct spanning the sea to link east to west completed in 10 months.
d)   Hon Sui Sen, Minister for Finance, officiates at the ground breaking ceremony for both projects.

4.   Problem of traffic congestion in the city area and the government's plans to investigate alternative means of public transport system, which include bringing in a group of foreign experts on transportation to study all aspects of the problem. Included is an excerpt of Minister for Transport Ong Teng Cheong speaking on the issue.

5.   General Election on 23 December - PAP wins all 75 seats of Parliament. A total of 81 candidates from 8 political parties participate in the election.

a)   A new party - Singapore Democratic Party debut at this election, and Dr Lee Siew Choh, Barisan Sosialis Secretary General announces he is quitting politics.
b)   At the post election press conference Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew says it is an 'unusual record for a government to be returned in four successive elections without losing a single seat' and adds that the 'younger electorate want higher performance from their members of parliament'.
c)   Excerpt of an interview with Goh Chok Tong, Chairman of PAP Election Committee, who is also Minister for Trade & Industry, on Singapore economic prospects and forecast for 1981.

6.   Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's Overseas Visits

a)   A 3-day informal visit to Manila.
b)   In July a 3-day informal visit to Indonesia accompanied by Mrs Lee.
c)   Come November he visits  China where he meets Deng Xiaoping with Singapore cabinet on the Kampuchea problem, and also has a meeting with Chairman Hua Guo-feng. After attending a performance, PMLee is invited to take a group photo with the artistes.
d)   S Dhanabalan, Foreign Minister, sums up PMLee's visit to China.

7.   Foreign dignitaries visiting Singapore
The dignitaries include Thai Prime Minister, General Prem Tinsulanonda and Malaysian Prime Minister Hussein Onn.

8.   9th Meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers
Singapore hosts the meeting on 19-23 April. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew opens the meeting and an excerpt of his speech is included.

9.   Shipbuilding industry

a)   Local shipbuilders and repairers have a quick recovery from government financing scheme.
b)   Singapore navy's first of 12 vessels - Swift Warrior - is built.
c)   Keppel Shipyard receives a new contract to end in 1982.

10.   Campaign launched  to attract conventions of 2000 or more delegates for upcoming Raffles City convention facilities.

11.   Population census conducted in June.

12.   Victoria Memorial Hall re-opening

a)   Re-named Victoria Concert Hall after 'undergoing revolutionary change to convert it into a modern concert hall.
b)   Re-opens on 1st October by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
c)   To mark the occasion the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, under Choo Hoey, gives a two-hour concert.

Programme is a presentation of News.