Dear colleagues,

This is MINCOM's first National Day Observance Ceremony. We come together as a Ministry to mark this occasion, at a time when we are facing probably the most severe crisis in our short history as an independent nation.

2 33 years ago, on 9 August 1965 we became an independent nation. 9 August 1965 was a special day. Some of you may have no recollection of that day. Those who were around and saw the announcement of the separation from Malaysia on TV remember it well. In any case, I would recommend, if you have not done so, a visit to the National Education Exhibition.

3 The immediate feeling on that day was one of bewilderment and uncertainty. We had little resources, no modern port or airport, many people needing jobs and roofs over their head, no SAF.

4 The question was not whether we could prosper, but whether we could survive. We did survive. We not only survived but prospered. Over the years, life for Singaporeans improved by leaps and bounds. So much so that we started to become complacent, to believe that good times would last forever.

5 These celebrations are taking place in a year in which Singapore has suffered, along with other countries in the region, from the effects of a severe regional financial crisis. A significant number of Singaporeans have been affected – some have lost jobs, others have lost businesses. Our economy is an open one. We are sensitive to the vagaries of international economic trends. We have done and will do what is necessary to strengthen our economy. However, we cannot insulate ourselves completely from the storms that buffet us. We must be prepared for tougher times ahead. We have to adjust our lifestyle to weather the storms that are currently buffeting us. But, we must also prepare ourselves so that we can emerge stronger, fitter and tougher, when good times return.

6 How can we, as citizens and as colleagues in MINCOM and its agencies, make sense of our national celebrations amidst this current crisis? How can we prepare ourselves to meet the challenges ahead?

7 For inspiration, let us look no further than our own MINCOM Report. This publication summarises the work of MINCOM and its agencies, and tells visitors what MINCOM is all about. On the last page of the Report appear the words ‘Connected and Competitive’. To meet the challenges that are coming our way, let us stay ‘Connected and Competitive’.

8 Connectivity is vital for Singapore’s survival. We are too small to isolate ourselves. In this global village, people, goods and information need to be transported quickly and efficiently from one place to another, within our shores and beyond them. Our port, airport, telecommunication services, meteorological services, postal services, public transport system and road network are considered world-class because we excel in connectivity. Connectivity means efficiency, convenience, accessibility and opportunity. Connectivity gives people and businesses the cutting edge to stay competitive.

9 Being connected also means being competitive. Because of the economic turmoil, competition in the region has heated up. When the region is doing well, and the pie is growing, competition is keen but friendly. When the pie is shrinking, competition is not only keener but can turn unfriendly.

10 We must be prepared to compete in both good times and bad. There are direct challenges to our core strengths, specifically, our port and airport. These direct challenges impact upon all the other areas of MINCOM’s responsibility. We have to make sure that our land transport, telecommunications and met services continue to improve in order to support Singapore’s total communication network.

11 Being connected to stay competitive also means being connected as one people, and staying connected to the outside world. Connectivity per se emphasises infrastructure and technology. "Staying connected" emphasises the human aspect of our endeavours. Our world-class facilities are of no use if we lose contact with our business partners, our customers, our clientele and worse still, if we lose contact with reality. By staying connected with the outside world, we know how competitive we are, how we compare with others. By staying connected with the outside world, we can keep track of emerging trends and make the necessary adjustment in order to stay competitive.

12 This year’s National Day celebrations theme is "My Singapore, Our Future". This National Day observance ceremony gives us the opportunity to affirm our commitment to our nation and to our common future. As we recite our pledge, let us also be reminded of the turbulent times that Singapore has gone through and those that are likely to come. I am confident that we will be able to weather the storms if we stay connected and competitive. Make this National Day an especially meaningful one for all of us.