Singapore will showcase it artistic and cultural achievements in key global cities around the world.

This will kick off with the Singapore Season in Beijing and Shanghai, as part of national effort to use the arts to enhance Singapore's brand value and international recognition.

Performers will include major arts groups and performing companies such as the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Dance Theatre, Drama Box, the Nuradee Brothers, visual artists and writers.

Another performer is Singapore's popular pop star, Sun Ho, who has been scoring top hits in Asia and the United States, and was recently appointed music ambassador of the Beijing Olympics 2008.

The season in China is a major MICA cultural diplomacy project showcasing Singapore's multi-cultural heritage and its artistic side to the Chinese audience, Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang said today at a National Day observance ceremony.

"We will also invest in the next generation national broadband network (NBN) to provide pervasive ultra high-speed broadband connectivity throughout Singapore," he said.

"This will boost development and deployment of interactive digital services to businesses, hospitals, schools and homes as well as support the growth of interactive digital media.

"The NBN will give Singapore an edge as an attractive investment hub for high-value knowledge intensive industries. The bottom line is more investment, more jobs and more possibilities."

In his speech, Dr Lee added that that MICA would continue to help Singapore's creative enterprises to build up their capabilities, experience and access to international markets.

It will also continue to invest and nurture artistic talents to enrich the country's arts and cultural life.
Two months ago, Singapore celebrated a month-long Arts Festival with nearly 300 events attracting audiences of more than 800,000 people.

The current Singapore Art Show showcases exciting works of more than 400 local artists and the Republic is also building the National Art Gallery and the School of the Arts.

These are key institutions which will make possible the dreams of generations of artistically creative and talented Singaporeans, Dr Lee said.

"The arts can make Singapore an even more vibrant city, inspire learning and interactivity as well as strengthen multi-racialism and a sense of identity," he added.