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Singapore’s information ecosystem is rich, diverse, and becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our traditional media scene is growing strongly, with the broadcast and print media industries continuing to assert a clear hold over audiences and advertising revenue.
Meanwhile, the new digital media is proliferating even more rapidly, spearheaded by web-based applications such as blogs, video-on-demand and online news feeds. With growing convergence, the distinctions between the old and new media are disappearing each day.
Singaporeans now have ready access to these multiple sources of information, both locally and internationally. They are getting better educated, more media savvy, and more attuned to the information revolution. Large volumes of data are accessible just a few clicks away.
The challenge for the government is to stay abreast of these developments. How do we communicate effectively in this rich information environment? How do we reach out to all Singaporeans? We have to consider the broad national interest, while weighing the varied needs of different segments of society. We have to inform citizens on key public policies and national issues, rallying them, gaining their understanding and trust.
Working with the elected political leadership of Singapore, MICA is charged with setting the tone and direction for overall government public communications. Leveraging on different communications channels, we work in related areas ranging from media management and public consultation to crisis communications and national marketing.
MICA seeks ultimately to increase the confidence of Singaporeans in the government, striving to foster a population cohesive and united, resilient in times of crisis. We also aim to promote a positive image of Singapore to key international audiences.
MICA collaborates widely with other ministries on a whole-of-government level to advance such strategic public communications objectives.
Supporting MICA in these efforts is a team of trained specialist officers in the Singapore Government Information Service. They are deployed within MICA and also across other ministries, forming a unified public communications network linking the different agencies in government.
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