with HDB Corp allowed access into private sector projects from 2007 onwards. December 4 December - The Nicoll Highway reopens to traffic, months after the collapse. 6 December - The Media Development Authority (MDA) approves the merger involving both MediaCorp' and Singapore Press Holdings' free-to-air television operations, first announced in September. 13 December - Jetstar Asia Airways launches its first flights. 29 December - The Boon Lay Extension of the East West MRT line is announced. The extension will be finished by 2009, with 2 elevated stations to be built. 31 December - MediaCorp and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) complete their merger, creating the new holding company MediaCorp TV. Channel i ceased transmission the following day, while Channel U joined MediaCorp. In addition, Streats prints its last issue, merging into Today the next day. Radio station Lush 99.5FM starts transmission. Deaths 21 February - Khoo Teck Puat - Banker and hotel owner (b. 1917). 1 June - Liu Kang - Artist (b. 1911). 7 July - Phyllis Eu Cheng Li - First woman elected into office in Singapore (b. 1914). 6 August - Lien Ying Chow - Founder of Overseas Union Bank (b. 1906). 29 August - Lin Chen - Theatre director and playwright (b. 1919). 16 November - Goh Sin Tub - Writer (b. 1927). 4 December - Pacita Abad - Painter (b. 1946). 7 December - Cheng Yik Hung - Founder of Wing Tai Group (b. 1911). Christopher Henry Rothwell Allen - Actor, director, winner of 1983 Cultural Medallion for Theatre (b. 1933). References Years of the 21st century in Singapore