IH term 1 test 1 prep:

A) Intro to history of singapores economic

development:
Problems inherited by the Singapore government in
the 1960s
Physical constraints
-limited land
-shortage of water
-environmental pollution
Social
-different races and religion living together,
therefore, may cause disputes and riots
Political
-confrontasi,cause unrest and people thus does not
want to invest
-political agitation by communist unions
Economical
-No natural resources like tin, rubber, or oil,
therefore,
-it depended on entrepot trade for the last century
-1960s, there were more ports near Singapore so
we faced competition
-countries traded directly with other
countries instead of sending their goods to Singapore for re
export
-population growing and jobs had to be
created. Also, british forces leaving Singapore cause many
people to lose their jobs.
-1960, world trade was flourishing so
economy grew. 1970, rise of oil prices affected the economy
but Singapore managed to pull through because of its strong
economic foundation. (reasons: geographic position,
contribution of far sighted and careful leaders, contribution of
hardworking older generation)

-no economic hinterland to enlarge the

market to absorb the goods produced by small manufacturing
sector
-1978,labour shortage.
Steps taken: 1) Factories were set up
in Jurong, redhill,etc.
2) EDB-encourages mnc
to set up in Singapore,give tax holidays (eg. Pioneer
certificates-exemption of tax from 40 percent)
3) Build infrastructurePUB established to co-ordinate the supply of water,
electricity and gas to people. Telecomm was improved,
which enabled business contacts overseas to be
established. Banking facilities improved.
4) Communication betw
workers and employers- Arbitration courts to settle
disagreements. New labour laws to ensure fair
treatment. NTUC formed to improve working conditions
of workers and to promote good relationship between
their employers.
5) Produce high value
products like tv, calculators, computer, aircraft parts, oil
rigs,etc.
6) Education-new schools
set up to provide education. Training institutues were
set up, university and poly too.
7) Labour intensive
industries (6os to late 70s) like assembly plants to solve
unemployment issues
B) Studying of Singapore government role in the
success of Singapore industrial development (1965 to
1975)

 Governments role in promoting industrial

development
-brought in foreign workers into Singapore to ease
the labour shortage
-announced a stategy that involved a shift to
capital intensive industries that require more
machinery and less labour. Also, it moved from
manufacturing low tech things to high tech
industries like aerospace and petrochemical
industries
-higher wages: to encourage industries to move
towards high tech industries and also to encourage
workers to upgrade their education and skills.
-Productivity campaigns: govt encourage workers
to take pride in their work and be more productive
thru advertisements and newsletters.
-Focus in education and skill training: New training
institutes were set up.
-increase emphasis on R&D: in order to retain its
competitive edge, Singapore manufacturing
industry has to innovate by improving existing
products and developing new ones.
-new better industrial facilities: build special
buildings and facilities
-better support services : example, change airport
completed in 1981 to support a larger volume of
air traffic
Conclusion of govt role:
a) Impact of economic success on people
b) Have planning and foresight
c) Economic devt has strengthened both
society and security of the nation
d) Ability to adapt to new situations
c) IMpactof education policy of Singapore on its
economic development (1965-1995)
Changes in education system

-1960 to 70s: Meeting the needs of young

nation
-> provide a place for every child, bulding
national loyalty through flag raising and
pledge taking, fostering social cohesion
through textbook loan,etc. Preparing for
economic devt through technical education
taught in schools
-Late 70s to early 1990s: improving quality
of education
-> Need quality education and more
attention paid to the development of an
individual pupil . So, they started streaming,
teaching moral values, social responsibility,
creativity.
-21st century: preparation for challenges
-> Needs resourceful, self reliant,
competitive, use of computers. So, they used
critical and creative thinking, use of IT,
national education of racial harmony, total
defence, etc.
Conclusion: Constant reviews of education
system to nuture talent pool
How education contributed to singapores
economic and industrial development