THE NATION BUILDING YEARS

1965 - 1971

CHALLENGES FACING SINGAPORE

• There was a need to overcome the following:– Lack of natural

resources;– Lack of

diversification – Overdependence on entrepot trade.

– High Unemployment.

Challenge: Economic uncertainties brought about by separation from Malaysia and withdrawal of the British

• Measures taken:– Attract MNCs to

invest in Singapore.– Transform Singapore

into a more efficient country.

– Focus on export-led industrialisation.

– Infrastructural improvements..

– Set up EDB.– Jurong Industrial

Estate

CHALLENGES FACING SINGAPORE

• There was a need to overcome the following:– More than half a

million people living in slums and squatter settlements.

– Cramped and unhygienic living conditions.

Challenge: Insufficient housing during colonial period. Led to many people living in cramped and unhygienic slums.

• Measures taken:– Set up Housing

Development Board in Feb 1960.

– HDB implemented two five-year plans.

– Housing estates built on fringes of the central area.

– Squatters resettled.

CHALLENGES FACING SINGAPORE

• There was a need to overcome the following:– Education left to

the different ethnic/religious groups to run. Led to a lack of social interaction.

– No sense of nationhood.

– Varied quality of education.

Challenge: Education system needed to be improved in order to help social interaction and economic development.

• Measures taken:– Bilingual policy– Outward

demonstrations of patriotism.

– Rapid expansion of educational facilities to provide educational opportunities after Primary school

– Large-scale recruitment of teachers.

CHALLENGES FACING SINGAPORE

• There was a need to overcome the following:– British

withdrawal.– Limited

manpower and funds.

Challenge: Need to build up strong defence force to ensure stability.

• Measures taken:– National Service

Amendment Bill of 1967.

– Creation of a citizen’s army.

– Convince people of the need to serve national service.

– Build up navy and set up air force.

– Foreign advisors.– Military co-operation

with other countries.

How has the response to the challenges shaped the Singapore

of today?