1970s
To improve the economy, the Singapore government
focused on promoting export-oriented, labourextensive industrialisation through an incentive
programme, plus using Singapore’s strategic
location to attract foreign investments. Having
constructed a strong manufacturing base, Singapore
was aggressive in further enhancing its business
resources. Factories were built, skilled manpower
was developed and industries were diversified.
This helped Singapore survive the 1973-75 global
recession. Subsidised education, housing, public
transportation and health services from the
government also created more jobs in the public
sector. By the late 1970s, the government shifted its
strategic focus to skilled and technology-intensive,
high value-added industries and away from labourintensive manufacturing.
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