Singapore: 1965 and beyondPart 2(Chapter 8): How Singapore and its peoples lives were being transformed after independence?- So can you still remember the challenges Singapore faced immediately after Independence?

Part 1(Chapter 7): Challenges facing Singapore post-independence

A) Internal and External Security- Confrontasi and Vietnam War- Establishment of MID- Defence and Police + Introduce NS - Ext Orgn MembershipB)Economic Survival- entrepot , unemployment and Britishs Military withdrawalC) Citizenship and Sense of Belonging- Challenging task to forge a common identity and sense of belonging for the people.

Part 2: How Spore and its peoples lives were being transformed after independence?- Solutions to Part (1)

A) The Importance of the National SymbolsB) Building Singapores Defence: From British Far East Command to the Singapore Armed Forces(SAF)C) Singapores Economic Development: From Trading Port to Diversified Economy.D) Developments in Housing: From Shophouses, Squatter Settlements and Kampongs to HDB Flats.

A) The Importance of the National Symbols

The National Flag, the state crest and National Anthem were created in 1959 to commemorate Self Governance.When Spore was part of Malaysia, the symbols were retained but the Malaysian Anthem was adopted.After the separation, these symbols were emphasised to promote a common identity and sense of belonging among Singaporeans.Oct 1965, suggestion for a pledge to be composed reflecting ideals of a united Singapore.Ong Pang Boon, the Minister of Education supported the idea and worked with officers to draft the pledge, which was subsequently handed to S. Rajaratnam, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. With the addition of the Pledge, the 4 symbols seek to serve and create a sense of belonging among Singaporean, what it means to be one and this is greatly enhanced with the introduction of NS

Our PledgeWe, the citizens of Singapore,pledge ourselves as one united people.regardless of race, language or religion,to build a democratic society Based on justice and equalitySo as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation

B) Building Singapores Defence: From British Far East Command to the Singapore Armed Forces(SAF)

As stated earlier, British set to withdraw their military from Singapore by 1971.The PAP government was concerned about the defence and vulnerabilities of Singapore to any potential security threats.Examples of these threats:- Bomb attacks during Confrontasi and 1964 racial riots------------ these showed to the Government the needs to have a strong defence force!!!!!!!This was challenging due to conflicting needs manpower and financial resources required to build up the economy then had to be channelled into defence concerns as well.Dr Goh Keng Swee and his ministry decided to (i)introduce National Service, (ii) establishing military cooperation with other countries and (iii) building Singapores defence industry.

Introduction of National Service- Conscription of male citizens, 18 and above able-bodied.- 2 years service and trained to handle weapons, jungle training and defend Singapore- After NS- reservist to keep updated of skill/training and knowledge.- Allows different racial groups to come together and build strong bonds Military Cooperation with other CountriesIn the 1970s, Singapore and those countries in S.E Asia relatively young with limited defence forces.Had to work with other countries- so established many agreement- Five Power Defence Arrangements(FPDA)How?- conduct regular military trainings- improve understanding and will scare off potential rogue nationsBuilding Defence Industry-Dr Goh Keng Swee set up Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) in 1967.It is to provide weapons and ammunitions for Singapore.Why?- to reduce Spores dependence on foreign suppliers as a source-(i) Very expensive and (ii) they would not share latest technologies.

C) Singapores Economic Development: From Trading Port to Diversified Economy.

After independence , beside the needs to defend Singapore, the need of providing employment for its people is also a key concern.The strategy adopted is to diversify the economy.The Ministers responsible over the years were 1) Lim Kim San(65-67), 2) Dr Goh Keng Swee(67-70) and 3) Hon Sui Sen(70-83) together with Dutch economic advisor Dr Albert Winsemius.Singapores economic StrategiesST1: Developing Manufacturing Industries ST2: Developing Singapore Infrastructure ST3:Developing Tourism and Finance Industry

ST1: Developing Manufacturing Industries

Focus shift from trade to manufacturingDevt of industries producing good at lower cost for export world wide Multinational corporation (MNCs) like Ford, 3M, Shell , Mitshubishi and Texas instruments set up factories arracted by govts tax incentives and autonomy to do their businessThese factories provided employment and valuable technical training and work experience for SingaporeansBy 1966- these 26 MNCs already employed 19000 workers.

ST2: Developing Singapore infrastructure

Second strategy was to develop proper infrastructure in Singapore.- To attract MNCs and investors as well to facilitate development of manufacturing industries.Port(PSA set up in 1964 to manage port operations), air and land transport system(road connecting industrial areas and housing and expressways built) , public utilities services, telecommunications( phone installed to improve connectivity) and banking and financial system also improved.Education also emphasised with focused skills to be acquired in a changing economy ( Technical education introduced in 1969 at Sec level to meet demand of developing nation with more schools built and teachers recruited)

ST3 Developing Tourism& Finance Industry

Growing Singapores tourism and finance industriesTourism important as tourist spending can lead to economic growth and increased employment.Singapore Tourism Promotion Board(STPB) set up in 1964 to develop the industry.They promoted attractions like zoo, Bird Park, Sentosa as well as historical sites like Chinatown, Kg Glam, Little India and Singapore River to oversea tourists.Other than attracting foreign banks, for Spore to become a financial hub, Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS) was established in 1971 to come up with policies nurturing growth and building investors confidence.Next, establishment of Stock Exchange of Singapore in 1973, helped to grow local companies and raise capital to grow their businesses as well as for R & DThese developments helped Singapore to grow 12.7% annuallyand investments from 116m to 727m from 65-73

Impacts of Singapores Economic development on Lives of SingaporeansWith economic growth, Singaporeans had jobs and steady incomes, with better per household income ( $442 in 1966 to $615 in 1975) allowing them to afford essential items and improve quality of life.Expansion of womens role in economy and they were better educated, with numbers of girls almost equalled to that of boys in Primary and Secondary schools.They made up 31.1% of college and university population.They also made up of 34.9% of workforce in 1980 from 17.8% in 1957.Working terms(pay, hours and health) , conditions and medical benefits of workers were improvedThese positive developments further attracted international investors as Singapore often featured in articles around the globe.

ST 4: Developments in Housing: From Shop-houses, Squatters and Kampongs to HDBThe govt made it a priority to provide affordable public housing for the people.In the 1950s, the living conditions of many were poor, rundown and overcrowded due to increased population.In 1959, only 9% lived in government flats while many lived in squatter settlements all around the island, as well as villages an kampongs.These settlements had amenities like toilets, running water and electricity.

Establishment of HDBHousing Development Board (HDB) was set up in 1960 to provide affordable new housing quickly, headed by Lim Kim San.By end of 1965, HDB had built about 53000 flats far away from city centre in estates like Queenstown, Toa Payoh, Tiong Bahru and MacphersonHDB also resettled families from overcrowding in city centre to HDB in other parts of Singapore.These houses were equipped with modern toilet facilities, electricity and water supplies and people are attracted to these. In 1968, the govt allowed Singaporeans allowed people to purchase HDB apartments through saving in their Central Provident Fund(CPF)This helped increase home ownership among Singaporeans.

Impacts:-Nearly 43% of Singapores population were living in HDB flats and owning them by 1974.These allowed the different races to come together and increase understanding leading to harmonious relations.These increased a sense of belonging to Singapore.