The Development And Progress Of Singapore 1955-2005: The Political Policy And The Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

This research is to examine the development and progress of Singapore from 1955 to 2005 through library and archival research. Since the coming of the British, Singapore has been transformed from a Malay settlement into a developed city-state, and subsequently is governed by the Chinese. Under the colonial administration, the early development had been fostered for the economic interest of the British. In a few decades since the opening of Singapore, it had prospered as an important trading centre in this region. Following the British administration, there were substantial changes on the political and socio-economic development. The administrative shift to the Chinese political elites had altered the political milieu and socio-economic environment of Singapore. The Chinese political elites had performed drastic changes on the development of Singapore that drew substantial foreign capital for further growth. The major predicament is that Singapore is bounded by a Malay world, which it has the feeling of insecurity living in this region. This research reveals that, Singapore has been thriving comparable to that of the developed countries. It also observes that, the progress of Singapore is founded on several elements which are harmful to its survival and its correlation with the regional and global setting is evident. In the course of its development and progress, Singapore becomes more viable and competitive with its constructive policies and approaches. The Government has taken great effort to overcome problems which might give some repercussions to the economic growth and its survival. Last but not least, since its inception the Government had underlined the idea of development to achieve immense progress so that it could cope with uncertain situation which is detrimental to its survival. This development would be a milestone to overcome the socio-economic problems in order to achieve growth in this region. In sum, the growth of Singapore rests largely upon its systematic, consistent and efficient approach which enabled it to deal with diverse problems.