History Notes 2024

Chapter 6: What did the people in Singapore experience during the Japanese
Occupation?

What methods did the Japanese use to control the locals in Singapore?

Using Force Winning Loyalty

Meting our Harsh Punishments (eg. Using propaganda (posters, movies,

Decapitation) documentaries, radio, etc.)

Imprisoning the Allied soldiers Providing benefits to locals

Carrying out Sook Ching Imposing Japanese culture

–Teaching the Japanese language
–Cultivating the Japanese spirit

Coercing the Chinese Business Community

Using Force:
Meting out Harsh Punishments:
+ In order to clear the issue of looting at the beginning of the J.O, Japanese would execute and
display the heads of those that were caught. This instilled fear amongst the locals while also
serving as warnings to those who might want to disobey them.
+ Those who were caught opposing the Japanese were also imprisoned and often subjected to
harsh torture.

Imprisonment of the Allied soldiers:

+ All soldiers who were with the Allies (British, European and Australian) were rounded up and
forced to march from Bukit Timah road to Changi prison.
+ Women and children were not spared and were also imprisoned.

Operation Sook Ching:

+ Targets: Chinese males, age 18-50
+ Reasoning: To weed out the anti-Japanese
+ Who were involved–the Kempeitai, hooded informants who pointed out who were the
anti-Japanese
+ The screenings were held all over the island and the people were at the mercy of the Japanese’s
whim and fancy. For example, those who wore glasses at one screening centre would have been
singled out as they may have looked “smart”. While at another centre, those with tattoos
(signifying they were possibly from gangs) would have been called out.
+ The suspected men would be rounded up and brought to the beaches where they were gunned
down. In some cases, they were forced to dig their own graves before this while in other cases,
locals from nearby villages or the POWs were forced to clear the dead bodies.

Coercing the Chinese Business Community:

+ Chinese businessmen in Singapore were targeted because of their contributions to the China
Relief Fund.
+ To punish the Chinese community in Malaya and Singapore for supporting China and Britain, the
Japanese demanded 50 million Straits dollars to their administration from the OCA (Overseas
Chinese Association).

Winning loyalty:
Propaganda:
+ Japanese portrayed themselves as “liberators” of Asia, stating that they were freeing the
locals from colonial rule.
+ Using propaganda, they tried to convince locals to accept their vision of the Greater East Asia
Co-prosperity Sphere where everyone would benefit from sharing resources collectively.
+ Indians were also a major target as there were already anti-British sentiments amongst their
community. The Japanese promised them that they would free India from British rule. The Indian
National Army (INA) was formed to recruit Indians to fight against the British in India. Of course,
some Indians were still loyal to the British and were therefore imprisoned.

Benefits for the locals:

+ Schooling and accommodation were provided at no cost
+ As a malay nationalist organisation responded positively to Japan’s propaganda, Malays were
treated less harshly.
+ During Hari Raya Puasa, the Japanese distributed rice, sugar and salt to the less fortunate.
+ Malays and Indians were charged lower fees to cross the Causeway compared to the Chinese.
+ Those who reported those who were suspected of anti-Japanese activities were rewarded food
or cash.

Teaching the Japanese language:

+ Students and adults were taught how to speak Japanese
+ Japanese education authorities published books in Japanese for beginners to promote their
language.
+ Language lessons were a regular part of the news.
+ Competitions, awards, extra rations, salary increments and promotions were used to motivate
locals to learn the language.
Cultivating the Japanese spirit:
+ Students were made to sing the Japanese national anthem at morning assembly and bow
before the picture of the emperor before the day began.
+Students were taught to sing Japanese folk songs.
+Daily mass exercises were introduced to the locals. This instilled discipline and promoted
fitness among the masses.
+Selected youths received training in Japanese martial arts.

What was daily life like under Japanese rule?

Survival:
Shortages
+ Trade was disrupted due to war→limited import of goods to Singapore
+ Most of the essential items were given to the Japanese rather than locals
+ Prices of essentials went up rapidly due to their limited quantities
+ Black markets flourished where the prices of basic necessities were extremely high
+ Rationing had to be conducted and locals could get their rations through the use of a rationing
coupon.
+ People resorted to growing their own vegetables (tapioca was common)

Diseases and death

+ Poor living conditions contributed to the spread of diseases
+ Lack of food also contributed to the problem as the locals’ immunity was not strong enough
+ Lack of food caused diseases such as Beriberi (caused by a lack of Vitamin B1), pneumonia
(lung disease) and dysentery (intestinal inflammation)
+ POWs were used as forced labour by the Japanese, one project they worked on was the Death
Railway (Kanchanaburi Railway)

Relocating
+ Due to food shortages, locals were encouraged to move from Singapore to increase the
agricultural output
+ Chinese were encouraged to move to Endau in Johor; the soil was fertile and water was ample
–Endau settlement was called a success but the peace was soon disrupted by attacks
+ Another settlement, Bahau, in another state of Malaya was set up for Eurasians and Chinese
Roman Catholics
–This settlement failed as the land was too hilly and the soil was too poor to support plant
life. Many people resorted to eating rats or maggots and many died.
Leisure and Entertainment

Outside of prison
+ The Japanese allowed for some leisure and entertainment to maintain the appearance of a
happy and harmonious society
+ Radio programmes played Japanese and Malay songs, news in Chinese dialects (Hokkien and
Cantonese); Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; free open air screenings of
propaganda shows
+ Sports and cultural activities were encouraged to lessen the stress of the wartime conditions
on locals
+ Notices for badminton, baseball, tennis and football matches were often in the media
+ Boxing matches were held along Kim Seng road and the police band even played at the Botanic
Garden

In Prison
+ POWs organised and participated in social, religious and sporting activities.
+ Examples are publishing a newspaper, painting murals at Changi Chapel and organising
theatrical performances and church services
(Side note: Some students in the prison during the J.O even took their exams in secret)

How did locals respond to Japan’s rule?

Collaboration
+ Japanese officials sought the support of the Malays in administering Japanese rule
–Duties given to some Malays included policing and being part of the neighbourhood
associations that would report on suspected anti-Japanese activities
+ Some Chinese were enlisted by the Japanese to act as informants for the Kempeitai during
Sook Ching to root out anti-Japanese Chinese males

Resistance
+ Some locals took up arms and joined resistance groups (for example: MPAJA)
–Notable groups were Force 136 and the Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Army [MPAJA}
+ The MPAJA members would carry sabotage attacks on the Japanese when they had the chance
to and would rouse anti-Japanese sentiments amongst locals using newspapers and posters
that were anti-Japanese
+ Force 136 would gather information about the Japanese and organise sabotage activities

Notable resistance fighters/figures

Lim Bo Seng
+ Prominent Hokkien business man wanted by the Japanese for supporting China’s efforts
against Japan
+ Was a member of Force 136 and fought against the Japanese using guerilla tactics
+ Was captured in 1944 and was tortured for information but never revealed anything
+ Died in prison that same year

Elizabeth Choy
+ Was a teacher before the war; became a canteen operator with her husband at the Mental
Hospital during the war
+ Smuggled messages, medicine, money and food to the POWs
+ Was caught and imprisoned at YMCA and tortured by the Kempeitai
+ Was only released after 200 days

Chapter 7: How did people in Singapore respond to British rule after World
War 2?
How did external developments influence the people’s responses to British
rule after WW2?

Weakening of colonial rule:

– Defeat of European powers by an Asian power and Japanese Occupation accelerated the
growth of anti-colonial sentiments.
– Countries such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam gained their independence from their colonial
masters which further spread the wish for independence in other colonies.

Growing influence of Communism (SOVIET ONION)

– Found support in European colonies (eg. Vietnam) which caused worry amongst the British
that Singapore and Malaya would fall under the Communist influence.
– Malaya Communist Party (MCP) turned against the British, stirring up anti-colonial feelings
among the workers and students (esp. Those who were Chinese) by working to influence trade
unions and Chinese-medium schools.

Democracy Communism

Free elections which could be contested by Upheld 1 party rule in which only the
many political parties Communist Party was allowed (Dictatorship)

Upheld private enterprise and property Government controlled all resources needed
ownership meaning that people could own to produce the goods (factories/farms)
businesses, buy and sell goods allocated to people based on their needs.
 Valued individual freedom Regarded individual freedom as less important
than the benefit of society

How did the British attempt to win local support?

Meeting housing challenges:

– Most houses destroyed due to war causing a shortage of houses
– Population was rapidly growing (baby boom) post-war
– People’s living conditions were unsanitary and overcrowded causing many to live in slums.
– To address the problem, Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) accelerated its building
programme. From 1947-1959, 20, 907 housing and shop units were built. Yet, these were not
enough to meet the demand for houses.

Food shortages:
– War had disrupted shipping which affected the flow of food supplies into Singapore.
– Rice producing countries near Singapore did not have enough rice to export.
– Malnutrition was widespread and wages could not keep up with the rising food prices
– People’s Restaurants were set up to provide affordable meals to prevent unrest. (10 were set
up by 1946)

Managing industrial unrest:

– Unsatisfactory working conditions led to waves of strikes after the war.

Chapter 8: How did Singapore become an independent Nation?

Why did the PAP government pursue a merger with Malaya?

Political – Merger was seen as the only way for Singapore to gain independence
Independence: from British
– Communism was rampant and British felt that merger of Singapore,
Sawarwak, Brunei (didn’t join) and North Borneo (Later Sabah) with
Malaya would counter the threat.

Economic Survival: – Lack of natural resources and rapidly growing population in need of
jobs plus a declining entrepot trade.
– Due to neighbours’ independence, more exports were directed
through their own ports reducing Singapore’s importance as a regional
trading port.
– Tariffs on goods traded with Singapore were introduced in 1950s
making goods entering Malaya from Singapore more expensive (less
 desirable) causing reduced trade.
– PAP government hoped for a common market (allows goods
produced in one location to enter another without tariffs or
restrictions) creating larger demand for Singapore’s manufactured
goods. Trading would increase and more jobs could be created for the
people.

What was Malaya’s response?

– Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman was worried that predominantly Chinese population in
Singapore would have reluctance in accepting Malay Sultan as Head of State, using Malay as a
national language and Islam as the state religion.
– Worried that racial makeup would change as there would be more Chinese than Malays (besides
SG having predominant Chinese population, North Borneo and Sarawak also had high population
of Chinese)
– Suspected that most Chinese in Singapore had sympathies towards the Communist–many led
or supported the strikes of the 1950s. Worried that the attitude would spread in the new
federation.

Fear of an independent, communist-influenced Singapore:

– Losing place in the Internal Security Council of Singapore combined with absence of British
made Tunku worried that this would allow for Communism to take root.
– Concern for a communist takeover by members of the PAP who were sympathetic towards
Communism.
– Worried that a communist Singapore would influence others to consider a communist
government as an alternative.
– Worried about PAP’s “in-fighting” (see Page 92 of textbook, Hong Lim by election) leading to a
more “radical” PAP which would establish a communist government through forceful means.

Agreement on proposed merger:

– Singapore would have its own Head of State
– Singapore collects its own revenue, paying Kuala Lumpur an agreed upon sum (covers cost of
federal services eg. security)
–Singapore’s citizens given title of “federal nationals” instead of “federal citizens”.
– Singapore holds its own elections choosing its own state government. Singapore citizens only
able to vote in elections held in Singapore.
– Singapore would have control over its education, labour matters and civil service.
– Federal government stationed in Kuala Lumpur would oversee Singapore’s defence, internal
security and dealings with foreign governments.
Opposition to merger from Barisan Sosialis:
– Members of PAP such as Lim Chin Siong or Fong Swee Suan didn’t want merger.
–Once expelled from PAP, they formed Barisan Sosialis Singapura.
– Reasons for rejecting merger:
+ Citizenship would not be automatically granted to Singapore citizens resulting in them
only being able to vote in Singapore elections.
+ Allocation of seats in federal parliament. In order for control over education and labour,
Singapore’s government would only have 15 seats whereas North Borneo and Sarawak were
given more seats despite the smaller population. The under-representation of Singapore in
parliament felt like a sign of “second class status”.

– Through student demonstrations and labour strikes as well as radio forums, the Barisan
Sosialis started a campaign to discourage the merger.

PAP’s response to Barisan Sosialis:

– Through radio talks in the 3 main languages (Mandarin, English and Malay) by PM LKY, the radio
broadcast aimed to reach people in Singapore, Brunei, Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak pushing
for merger.
– Exhibitions were held, highlighting the benefits of merger. (eg. Malaysia exhibition part of
Malaysia week in 1962) Showcased the close cultural and social ties between the territories,
exposing visitors to the lives and culture of the people as well as the trade and commerce of the
territories.

What caused the separation of Malaysia and Singapore?

What Singapore expected/did Issue What Federal Government decided

/did

– Common market would be set up Common Market – Delay in setting up common

for long term economic survival market
– Tariffs removed – Tariffs continued to be imposed
to protect some of Malaya’s
industries.

Singapore contributes 40% of Revenue – Federal government increased

revenue to federal government Contribution Singapore’s contribution to 60% as
defence spending had risen due to
Konfrontasi
– Singapore felt the decision was
unfair, original contribution
sufficient.
 Singapore’s major political parties Composition of Federal government was formed
were multiracial, sought to Political Parties by Alliance Party, compromised of
represent the interest of all 3 communal (race based) parties
communities . which sought to look after the
interests of their respective ethnic
communities.

– Regardless of race, all should be Treatment of – Special privileges in employment,

given an equal opportunity to races business and education given to
succeed Malays with aim of improving their
– Believed best way of enabling social and economic position.
Malays to gain better employment
opportunities was through providing
free education.

Chapter 9: How did Singapore safeguard its independence after 1965?

Security challenges:
– Need for a strong defence force and enhanced internal security in order to ensure peace and
stability. This in turn would attract foreign investors to set up factories/business in Singapore
which means the economy would develop increasing job opportunities.

Konfrontasi (1963-1966)
+ Was a source of regional tension from Indonesia
+ Occurred as Indonesia fought against the formation of the Federation of Malaysia under
orders of President Sukarano
+ President Sukarano made this policy due to belief that British could still control territories in
Federation and the dream of uniting the Malay Archipelago under his leadership
+ Acts of sabotage were carried out in Malaysia and Singapore
+ Fighting occurred between Malaysian, Commonwealth and Indonesian forces along the land
border Malaysia and Indonesia shared (see Map of Borneo)
+ 42 bombings carried out in Singapore by Indonesian saboteurs who initially targeted military
facilities and public utilities but later shifted to setting off bombs in public places to terrorise the
population and disrupt life in Singapore.

Singapore’s response:
+ Singaporeans advised to stay on high alert, avoid handling suspicious looking parcels in buildings
and along streets.
+ Volunteer force deployed to patrol neighbourhoods and schools carried out emergency drills
+ Worst bombing occurred on 10 March 1965–Macdonald House Bombing, killing 3 people,
injuring 33 others as well as damaging infrastructure. The culprits were 2 Indonesian soldiers
who were hanged for murder. This however made Indonesian students angry and they later
attacked the Singapore embassy as well as the homes of Singaporean diplomats in Jakarta.

Communist terrorism:
– Threats included the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) which led to a state of emergency being
declared .
– By 1970s, MCP had dissolved into smaller groups that posed danger to Singapore’s internal
security.
– Police raids found large quantities of weapons (eg. pistols) while acts of violence were carried
out by the communists (eg. Katong Bombing 1974)

International terrorism:
– Foreign terrorists hijacked ferry boat Laju, holding the crew hostage on 31st January 1974.
– They had attacked the Shell oil refinery on Pulau Bukom in attempt to disrupt the oil supply
from Singapore to South Vietnam.
– Hijackers and police negotiated and eventually released hostages for safe passage from
Singapore to Kuwait.

Vietnam war: (1954–1975)

– Threatened stability of S.E.A
– America and other non-communist countries in Asia worried that if North Vietnam won,
communism would spread in the region.

British Military Withdrawal from Singapore:

– British could no longer afford large amount of money and resources to maintain military
commitment
– Needed to focus on rebuilding economy
– In 1967, announced withdrawal of forces in Singapore and completed this in 1976
– Added challenge to Singapore’s defence as it relied heavily on the British for protection
– Singapore only had 2 battalions of regular infantry of 50 officers and about 1000 men each.

Overcoming security challenges:

Building a defence force:

Introduction to National Service (NS)

– Introduced in 1967 where men were conscripted for at least 2 years of full-time NS.
– After the 2 years ended, men were liable for reservist duties where they would receive
occasional military training and take up arms in times of emergency.
– By end of 1970s, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had grown exponentially.
– NS was first met with some anxiety and uncertainty as young men’s entry into workforce
would be delayed resulting in them losing income for their families
– Military life was also unfamiliar to citizens, soldiers and their families had to manage their
anxieties about NS

Establishment of a home-grown defence industry

– Most of equipment left by the British were obsolete and inadequate for the growing demands
of SAF.
– In order to combat this, Singapore acquired equipment from other countries such as US and
France but this proved to be a potential weakness
– Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee decided to develop the defence industry providing SAF
with locally made equipment and supplies–enables army to continue operating in the event that
foreign sources were cut.
– Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) was established in 1967 to produce ammunition and
weapons for SAF. Created more jobs for the population as well.
– Singapore trained defence engineers and scientists who designed and created technology
suitable for Singapore’s defence needs.

Strengthening military cooperation with other countries

– Strengthened the relations with other Commonwealth countries such as Britain, Australia and
Malaysia while establishing new ties with other countries such as the United States
– In 1971, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Britain and New Zealand signed the Five Power Defence
Arrangements (FPDA) committing the five members to consult one another in the event of an
armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore
– FPDA allowed the facilitation of regular combined exercises while providing a platform for them to enhance
defence cooperation

Strengthening relations with the world:

Establishment of diplomatic relations with other countries:

– Singapore developed diplomatic relationships with other countries as it could not be taken for
granted that the other countries recognised Singapore as independent
– Without the establishment of diplomatic relationships, hostile countries could claim that
Singapore did not exist and could threaten, coerce or invade it
– Diplomatic relations also ensured Singapore could have allies/friends that had an interest in
keeping it safe and secure

Growing bilateral relationships:

– Bilateral relations refers to the relationship between 2 countries
–Had established relations with the Commonwealth nations however needed to expand its
relationship to other countries (eg. USA) which were influential.
– Prime Minister LKY made 1s visit to China as Chinese leaders ties with SEA expanded in 1976
– Sought to improve relations with countries it had tensions with (eg. Indonesia)
+ Relations between Indo and SG only eased in 1973 after PM LKY made a visit to Jakarta and scattered
flowers on the grave of the soldiers which allowed the countries to move on from the incident.

Joining international and regional organisations

– Important to join international organisations (eg. United Nations [UN]) so that its existence as
an independent country would be recognised by others
– Membership of the organisations would also allow country to participate actively in
international and regional matters as its voice could be heard by the world
– Joined UN as the 117th member in September 1965
– Formed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967 with Thailand, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Philippines. The organisation aimed to prevent the spread of communism in the
region during the Cold War while promoting economic growth, cultural development as well as
social progress in SEA region through multilateral relations.
– Aims to maintain peace and stability among member states and external states.
+ During Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia in 1978, ASEAN worked with UN and major countries like US and
China to get Vietnam to withdraw its force

Chapter 10: To what extent did people’s lives change after independence?

How Singapore addressed Economic Challenges:

Economic Vulnerability:

Limited access to Malaysian Hinterland:

– Trade with Malaysia was limited due to lack of common market and direct access to Malaysian
hinterland
– Malaysia also reduced the volume of exports such as rubber and tin to Singapore in a bid to
export the products directly from its own ports.

Threat of unemployment:
(To be honest, many of these points are reasons for why Singapore wanted merger with Malaya)
– Need to provide sufficient jobs for Singapore’s rapidly growing population
– By 1965, there were more than 70, 000 unemployed citizens out of a labour force of over
700, 000
– Many young people were finishing their education who were about to join the labour force, the
lack of jobs would make the unemployment rate more severe
 – Entrepot trade declining leading to a lack of jobs.
– Closure of British military bases also meant less jobs for citizens as people relied on supplying
goods and services to the British servicemen there.
– Government had to diversify the economy to allow the likelihood of economy growing more
steadily.

Economic Diversification:

Development of export–oriented industrialisation:

+ In 1961, Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee announced the establishment of the Economic
Development Board (EDB)
+ EDB would promote the industrial development of Singapore, attracting multinational
corporations (MNCs) to set up factories in Singapore
+ Good made in those factories were to be sold mainly in the country and in Malaysia but this
proved impractical after independence so the focus was to export the majority of goods
worldwide
+ Hundreds of MNCs from countries such as the Netherlands, Japan and Britain set up
operations in Singapore. MNCs included Shell and Seiko
+ MNCs setting up operations here allowed for employment of the citizens while allowing them
to build up technical training and work experience for the local workforce which helped to build up
local expertise to eventually fill job vacancies previously held by foreigners.
+ MNCs allowed Singapore a greater access to modern technology to keep Singapore
competitive globally and increased the exports of locally manufactured goods to the world
2
+ EDB transformed almost 70 𝑘𝑚 in Jurong into Singapore’s first industrial estate which paved
the way for more plots of land being set aside for development of industrial estates
+ In 1968, the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) was set up to take over the task of building and
managing industrial estates allowing EDB to focus on attracting foreign investment

What The MNCs Sought What Singapore Provided

Lower operation costs while Lower tax rates making setting up operations in Singapore financially attractive
maximising profits

Operating in a safe and secure A safe and secure environment:

environment – Low crime rates
– Strengthened defence capabilities
– Relations with many countries

Have a reliable supply of Large, young and growing labour force supported by trade unions partnered
labour with the government and company bosses allowing higher productivity and
stronger economic growth

Having a suitable location for Sizeable amount of land set aside for development of industrial estates
factories with facilities and equipped with adequate facilities for factories and space for future expansion
space available for future
expansion

+ Efforts paid off, manufacturing activity increased and almost 150, 000 jobs were created
between 1967 and 1973 alone making unemployment a thing of the past by 1970s
+ Because of this, there was a shortage of labour causing Singapore to recruit foreign workers to
fill jobs
+ Up until 1973, the economic growth rates exceeded 10% every year

Development of infrastructure:
+ Need for proper infrastructure to support MNCs and foreign investors while facilitating the
growth of the manufacturing industries
+ Telecommunication: The Singapore Telephone Board (STB) installed new telephones at a rapid
pace, By the end of 5 years (1967–1972), the network size was doubled to 200,000

+ Banking and finance: Services were expanded to cater to MNCs and other companies in
Singapore. In 1968, the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) was established to finance the
industrialisation and development projects. Other foreign banks also set up operations here.

+ Public Utilities: The Public Utilities Board (PUB) was set up in 1963 and it was responsible for
providing water, electricity and gas to households and industries. It greatly improved the lives of
Singaporeans and operating conditions of industries.

+ Transportation:
– Air transport: Paya Lebar expanded in 1960s and 70s to handle more passenger and cargo traffic before
Changi Airport was built due to insufficient space for expansion. Changi Airport’s plans for being built were decided in
1975 and it was opened in 1981.

– Sea transport: Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) established in 1964 to manage port operations. To cater
to increased cargo traffic, more port facilities were set up in Jurong, Sembawang, Tanjong Pajar and Pasir Panjang

– Land transport: Roads constructed to connect the industrial area to housing estates and expressway
system was built to reduce the time needed to travel around the island.

Impact of 1973 Oil Crisis:

– Conflict in the Middle East–major oil exporting region–caused a shortage of oil affecting
Singapore as it imported all of its oil.
– Oil prices shot up by 4x in less than 3 months
– In order to help the people deal with this situation, the government took the lead in increasing
workers’ wages to help them cope with inflation
How Singapore built a national identity:
Why was there a need for a national identity?
• Need for a sense of belonging in the population as they came from diverse backgrounds and did
not see themselves as belonging to a country called Singapore

Building social cohesion and sense of belonging:

Introduction and Evolution of Citizenship:

– The National Registration Act of 1965 came into effect on 5 May 1966 and Singaporeans aged
above 12 and those with existing identity cards issued under the Registration of Persons
Ordinance 1955 were required to re-register
– Singapore citizens received a pink identity card serving as a physical symbol of their identity as
Singaporeans and entitled them to the rights and privileges of citizenship including priority in
receiving employment opportunities and access to social services

Creation of National Symbols:

– In 1959, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Toh Chin Chye coordinated efforts to create the State Flag
and State Crest and adopt the State National Anthem which after independence were adopted
as the national flag and anthem.

Forging National Identity in Schools:

– After independence, National Pledge was introduced in schools to foster a greater sense of
belonging and rootedness among students. The pledge reflected the ideals for building a united
Singapore.
– Daily flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies accompanied by singing the national anthem
and recitation of the pledge were introduced from August 1966

How Singapore addressed social challenges:

Providing Public Housing:

– Due to WW2, there was a shortage of affordable housing and this cause people to live in poor
unhygienic conditions
– SIT had made little progress in meeting the growing demand for low cost housing, on average
constructing 1 new flag for every 150 families per year.
– In 1960, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) was set up to take over SIT’s task and the
immediate goal was to quickly build flats at affordable prices.
– By 1962, HDB built more flats than SIT, constructing 54,000 flats by independence enough
to house 25% of the population
– HDB’s resourcefulness was tested when the Bukit Ho Swee fire occurred in (25 May) 1961
leaving 4 dead and 16,000 homeless. HDB made it possible for these people to find homes in
less than a year with many being housed in low-cost emergency flats built by HDB.
– HDB could only be rented at a subsidised rate but to foster greater sense of belonging and
rootedness, the HDB home ownership scheme was launched in 1964–allows families to purchase
HDB flats.
– Despite this, many people didn’t have enough money to afford the house. In 1968, the
government allowed them to use their CPFs (Central Provident Fund) accounts to help fund the
purchase of HDB flats allowing more than 40,000 families to own their own house.

Strengthening Education system:

– In 1964, ¼ of population was of schoolgoing age and the literacy rate was only 60%.
– In addition, the birthrate was increasing rapidly (50, 000≤ babies born each year) which
required education soon
– Government needed to ensure that there were sufficient resources to support the students
and this led to 83 new schools being built during the years of full internal self-government and
merger. The teacher recruitment efforts also increased–doubling the number of teachers in the
force to over 19,000.
– Schools also continued to observe the bilingual education policy proposed by the colonial
government in 1953 and implemented when Singapore gained full internal self government
– English served as the common language to break down language barriers and foster stronger
social bonds and students learning their mother tongue language would allow them to remain
connected to their ethnic and cultural roots. English was also used internationally as a language
of commerce and industry and learning it would allow students secure a better future.
– In 1960, the first integrated schools were set up allowing students who learn different
languages to study on the same campus encouraging more interracial mixing and unity among
students and teachers alike.
– By end of 1960s, 2nd language was made a compulsory examinable subject in the integrated
schools.

Policy Reason Examples

Greater emphasis – Students would have + From 1969 onwards, all male lower
on mathematics, necessary knowledge and secondary students and half of female
science and skills to work in the industrial cohort half to take up technical subjects
technical sector (eg. Woodwork, Technical Drawing and
subjects in – Steady supply of trained Home Econs)
schools workers available for the + More technical teachers and specialised
industrial sector, helping schools providing increased opportunities
Singapore remain attractive for technical education
to MNCs
 Equal – All contributes to + All Singaporean children had free
opportunities for Singapore’s economy primary education
education for – Foster greater unity as well + Governments called on families to
girls and boys as a sense of national identity send all their children regardless of
gender to school

Improving Public Health Standards:

– Due to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, poor general hygiene and health habits in the
population led to challenges in the public health sector
– High infant mortality rate and in 1965, there were 27.3 deaths per 1000 births
– Life threatening infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera were also widespread

Problem: Measures taken

Squatter settlements near People living in squatter settlements

waterways flowing to Singapore’s were moved to HDB estates
reservoirs. Risk of sewage and Living
other pollutants contaminating conditions
the water supply which posed a
health hazard to the public

The air was more polluted due to Government passed the Clean Air Act
industrial activity which posed Air pollution in 1971 regulating the emission of
another health hazard pollutants into the air.

Flooding in several places led to Flood control measures were

the spread of diseases such as Risk of flooding implemented, drains and canals were
dengue and cholera widened in the 1960s and 70s

Many street hawkers lacked All hawkers were required to register

knowledge of proper hygienic food and be licensed meaning that they
preparation and waste disposal needed to observe proper practices
practices with 80% being and be screened and vaccinated
unlicensed which increased the against tuberculosis and other
risk of food poisoning Hawker Hygiene common diseases
They were also moved off the streets
and into hawker centres which had
proper utilities and waste disposal
facilities

Rubbish was often dumped on the Public Environmental Public Health Act
streets, attracting pests and Cleanliness passed in 1968 made people clear
become a potential breeding rubbish dumped on their premises while
ground for diseases littering and spitting were punishable
 People also often littered and by fines
spat in public Waste collection was also improved
through the use and purchase of new
equipment

– Many campaigns were also held to increase the awareness of important health practices with
public health talks held and media such as posters.
– Medical facilities were improved and Thomson Road Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital were
expanded to cater to more patients while outpatient facilities at government hospitals were
moved to separate government clinics
– School Health Service introduced vaccinations and regular health checkups in school with
dental clinics being set up in all new schools to detect dental problems
– To ensure babies grew up strong and healthy, parents were advised to let their child be
vaccinated and were provided with information on the importance of vaccinations

Changes in the living standards of Singaporeans:

– By late 1970s the quality of life had improved as people had better paying jobs and lived in
better conditions
– They could afford basic necessities
– Number of privately owned cars increased with 85 cars per 1000 people in 1973 compared to
58 cars per 1000 people in 1966
– Many also felt more rootedness for the nation as they did not need to look for better
prospects elsewhere now with a better standard of living