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1959-1965: Early Economic Strategies

High unemployment rates meant that the economy had to become a key priority. The founding leaders of Singapore had in place two key economic strategies: rapid industrialisation and merger with the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak.

Last updated 6 October 2025
A quote from Dr Goh Keng Swee

1959 - 1965: Early Economic Strategies

A scene of a typical squalid side street in the Central Area

Image: A scene of a typical squalid side street in the Central Area; HDB Annual Report 1965; BookSG

Map of Malaysia, 1963-1965

Image: Map of Malaysia, 1963-1965; National Museum of Singapore via Roots.sg

1961: A Plan for Rapid Industralisation

Case study: Jurong

From swamp to suburb

1963: Formation of Malaysia

Konfrontasi

The Separation Agreement

Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965