[chpt 10] to what extent did people’s lives change after independence?

Question 1

what were the consequences of malaysia increasing tariffs on singapore’s exports?

Answer 1

higher tariffs > increased prices for singaporean products > reduced demand > increased demand for malaysian goods

Question 2

how did the absence of a common market and direct access to malaysia’s hinterland affect singapore’s trade?

Answer 2

led to limited trade > dwindling entrepôt trade
- more countries were expanding and seeking to export goods directly from their ports

Question 3

what is an example of singapore’s entrepôt trade being affected

Answer 3

malaysia reduced the volume of its exports to singapore > these exports were previously stored/processed in singapore before being re exported

Question 4

what were the key sources of job loss in singapore during the 1960s?

Answer 4

the declining entrepôt trade and the withdrawal of british forces

Question 5

what steps did singapore need to take to address its economic challenge?

Answer 5

diversify its economy, create more jobs quickly and attract foreign investment (MNCs)

Question 6

what was the primary focus of singapore’s economic diversification efforts?

Answer 6

singapore focused on export oriented industrialisation to diversify its economy
- it exported to countries all around the world instead of just to malaysia

Question 7

how did singapore attract MNCs to set up operations in the country?

Answer 7

• lowered tax rates
• provided a safe environment
• offered a growing labour force
• allocated land for development

Question 8

what were the results of singapore’s efforts to diversify its economy?

Answer 8

it led to significant manufacturing growth, reduced unemployment, and economic growth exceeding 10% annually (calculated using GDP)

Question 9

how did singapore improve its telecommunications system in the late 1960s and early 1970s?

Answer 9

the singapore telephone board (STB) rapidly expanded the telephone network, doubling its size from 1967-1972

Question 10

what steps were taken to expand banking and financial services in singapore?

Answer 10

the development bank of singapore (DBS: in 1968 and attracted many foreign banks to operate in the country

Question 11

when was the public utilities board established in singapore, and what were its responsibilities?

Answer 11

PUB was set up in 1963 to provide essential public utilities such as water, electricity, and gas to industries and households

Question 12

what major changes were made to singapore’s airport facilities in 1960s and 1970s?

Answer 12

paya lebar airport was expanded, and changi airport was opened in 1981 to accommodate increased passenger and cargo traffic

Question 13

how did the port of singapore authority contribute to sea transport in singapore?

Answer 13

PSA was formed in 1964 to manage port operations and set up facilities in various locations to support maritime activities

Question 14

what improvements were made in land transport in singapore?

Answer 14

roads were constructed to connect industrial areas to housing estates, and an expressway system was built to reduce travel time

Question 15

what event significantly impacted singapore’s oil supply in 1973?

Answer 15

the arab israeli war disrupted oil exports to singapore, causing a significant impact on its oil supply (singapore imported all its oil)

Question 16

what is an example of the measures implemented by the government to help the people deal with the effects of the oil crisis?

Answer 16

the government increased worker’ s wages to help them cope with inflation

Question 17

why was it necessary for singapore to build a sense of national identity among its diverse population?

Answer 17

singapore’s diverse population (of different races, religions etc) needed a shared identity for the nation to move forward successfully

Question 18

what act was introduced to contribute to building a national identity?

Answer 18

the national registration act of 1965

Question 19

how did the national registration act of 1965 contribute to building a national identity in singapore?

Answer 19

it required Singaporeans to re-register, providing them with pink identity cards symbolising their singaporean identity

Question 20

when and how were singapore’s national symbols (flag, crest and anthem) established?

Answer 20

in 1959, deputy PM toh chin chye coordinated efforts to create these symbols, which were reintroduced after singapore gained independence

Question 21

how did singapore foster a sense of national identity in schools?

Answer 21

the national pledge, daily flag-raising ceremonies and recitation of pledge was introduced in schools to promote unity and belonging

Question 22

what were some of the major social challenges singapore faced in its early years?

Answer 22

public health, housing, education and overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions

Question 23

what organisation was established to address singapore’s housing shortage?

Answer 23

the housing and development board (HDB) was established

Question 24

what was the initial goal of HDB?

Answer 24

it’s initial goal was to provide affordable and quality housing and remove ethnic enclaves

Question 25

what challenges did singapore face in terms of housing before the establishment of HDB?

Answer 25

• overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions
• shortage of affordable housing
• inadequate housing for growing population

Question 26

what was the role of lim kim sam in the early development of public housing in singapore?

Answer 26

he was the first chairman of HDB and played a significant role in overseeing the construction of affordable housing units to address the housing shortage

Question 27

what was the result of the bukit’s ho swee fire in 1961?

Answer 27

the bukit ho swee fire left thousands homeless, and 4 people dead

Question 28

when did the bukit ho swee fire take place?

Answer 28

25 may 1961

Question 29

how did the government respond to the bukit ho swee fire?

Answer 29

the government rapidly constructed low-cost emergency flats to provide housing for the victims

Question 30

how did the home ownership scheme introduced in 1964 contribute to public housing in singapore?

Answer 30

it allowed families to purchase HDB flats, encouraging a greater sense of ownership and rootedness among singaporeans

Question 31

what were some of the amenities and facilities introduced in HDB estates to improve resident’s quality of life?

Answer 31

HDB estates introduced amenities such as hawker centres, playgrounds, and improved public transportation to make life more convenient for residents

Question 32

how did public housing initiatives affect the percentage of the population living in HDB flats by the mid-1970s?

Answer 32

HDB flats houses more than half of singapore’s population, marking a significant increase in public housing availability

Question 33

what role did the central provident fund play in making home ownership more accessible to singaporeans?

Answer 33

it allowed singaporeans to use their savings to purchase HDB flats, making homeownership more financially attainable for many

Question 34

how did public housing contribute to singaporeans’ sense of belonging and investment in the nation’s success?

Answer 34

it made many residents feel more invested the country’s continued success and development

Question 35

how did the school curriculum change in singapore in the post independence year?

Answer 35

bilingual education was implemented, and there was a larger focus on subjects like mathematics, science and technical education

Question 36

how did singapore gaining independence impact the education system?

Answer 36

it led to a focus on building a strong education system to equip its citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge for nation building

Question 37

what were some of the major challenges facing the education system in singapore during the early post independence years?

Answer 37

• high population growth rate
• shortage of schools
• the need to provide education in multiple languages to reflect the country’s diverse population

Question 38

what was the significance of the bilingual education policy implemented in singapore?

Answer 38

it required students to learn both english and their vernacular languages > promoting linguistic diversity and unity among different ethnic groups

Question 39

How did the creation of integrated schools in Singapore contribute to racial integration and unity among students?

Answer 39

Integrated schools brought together students of different ethnic backgrounds to study on the same campus, fostering interracial mixing and a sense of unity.

Question 40

What changes were introduced in the education system during the “survival-driven” and “efficiency-driven” phases?

Answer 40

The “survival-driven” phase focused on basic education and ensuring all Singaporeans had access to education. The “efficiency-driven” phase aimed to improve the quality of education and inclusivity.

Question 41

How did Singapore’s education system prepare its workforce for rapid industrialization during the 1960s and 1970s?

Answer 41

The education system emphasized technical subjects and provided a skilled labor force, making Singapore attractive to multinational corporations.

Question 42

What role did the School Health Service play in improving the health and well-being of students in Singapore?

Answer 42

The School Health Service introduced measures such as vaccinations and regular health checkups to ensure the health of school-age children.

Question 43

How did the introduction of the Medisave scheme contribute to healthcare and education in Singapore?

Answer 43

The Medisave scheme required working adults to set aside income for future medical expenses, providing financial security and enhancing the overall well-being of citizens.

Question 44

How did the education system contribute to greater rootedness among Singaporeans?

Answer 44

The ability to access quality education, coupled with homeownership, made many Singaporeans feel invested in the nation’s success and development.

Question 45

What were some of the outcomes of Singapore’s emphasis on education and skills development?

Answer 45

Singapore’s focus on education led to a highly skilled workforce, low unemployment rates, and significant economic growth.

Question 46

What were some of the public health challenges in Singapore, and how did the government address them?

Answer 46

• overcrowded living conditions
  > HDB
• air pollution
  > clean air regulations
• sanitation issues
  > environment public health act
• floods
  > flood control

Question 47

what was the environment public health act, and when was it established?

Answer 47

it was passed in 1968, where
- people had to clear any rubbish dumped on their premises
litterring and spitting were punishable by fines
- waste collection was also improved

Question 48

What is the role of public healthcare institutions in Singapore?

Answer 48

Public healthcare institutions in Singapore, such as government hospitals and polyclinics, provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to the general population. They are heavily subsidized by the government.

Question 49

How does the Medisave scheme work, and what is its purpose?

Answer 49

Medisave is a compulsory national savings scheme in Singapore. Working adults contribute a portion of their income to their Medisave accounts, which can be used to pay for medical expenses, including hospital bills and outpatient treatments

Question 50

What are the advantages of private healthcare options in Singapore?

Answer 50

Private healthcare in Singapore offers shorter waiting times, more specialized care, and greater comfort and amenities compared to public healthcare. It is often chosen by those seeking faster and more personalized medical services

Question 51

How does health insurance play a role in private healthcare in Singapore?

Answer 51

Many Singaporeans and residents have private health insurance plans that cover the cost of private healthcare services. These insurance plans provide additional financial security for medical expenses.

Question 52

What are some public health initiatives in Singapore aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle?

Answer 52

Singapore has various initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle, including the “Healthy Living Masterplan” and campaigns encouraging exercise, healthy eating, and regular health check-ups.

Question 53

How has the government addressed public health challenges, such as smoking and obesity?

Answer 53

The government has implemented measures like higher taxes on tobacco products, anti-smoking campaigns, and regulations on advertising unhealthy food. These initiatives aim to reduce smoking rates and combat obesity.

Question 54

What preventive healthcare measures are available to Singaporeans?

Answer 54

Preventive healthcare measures in Singapore include vaccinations, regular health screenings, and health education programs. These measures aim to detect and prevent diseases at an early stage.

Question 55

What were some of the common amenities and appliances that Singaporeans could afford by the late 1970s?

Answer 55

By the late 1970s, many Singaporeans could afford basic necessities, such as refrigerators and televisions, which were previously considered luxuries

Question 56

How did the increase in privately owned cars reflect changes in living standards in Singapore?

Answer 56

The number of privately owned cars in Singapore increased significantly by 1973, indicating improved living standards and increased mobility.

Question 57

How did home ownership contribute to a greater sense of belonging among Singaporeans?

Answer 57

Homeownership allowed many Singaporeans to invest their money in their own homes, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging to the nation’s continued success.

Question 58

In what ways did Singaporeans feel more rooted to the nation despite rapid economic development?

Answer 58

• improved living standards
• the ability to purchase homes
• higher standard of living > sense of stability and belonging among singaporeans

Question 59

What were the main factors that contributed to the improvement in living standards and greater rootedness among Singaporeans?

Answer 59

-Improved economic opportunities
-access to better housing
-increased personal ownership of goods and properties

Question 60

How did the government’s policies in housing and education contribute to the overall improvement in people’s lives by the late 1970s?

Answer 60

Government policies in housing provided better living conditions, and improvements in education ensured that individuals had the skills and knowledge needed to secure better jobs and opportunities.