Industrial Infrastructure Growing in Tandem with the Economy

Industrialisation has driven the engine of Singapore’s remarkable economic transformation since it gained internal self-government. This economic growth has developed in tandem with the industrial infrastructure landscape – its foundations were laid first in standard factories, and as the economy moved up the value chain towards a knowledgedriven phase, with ever more specialised industrial parks and innovative solutions. Singapore has had to deal with the constant challenge of staying relevant and competitive, while addressing the inherent constraints of land and labour. It is a story of visionary leadership, strong institutions, planning over a long-term horizon but adjusting flexibly in the short term, using crises as opportunities for learning and change, working with markets, and constant innovation. This study presents the progression of Singapore’s economic policies over the various phases of growth, and the corresponding developments in the industrial infrastructure. It also delves into how this integrated approach has occurred through the dynamics of the institutional structures and Singapore’s strategic industry choices over the years.