THE DRIVING FORCES BEHIND THE EVOLUTION OF THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE BUILT BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR FROM 1968 TO PRESENT

Abstract

Singapore's industrial landscape has changed significantly over the last three decade. The initial industrialisation programme adopted by the government was designed to create mass employment and achieve economic survival. The early industries were labour intensive, operating in simple rudimentary factory buildings. We witnessed the industrial landscape evolving from labour intensive to capital intensive, high technology industries to today's knowledge driven industries. This study focused on the driving forces in each decade that shaped the industrial landscape in each era. The industries that will contribute to a Knowledge Based Economy is also explored, with the Buona Vista Science Hub analysed. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the expectations and preferences of the surveyed population towards the Work-Live-Play Concept in the Science Hub. The results indicated that the provision of good transport systems and business linkages and infrastructure were essential for the knowledge based industries to thrive in the technopolistic township.