KELONGS IN TRANSITION: AN ASPECT OF THE FISHING INDUSTRY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The intention of this Academic Exercise is to show the transition of the traditional kelong industry to the modern fish-farm industry. In so doing, I will be drawing up compari¬ sons in the structure and functioning of the kelong and the fish-farm. Part One gives a short introduction to the nature of the study. Part Two represents a historical overview of the transition of kelongs to the fish-farms. Part Three covers a description of a typical fish-farm and the different types of kelongs. In addition, a greater insight into a typical day at the kelong will also be compared to that at a fish-farm. Part Four draws a further comparison between the kelong-operators and fish-farmers in their self-perceptions and other-perceptions, working relations and religious syncretism. The study concludes by reviewing the future of the kelong and fish-farm industry in the light of the ideology of the government for the economic development of Singapore.