Distributed for National University of Singapore Press
The Economic History of Singapore
A macroeconomic history of Singapore, one of the world’s most prosperous economies, spanning over 700 years.
What explains Singapore’s economic success? What are the factors behind the many changes it has negotiated over the centuries, first as a regional trading port in the fourteenth century, then as an entrepôt and staple port in the British empire, and finally moving to independence, export-led industrialization, and global-city status as one of the world's most prosperous economies? This comprehensive economic history of Singapore is the first to integrate a long-term view, taking a narrative but analytical approach. At the same time, the book does not lose sight of individuals, firms, and families, and the way economic changes have affected the well-being of Singapore’s people. The Economic History of Singapore also considers recent challenges faced by the country, such as balancing the needs of the nation-state and the global city and managing worsening income distribution.
What explains Singapore’s economic success? What are the factors behind the many changes it has negotiated over the centuries, first as a regional trading port in the fourteenth century, then as an entrepôt and staple port in the British empire, and finally moving to independence, export-led industrialization, and global-city status as one of the world's most prosperous economies? This comprehensive economic history of Singapore is the first to integrate a long-term view, taking a narrative but analytical approach. At the same time, the book does not lose sight of individuals, firms, and families, and the way economic changes have affected the well-being of Singapore’s people. The Economic History of Singapore also considers recent challenges faced by the country, such as balancing the needs of the nation-state and the global city and managing worsening income distribution.
622 pages | 6 maps, 33 figures, 16 tables | 7.01 x 10 | © 2026
Asian Studies: Southeast Asia and Australia
Economics and Business: Economics--History
History: Asian History
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Maps
Preface
Prologue
1. Regional Port City, 1299–1396
2. The Early Years, 1819–30
3. Plantation Economy and Commercial Rivalry, 1831–45
4. From Trade Entrepôt to Crown Colony, 1846–66
5. Acquiring an Economic Hinterland, 1867–74
6. Rise of the Staple Port, 1875–99
7. The Late Colonial Economy, 1900–28
8. The Great Depression and Its Aftermath, 1929–39
9. Wartime Economy, 1940–46
10. Post-War Industrialisation, 1947–65
11. Export-Led Growth and Manufacturing, 1966–85
12. The Services Economy, 1986–99
13. Global City, 2000–Present
Bibliography
Index
List of Figures
List of Maps
Preface
Prologue
1. Regional Port City, 1299–1396
2. The Early Years, 1819–30
3. Plantation Economy and Commercial Rivalry, 1831–45
4. From Trade Entrepôt to Crown Colony, 1846–66
5. Acquiring an Economic Hinterland, 1867–74
6. Rise of the Staple Port, 1875–99
7. The Late Colonial Economy, 1900–28
8. The Great Depression and Its Aftermath, 1929–39
9. Wartime Economy, 1940–46
10. Post-War Industrialisation, 1947–65
11. Export-Led Growth and Manufacturing, 1966–85
12. The Services Economy, 1986–99
13. Global City, 2000–Present
Bibliography
Index