80th Anniversary Commemorative Book - Singapore Manufacturing ...

Encouraging the growth of factories in SingaporeThe SMF also encouraged local businesses to set up factories.When the Jurong Industrial Estate – converted from swampland in Jurong –was cleared for factory use in 1961, the pace of factory growth gained furthertraction. Here, the land was offered to potential investors at low rates, withvarious amenities such as water and electricity, roads, telecommunicationand housing provided. The nearby wharves also helped to facilitate theimport of materials for manufacturing.By 1968, more than 150 factories were operating in Jurong.In 1970, the SMF started organising its members into different industrialgroups according to their various needs, and Group J catered specifically tomanufacturers who were based in Jurong.The then-Singapore Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, accompanied by the then-PresidentTun Yusof bin Ishak (extreme left) touring the Jurong industrial estate.50 A Partner in Nation Building 1965 – 1996