chapter threeWhat part did the different immigrant

communities play in Singapore’s

development?

Lesson Objectives

Why the Immigrants came

Contributions of the Immigrants

Social Impact of the Immigrants on Singapore

Who were they?

Majority were men who did not come with the intention of staying in the long term.

Many of the Chinese and Indians hoped to save enough money here so that they could return home richer.

However, a considerable number changed their minds and decided to settle down.

Some brought their family over, others married locals.

Why they came: Pull factors The British practiced a free immigration policy Singapore was a free port – Traders did not have to

pay for custom duties or taxes on goods Numerous business prospects and job opportunities

attracted them. Singapore was seen as peaceful compared to the

neighbouring countries

Why they came: Push factors

Unfavourable conditions in their homeland. (Eg, war, natural disasters)

The need to earn money for their families

Contributions of the immigrants

#1 Building the Settlement

#2 Promoting Trade

#3 Working for the Government

#4 Serving the community

#1 Building the settlement

Chinese coolies and Indian labourers were employed to clear the jungle areas for plantation purposes.

They worked long hours under the sun and received very low pay.

European officials helped to plan and develop the town.

Eg, George Coleman, overall-in-charge of public works

#2 Promoting Trade Entrepot trade: Imported

goods that were brought into Singapore were then sold or re-exported to other countries.

Malay traders brought Straits produce to Singapore.

Eg, Hajjah Fatimah European businessmen like

Alexander Guthrie brought goods made in Europe.

These people made Singapore a more attractive trading centre and helped to increase Singapore’s trade.

#2 Promoting Trade Chinese traders acted as middlemen who could

speak the local dialects, Malay and English. European traders brought capital for business. Indian Chettiars played an important role in money

lending. Coolies worked as labourers and contributed to

the development of trade. Other immigrants met basic needs of traders and

settlers by providing goods and services.

#3 Working for the government Both Europeans and Asians

helped in the administration. Those who could read and

write English worked as clerks and office attendants.

Eg, Syed Mohammed bin Ahmed Alsagoff – Justice of Peace

Eg, P. Govindasamy Pillai - Justice of Peace

Many Sikhs worked as policemen to keep law and order.

Social problems in Singapore The immigrants who were less well off, suffered from

diseases It was a common sight to see such immigrants lying

on the road with sores on them, too weak to move. Even after their death, their bodies were left on the roads.

There was a prevalence of crime and social vices in the settlement.

Common crimes committed by immigrants – slave trade, abuse of coolies, secret societies

Social vices – gambling, prostitution, opium smoking

#4 Serving the community

Spurred on by the need to help the less fortunate, people from various races, particularly the wealthier businessmen stepped up to improve the lives of the people.

Eg, Tan Tock Seng funded the building of a hospital

Eg, Thong Cai Medical Institution

Eg, Govindasamy Pillay built Hindu temples and started a small school for Indian children.

#4 Serving the community They ensured that basic education was

provided for some people in Singapore.

Christian missionaries from the West came and established schools.

Eg, St Margaret’s School aimed to save girls from slavery.

They spent money to ensure the poor had proper burials.

They contributed generously to provide facilities and services for the people.

Eg, Syed Ali bin Mohammed Aljunied helped construct 4 community wells