Labour in Transition: The Case of Singapore

Abstract

This paper examines the process through which Singapore has attempted to manage the transition from developing to developed economy, and the implications of the changes for labour. It suggests that, while there have been significant achievements for the economy and for labour in Singapore, serious difficulties were also encountered. The difficulties stemmed partly from the attempts of the state to determine the nature of behaviour and decisions at the enterprise level. Difficulties were encountered when these efforts were unable to match the complex needs and the diverse situations faced by enterprises. It is likely that economic pressures, in combination with recent policy changes, may have the effect of suppressing the manifestation of problems and thus delay efforts to address them.