Goh Keng Swee

The architect of Singapore's economic takeoff, called the "father of Singapore's economy."

Life

PhD from the London School of Economics

Goh Keng Swee was born in Malacca, earned a PhD in economics at the London School of Economics, and was one of the founding members of the People's Action Party.

Jurong Industrial Estate

From 1959 he served as Minister for Finance, overseeing the development of the Jurong Industrial Estate, setting up the Economic Development Board to attract foreign investment and promoting export-oriented industrialization. After independence in 1965 he became Minister for Defence, building the Singapore Armed Forces from scratch and introducing national service.

Building the armed forces

He later served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, and headed the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation. He died in 2010.

Legacy

Goh Keng Swee is regarded as the chief architect of Singapore's economy and defense, and Lee Kuan Yew called him his most important colleague.

Did you know? Jurong was once a swamp, and in the early days of its development it was mocked as "Goh's Folly."

Key dates

• 1959Became Minister for Finance
• 1961Developed the Jurong Industrial Estate
• 1965Became Minister for Defence
• 1973Became Deputy Prime Minister
• 2010Died