The contributions of Dr Goh Keng Swee

Contributions regarding education:
Dr Goh Keng Swee was the Education Minister between 1979 and 1980, and between 1981 and 1984. He improved teachers' working conditions, raised salaries and provided overseas training opportunities for young and promising officers. He also introduced the Schools Council, which had monthly meetings that included the minister, directors and principals of schools and junior colleges, to promote greater professionalism and communication. He also introducing key policies such as streaming and religious education.


Contributions regarding tourist attractions and music:
It was Dr Goh's idea to start the Jurong BirdPark. He was inspired by a free-flight aviary he visited in Rio de Janeiro. He also asked Sentosa Development Corporation to start one. On top of all this, he also initiated the idea of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO).This was because music was is passion, particularly classical music.


Contributions regarding Singapore's economy:
Dr Goh helped create the Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS) in 1971.he was the Deputy Prime Minister at MAS too. He also bought Singapore's first 100 tons-around 101,600 kg of gold reserves from the South African Finance Minister, then Dr Nicholas Diederichts, in a private exchange at the World Bank meeting in 1968.Dr Goh also set aside 3600ha site in Jurong for an industrial estate. Dr Goh was instrumental in Sentosa being a tourist attraction.Dr Goh also closed down the pig farms in Punggol and decided to import pork instead. Moreover, Dr Goh played a part in the setting up of Jurong Shipyard, which is now part of Sembcorp Marine.He also conceptualized the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation when he saw that there was a need to manage Singapore's foreign reserves in long time investments.


What else did he do:
Dr Goh spotted the potential of future politicians such as Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. When SM Goh quit civil service as a junior officer to join oil giant shell. However, Dr Goh called Shell's chairman and told him not to take SM Goh. At that time, Dr Goh did not know SM Goh but Dr Goh felt that SM Goh had the potential. He also initiated the first National Day Parade (NDP) in 1966 at the Padang.