Comparative Study of Economic Policies andGovernment-Linked Companies in Singapore and Malaysia
YANG JINGZHI
Enrollment year: 2023
Countries visited: Malaysia, Singapore
Research period: 03/09/2023 to 18/09/2023
Keywords: History, Chinese community, government-linked companies (GLCs)

Research background
When examining the economic situations of Malaysia and Singapore, it can beobserved that both countries are characterized by government-linked companies(GLCs). These companies are closely intertwined with the economic policies andstrategies of their respective governments, playing a crucial role in supportingnational economic development. However, despite being multiethnic nations, thecircumstances of the Chinese community in these two countries are markedlydisparate. The Chinese community in Malaysia holds significant prominence,constituting a substantial portion of the population. Malaysia is a multiculturalcountry with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups. However, Malaysia
has implemented policies aimed at promoting Malay dominance in government andthe economy. This has resulted in what is often termed “Bumiputera affirmative action”
which affect the development opportunities of the Chinese community.
On the other hand, The Chinese community in Singapore is the majority and holds
a dominant position in the country. Singapore emphasizes racial harmony and hastaken measures to ensure equal rights for all ethnic communities. Singapore's policies
focus on racial integration and equality. This means that the Chinese community inSingapore does not face similar restrictions in government and the economy.
While both Malaysia and Singapore have Chinese communities, their status andcircumstances in the two countries are significantly different. These differences stemprimarilyfrom

thepolicies

oftheirgovernments

andtheirapproaches

tomulticulturalism. These distinctions are also reflected in the social and economicstructures of the two nations, and are essential for understanding the cultures andhistories of both. Before I conduct research about the differences in political andeconomic policies in both nations, I would like to learn more details about their
history to know how their policies and communities shaped.
Research purpose
This research aimed to:1. Investigating the historical, political, and socio-cultural factors that havecontributed in shaping these differences in policies and governance between
Singapore and Malaysia. Especially focus on the aspect of Chinese community.
2. Understanding Malaysia’s “Malayization” Policy which aimed to promote
Malay dominance in various aspects of the nation.
Results/Achievements
I conducted my field work for 15days in Kuala Lumpur, Penang of Malaysia andSingapore. In Kuala Lumpur, I visited Jeffrey Cheah Institute for Southeast Asia in
Sunway university, discussed about my research plan with several professors. When I
went to Penang, I interviewed 3 taxi drivers who are Chinese but living in Malaysia
for a long time. They told me about their own family histories, and described thesituation and experiences for being a Chinese people in Malaysia since they were born.
In Singapore, I visited several museums to learn the history in Singapore andMalaysia. In the Peranakan museum, which showcases the distinctive art and cultureof various Peranakan communities across Southeast Asia. In Singapore today, the term
“Perankan” generally refers to a person of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian
heritage. There are hundreds of photographs of past and present day Peranakans,contributed by the communities, illustrating the diversity and richness of Peranakan
cultural heritage. The gallery there also features video interviews where respondents
share their thoughts and reflections on what “Peranakan” means to them.
I also went to the national museum in Singapore which is close to Peranakanmuseum. This is the nation’s oldest museum that seeks to inspire with stories ofSingapore and the Southeast Asia. Its galleries adopt multi-perspective ways ofpresenting history and culture featuring important artefacts. The rich collection of theNational Museum of Singapore showcases the history and civilization from the 14 t hcentury to this day.
Through this experience, I have gained a profound understanding of the history
and traditional culture of Singapore and Malaysia. Additionally, I have developed
insights into the Chinese communities in both countries.
Plans for further research
As I wrote in my research tittle, to compare economic policies and the impact ofGLCs between Singapore and Malaysia is the next objective. Before that, I should
learn more of the history, economy, politics and other aspects of both countries. As I
attempt to investigate the multifaceted influence of GLCs policy on Chinese-owned
enterprises or Chinese community in Malaysia, I will read more previous research andlearn the methodology required for.

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Took i n the Pe ranak an m use um