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CHAPTER 3

We're going to show the world what Singapore can be

Proudly Made in Singapore

Industrial estates were developed around Singapore, which housed the operations of a mix of multinational and local companies.

Singaporeans working in these estates were responsible for made-in-Singapore products such as Setron televisions and Rollei cameras that became household names, recognised locally and abroad for their quality.

A late 60s to early 70s made-in-Singapore Setron radio.

Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.

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A worker at the Setron Factory at Tanglin Halt in 1966.

Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection. Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.

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A 1964 black-and-white made-in-Singapore Setron television set..

Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.

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A coat worn by Rollei employees in the 1970s.


Gift of Mr Chong Nam Soy. Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.

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Mr Chong Nam Soy wearing the same coat at the Rollei Factory where he was a supervisor for a camera production line.

Courtesy of Mr Chong Nam Soy.

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A made-in-Singapore Rollei 35 LED camera.

Courtesy of Mr Chong Nam Soy.

We are looking for artefacts like this. View Our Wishlist.

What was it like being part of this wave of industrialisation in the 1960s?

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Mdm Zainab and her soldering tools

Mdm Zainab joined Rollei when she was just 16 years old, where she ensured the quality of camera parts were in order before they were assembled. As Singapore’s economy grew and evolved, experience at Rollei proved very useful as she transitioned to other companies such as Asahi, Team and Connor Peripherals, where she quickly adapted and picked up new skills like wire bonding and soldering on the job.

Courtesy of Mdm Zainab.

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