1968. JTC was incepted on 1 June. Amidst a scene of uncertainty, JTC had a job to do – to kick-start the industrialisation programme. The backdrop to Singapore’s anxious efforts to industrialise was to provide employment and stability for a fast-growing population. The first industries were labour-intensive with export potential. Factories producing garments, textiles, toys, wood products and hair wigs provided the much needed employment.

1970s. JTC continued the industrialisation quest and in the early ‘70s, sowed the seed for petrochemicals hubs with the allocation of the southern islands to large oil refining companies. JTC then created a pleasant environment in Jurong for workers to work and live in. The Jurong Hill Park, JTC’s first leisure amenity, was completed in 1970. JTC staff was delighted to move to JTC’s first permanent home, the Jurong Town Hall, which was officially opened in 1975. The Jurong Town Hall, now known as iHub, is currently home to international SMEs with high-growth potential.

1980s. Singapore embarked on the “Second Industrial Revolution” to move into the knowledge-intensive economy. JTC then initiated the masterplan for a changing industrial landscape that aimed to attract capital and technology-intensive industries. One of JTC’s key roles was the creation of specialised parks to cater to the high-growth industry clusters. In 1988, JTC completed one of the world’s largest reclamation projects at Tuas for the biomedical industry. It is now the location of the Tuas Biomedical Park.

1990s. JTC commenced what others saw as an impossible feat and started the amalgamation of seven southern offshore islands to form Jurong Island in 1995. In 1996, JTC realigned our strategic directions to be more business-oriented and customer-centric, and the Customer Services Group was born. The organisational restructuring reshaped the service culture within the organisation and redefined what quality customer service meant to both staff and customers. The ‘90s also saw JTC launching the first two business parks – the International Business Park in Jurong East and the Changi Business Park. These parks cater to the new requirements of hi-tech industries by combining commercial, industrial and office usage, all set in a beautifully landscaped environment.

2000s. JTC geared up to the 21st century and adopted a new name, JTC Corporation, and a new logo. JTC staff also moved into their new home, The JTC Summit. In 2000, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong officially opened Jurong Island. Bridging Jurong Island and mainland Singapore, the Jurong Island road link was also officially opened in the same year. JTC, being the master developer of one-north, officially launched the masterplan for the 200-ha work-live-play-learn hub in Buona Vista in 2001. With a focus on research and knowledge-intensive activities in the biomedical, infocomms and media industries, one-north in a niche environment for innovation.

 

2008 and beyond…

2008. JTC stands on the cusp of a new era.

40 years ago, JTC took on the daunting task of putting the newly-independent Singapore on its economic feet. From building new factories, creating jobs and seizing every opportunity that came along, the Corporation took everything in its stride.

The result? A resounding success. From an industrial backwater, JTC has created a dynamic industrial landscape in Singapore, where home-grown companies and international giants can thrive.

Today, JTC continues to blaze new trails. Innovation is the key to new successes. That is why the Corporation has kick-started innovative projects such as the Jurong Rock Cavern, Very Large Floating Structure and the Seletar Aero+sPace.

Customers come first. As such, JTC lives by its pro-business philosophy and customer-focused culture to create a business-friendly environment for our customers. We do so by reviewing our business policies regularly and providing a top-notch environment for our customers.

Together with the support of our customers, JTC is ready for new challenges as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2008.

 

 


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