Recession

1965 -  The government expected the economy to shrink 6 to 9 per cent this year .

1985 - The onset of recession in 1985.

Apr 1986 - In April 1986 the employer's contribution rate was sharply reduced to cut labor costs in response to Singapore's recession.

Nov 1998 - In November 1998 the government announced a further billion package of cost-reduction measures to provide relief to businesses and households.

Feb 2001 - Singapore's past experience with recessions never lasted longer than the four quarters in 1997-98 and in 2001-02. Forecasts this time suggest a deeper, and longer recession.

Oct 10, 2008 -A global rout starts in Asia as recession fears deepen, with Japan's Nikkei index falling almost 10%, its biggest drop for 20 years.

Jan 13, 2011 - The city-state is not reproducing itself fast enough and the government has in recent years opened its doors to attract more talented migrants.