1979

After the shock of two oil crises, the government begins a programme of economic restructuring: modifying education policies, expanding technology and computer education, offering financial incetives to industrial enterprises and launching a productivity campaign.
Singapore becomes the world's second busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage.
Launch of the Speak Mandarin Campaign.
Singapore Refining Company, the first joint processing refinery in Southeast Asia, is founded.
Oral history centre founded.
The four-digit postal code system is introduced, dividing Singapore into 81 postal districts. The previous two-digit postal code system, which divided Singapore into 28 postal districts, had been in place since 1950; six-digit postal codes would be introduced only in 1995.
“Ulysses by the Merlion” written by Edwin Thumboo.
Bengawan Solo founded.
Singa the Courtesy Campaign lion is created.
Singapore arts scene gets a boost with the formation of a professional orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra’s first piece at their inaugural concert was the National Anthem, led by then-resident conductor Choo Hoey.
March: Cultural Medallion is instituted.
October: McDonald's comes to Singapore, with opening at Liat Towers.
Swensen's comes to Singapore.
November 1979: the first Mandarin dubbed Hong Kong serial "Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre" is aired to great popular annoyance.