11 Facts About Albert Winsemius

Albert Winsemius was a Dutch economist best known for serving as an economic adviser to Singapore between 1961 and 1984.

Albert Winsemius led the United Nations Survey Mission to Singapore and played a major role in the formulation of Singapore's national economic development strategy.

In 1960, Winsemius led the United Nations Expanded Programme for Technical Assistance team to examine Singapore's potential in industrialisation.

Albert Winsemius presented a ten-year development plan to transform Singapore from an entrepot trading port to a centre of manufacturing and industrialisation.

Albert Winsemius encouraged the large-scale public housing programme since he believed that it would bolster the country's image, which would attract foreign investors.

Albert Winsemius visited Singapore two or three times a year to review economic performance indicators and to discuss macro-economic strategy with government planners.

Albert Winsemius personally went to persuade large Dutch electronics companies such as Philips to set up production plants in Singapore.

Albert Winsemius proposed for Singapore to be developed as a financial centre, as well as an international centre for air traffic and sea transport.

In 1983, Albert Winsemius retired from his position as Singapore's economic adviser at the age of 74.

Albert Winsemius died of pneumonia in the Netherlands on 4 December 1996.

Albert Winsemius was a good friend of Singaporean politician Devan Nair, and kept a poem composed by Nair titled "The Yangtze's Voyage Through History" framed in his study.