In Southeast Asia, economic development was fueled by the growth of the bamboo network,<span> a network of </span>overseas Chinese<span> businesses operating in the markets that share common family and cultural ties, it</span><span> expanded as Chinese refugees emigrated to Southeast Asia following the </span>Chinese Communist Revolution<span> in 1949.</span> Singapore<span> in particular experienced very rapid economic growth after declaring independence in 1965, following a two-year federation with </span>Malaysia<span>. In addition to creating a conducive economic and political climate, the government developed the skills of its multi-racial workforce, and established export-oriented industries by encouraging foreign investors to set up regional operations in manufacturing. The government also played a prominent role in </span>Singapore<span>'s growth as a major financial and business services center. </span>
