The four chapters in this paper were written between November 1986 and May 1987 (before the announcement of the newly proposed long-term CPF rate), and reflect a bird's eye view of the Singapore Central Provident Fund (CPF). The CPF is a large, important, and complex instrument of the Singapore Government, and while we may have illuminated some of its facets, others may have remained hidden from us.

On this, our first, co-operative professional effort, we divided labour by Hanna Zowall producing the tables on the computer and Antal Deutsch doing the rest. None of our efforts would have come to fruit had we not received advice and support from a number of colleagues. Mukul Asher, Glenn P. Jenkins, Lee (Tsao) Yuan, Lim Chong-Yah, and Wee Chow Hou gave us written comments. Subbiah Gunasekaran and Kenneth James helped to overcome computer problems. Monika Queisser co-operated in the production of Tables 2.1, 2.5, and 2.7. Celina Kiong typed it all with speed, accuracy, and unfailing enthusiasm.

McGill University gave sabbatical leave to one of us to do research in Singapore during 1986-87, where the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies provided us with first class facilities and a delightful working environment. We are leaving it not only with regret, but also with a deep and abiding interest in Southeast Asia in general, and Singapore in particular.