As part of our on-going exercise to improve classifications, concepts and methodologies, the Singapore Department of Statistics reviewed in early 1998 the sample design for the Annual Surveys of Commerce & Services.

The objective of this review was to design more efficient samples to improve the use of scarce manpower resources, reduce respondents’ burden and increase the timeliness of survey results. Drawing from the work of academic survey statisticians, the review resulted in a new and more efficient sample design, without compromising the reliability and accuracy of estimates based on the survey returns. The new sample design was subsequently implemented for the 1997 Annual Surveys of Commerce & Services launched in July 1998.

The rationale and details of the new sample design are documented in DOS’ occasional paper, entitled "New Sample Design for the Annual Surveys of Commerce & Services" (44kb) .