This study presents a sea-level curve from w9500 to w6500 cal BP for the farfield location of Singapore, on the Sunda Shelf in southeast Asia. The curve is based on more than 50 radiocarbon dates from elevations of þ1.43 m to À15.09 m representing sea-level index points in intertidal mangrove and shallow marine sediments deposited by sea-level rise accompanying deglaciation. The results indicate that mean sea level rose rapidly from around À17 m at 9500 cal BP to around À3 m by 8000 cal BP. After this time, the data suggest (but do not unequivocally prove) that the rate of sea-rise slowed for a period of 300e500 years centred on w7700 cal BP, shortly after the cessation of meltwater input to the oceans from the northern hemisphere. Renewed sea-level rise amounting to 3e5 m began around 7400 cal BP and was complete by 7000 cal BP. The existence of an inflection in the rate of sea-level rise, with a slow-down centred on w7700 cal BP, is broadly consistent with other available sea-level curves over this interval and is supported by evidence of stable shorelines and delta initiation elsewhere at this time, as well as evidence of comparatively rapid retreat of the West Antarctic ice sheet beginning around 7500 cal BP. 'Stepped' sea-level rise occurring shortly after 7500 cal BP and also earlier during deglaciation may have served to focus significant post-glacial episodes of human maritime/coastal dispersal, into comparatively narrow time intervals.

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The Southern Islands compose an urban planning area in the Central Region of Singapore and is made up of the islands of Kusu, Lazarus, Seringat, Tekukor, St. John, Sentosa and the Sister Islands. The islands had largely been expanded by land reclamation in the 1970s to create beaches and swimming lagoons. The new coastlines are armoured by large quarry stones. Other than Sentosa, the rest of the islands are undeveloped and remain as mainly weekend destinations.As part of the Singapore Tourism Board's plan to develop the Southern Islands beyond Sentosa, a second phase of land reclamation with sands imported from Indonesia was started in 2000 to link Seringat, Lazarus and Sentosa. The land reclamation took six years to complete and water, electricity, gas and telecommunication infrastructure were brought to the island from Sentosa. The entire project costs nearly S$300 million.The strengths and opportunities identified are the unspoilt natural environment, island ambience free from vehicular traffic and proximity to the mainland's central area. The` waters of the southern islands have attractive corals and marine life and are popular diving spots. Beaches are of reasonable quality and topographic highs on some islands offer trekking possibilities. The main constraints to developing the islands are absence of road and poor navigational access to the islands. Over the years, there have been various suggestions on how Lazarus Island should be developed. Recent suggestions include turning the island into a getaway for the super rich or housing a casino.However, whatever development is planned for Lazarus must take into consideration its sustainability in the face of a future rising sea. Reclamation that took place in the 1970s was before concern about global warming. Consequently,

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