In the 1950s, Jurong West was a swamp land with low hills covered by shrubs and a thick jungle. It was developed into an industrial estate in the 1960s, supported by low-cost housing. Amenities such as government dispensary, private hospital, creche, food centres and banks were built in the 1970s.

Jurong West Town is west of Jurong East covering a much larger area of some 990 hectares with slightly more than half used for residential purpose. (Including Jurong West Extension)