The data on the services industries are compiled from the results of the Annual Survey of Services. The objective of the survey is to gather information on the services sector for studying the structure and performance of the various activities in the sector. The survey covers establishments engaged in wholesale trade, retail trade, accommodation services, food services, transport & storage, information & communications services, business services, as well as recreation, community & personal services.

Establishments engaged in financial & insurance services and public administration activities are excluded. Taxi drivers, hawkers and stall-holders, independent artistes and other individual self-employed persons not registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) are also excluded.