Initially, the Chinese immigrants were extensively involved in trading activities, using the savings they had accumulated. It would usually start off as a sole-proprietorship endeavour. When the Chinese traders accumulated more funds, they built wider business networks and gathered enough experiences and market information, before gradually moving into industrial and manufacturing activities, either by themselves or in partnerships with members of family or kin. The gradual withdrawal of western colonials after the World War II further created new opportunities for the Chinese businessmen.