What fueled the growth of the states in southeast asia

In Southeast Asia, economic development was fueled by the growth of the bamboo network, a network of overseas Chinese businesses operating in the markets that share common family and cultural ties, it expanded as Chinese refugees emigrated to Southeast Asia following the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. Singapore in particular experienced very rapid economic growth after declaring independence in 1965, following a two-year federation with Malaysia. In addition to creating a conducive economic and political climate, the government developed the skills of its multi-racial workforce, and established export-oriented industries by encouraging foreign investors to set up regional operations in manufacturing. The government also played a prominent role in Singapore's growth as a major financial and business services center. 

The answer is challenging and taxing because arduous means when something is hard and tiring and the excerpt provides clear detail why that's the answer