Janice Heng

Janice Heng

DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

Janice Heng is BT’s deputy news editor for macroeconomics and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). She also covers Singapore politics and writes the monthly Barfly column, which profiles local craft cocktail bars.

The government consistently frames each Budget as part of longer-term plans; Budget 2026 embodies this on multiple levels.
COMMENTARY

Budget 2026: Not grand pronouncements, but steady steps in longer-term plans

Rather than show-stopping policies, this year’s spending plan is heavier on targeted moves and extensions of past efforts

The latest figures include a group whose effects on inequality were previously overlooked: property-owning retirees, especially landlords.
COMMENTARY

Should landlords worry? Singapore’s new inequality data suggests tough conversations will continue

With a clearer – and less flattering – picture of income and wealth inequality, the discussion can shift to what should be...

If the government accepts the ESR's recommendations, Singaporeans may have to be prepared for a more mixed track record of companies that receive government backing.
COMMENTARY

What’s new about the Economic Strategy Review update? A spirit of risk-taking

If the government accepts the recommendations and takes on a greater appetite for risk, Singapore must also become more accepting of failure

There is a difference between specific benefits that can be rescinded, and improvements that represent an evolution of mindsets – such as workers today placing a premium on work-life balance.
THINKING ALOUD

What some see as entitlement, others see as enlightenment

Rather than seeing issues in terms of privileges that are granted, it might be more practical to acknowledge mindset shifts

Generic image for stories relating to the current economic situation in the festive season
THINKING ALOUD

Now that the party’s over

After a better-than-expected 2025, greater sobriety might be in order for 2026

This year's calendar has been full of government largesse, boosted not least by the SG60 celebrations.
THINKING ALOUD

After the leeway provided in 2025, will 2026 be the time to tighten belts?

Government goodies and low inflation helped to support spending power this year. Next year does not promise the same

Lawrence Wong (left) shakes hands with South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung after their joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov 2.

Singapore, South Korea upgrade ties to strategic partnership

Such partnerships provide ‘stable, predictable framework’ for businesses, says PM Wong

While the longer-term trend seems to be for more economic fragmentation, countries can work together to tackle this, says PM Wong.

US-China truce ‘welcome’ but temporary; efforts to tackle trade fragmentation must continue: PM Wong

Global trade issues cannot be solved in one meeting, but countries can work together to advance multilateralism, he says at the end...

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also highlighted the Apec AI Initiative, which will promote cooperation on AI.

Apec members should keep cross-border data flowing to unlock value of AI: PM Wong

They should also prepare workers for artificial intelligence, as well as build trust

Apec business leaders have called for “de-escalation”, with economic leaders avoiding new trade measures that violate treaty obligations.

Apec Business Advisory Council calls for rejection of protectionism

The annual report to Apec economic leaders also includes recommendations for digital trade agreements