Singapore Budget's focus expected to be on manpower issues

Singapore

THE virus outbreak will put immediate attention on helping businesses retain jobs as the economy takes a hit, but the Budget is still expected to have its focus firmly on Singapore's long-term manpower needs.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was always going to have his work cut out for him when it comes to manpower issues that the Budget will have to tackle, but the virus outbreak now means those issues will take centre stage.