Singapore SMEs

SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: AI boost a shot in the arm, but funding alone won’t drive transformation, says industry

Expanded support lowers barriers to adoption, but scaling will depend on guidance and workforce readiness

From January 2027, new EP applicants outside the financial services sector will face a higher qualifying salary of S$6,000, up from S$5,600.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: SMEs unlikely to face sharp cost increases from EP, S Pass salary hikes, but offshoring interest may grow

A key way for SMEs to adapt to higher costs is to offshore parts of their operations, say industry observers

The pro-business measures announced in this year's Budget will help firms diversify revenue sources and cope better with global uncertainties, while strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional business hub, note analysts.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Push to support firms’ overseas expansion, scaling up of startups welcomed

The initiatives will alleviate cost pressures that businesses face, say observers

The new set of national AI missions will be focused across advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare and connectivity sectors.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Quick takes on Singapore’s new National AI council, AI missions

The missions will focus on four sectors – advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare and connectivity

Singapore's strengths are in its role as a trusted hub for finance, digital trade and resilience, among others.

Budget 2026: Scaling Singapore businesses’ global footprint amid rising risks

Navigating a more fractured trade environment requires a closer partnership between policy, capital and corporate enterprise

Budget 2026 is expected to focus on strengthening Singapore’s economic resilience amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, says Rohan Solapurkar, tax and legal leader at Deloitte Singapore.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026 may give firms more targeted, strategic support to navigate global uncertainty

Observers say AI adoption will be a major focus of this year’s Budget, alongside renewed emphasis on internationalisation and sustainability

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling (in orange suit) and director of Kwong Cheong Thye Alvin Choo (in pink suit) observing an autonomous guided vehicle in operation at Kwong Cheong Thye’s new factory.

Refreshed Food Manufacturing Industry Digital Plan to simplify digital adoption, support scaling efforts

The second iteration plan allows companies to adopt the right solutions to enhance their operations and thrive in a competitive market

Moh Yan Ting, managing director of Freshening Industries, says: "We are working while we sleep, letting the machines run overnight... This results in greater supply and efficiency."

Freshening Industries, maker of Zappy wet wipes, boosts productivity with round-the-clock automation

Its new Loyang facility is 3.5 times bigger than the previous plant and features a smart shuttle storage hub that lifts output by over 50%

Force Majeure, one of Pangdemonium's three scheduled productions in 2026, reimagines Chekhov's Three Sisters.

Theatre company Pangdemonium to close in end-2026; current season’s shows unaffected

The decision to wind up company is a ‘purely personal’ one, say co-founders Tracie and Adrian Pang

Nanyang Optical's outlet at The Clementi Mall is one of the brand's two remaining stores that will continue operating.

Nanyang Optical plans to enter into voluntary liquidation after 65 years; will close 4 of 6 stores

The eyecare chain’s remaining two stores, which are under franchise arrangements, will continue operating and are unaffected