https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/ THE BUSINESS TIMES - Find latest business and financial news including analysis and opinion on top business stories, stock markets in Singapore, Asia-Pacific and global market news and more at The Business Times. en-US https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/favicon.ico https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/ 32 32 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/sm-lee-calls-renewed-tripartite-ties-safeguard-port-jobs-amid-ai-trade-headwinds Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:39:04 +0000 Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/sm-lee-calls-renewed-tripartite-ties-safeguard-port-jobs-amid-ai-trade-headwinds Port industry in the past has undergone several rounds of transformation as technology advanced https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/moe-consider-closing-schools-o-level-exams-may-be-postponed-if-haze-turns-hazardous-desmond-lee Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:12:33 +0000 Singapore /singapore/moe-consider-closing-schools-o-level-exams-may-be-postponed-if-haze-turns-hazardous-desmond-lee Lee cautions against misinformation about school closures circulating on social media https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-162 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:45:00 +0000 Singapore /singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-162 Stories you might have missed https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-should-prepare-prolonged-haze-until-november-says-grace-fu Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:06:19 +0000 Low Youjin Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/singapore-should-prepare-prolonged-haze-until-november-says-grace-fu Expect air quality to fluctuate and possibly reach hazardous levels, the minister adds https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-identifies-7-firms-responsible-haze-fires-notices-issued-urging-action-grace-fu Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:31:50 +0000 Low Youjin Tessa Oh Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/singapore-identifies-7-firms-responsible-haze-fires-notices-issued-urging-action-grace-fu She does not specify whether these are Singapore or Indonesian companies – except that they are located in Sumatra https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/snef-names-poon-hong-yuen-next-ceo Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:05:43 +0000 Renald Yeo Singapore /singapore/snef-names-poon-hong-yuen-next-ceo Senior public servant will succeed Hao Shuo, who is returning to the public service https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/smes/singapore-smes-expansionary-mode-despite-uneven-outlook-ocbc Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:33:08 +0000 Ranamita Chakraborty SMEs Singapore /singapore/smes/singapore-smes-expansionary-mode-despite-uneven-outlook-ocbc The more positive outlook is partly due to easing concerns over the Middle East conflict https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/mpa-chairman-loh-khum-yean-join-mas-board-nov-1 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:54:59 +0000 Shikhar Gupta Singapore /singapore/mpa-chairman-loh-khum-yean-join-mas-board-nov-1 The appointment will last until May 31, 2029 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapores-worsening-haze-threatens-business-activity-gdp-impact-limited-analysts Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:35:09 +0000 Isabelle Chong Shikhar Gupta Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/singapores-worsening-haze-threatens-business-activity-gdp-impact-limited-analysts Some firms face productivity losses, but others could benefit from higher demand for air purifiers, masks https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/middle-east-war-affects-singapores-september-bunker-sales Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:15:30 +0000 Tay Peck Gek Global International Singapore /international/global/middle-east-war-affects-singapores-september-bunker-sales This is despite more vessels arriving in the Republic https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/mazda-opens-dedicated-ev-showroom-singapore Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:30:00 +0000 Derryn Wong Singapore Companies & Markets Transport & Logistics /singapore/mazda-opens-dedicated-ev-showroom-singapore The facility at 1 Kung Chong Road is part of the Japanese brand’s electrification efforts  https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/spore-experiencing-its-12th-consecutive-day-unhealthy-air-longest-2015-haze-crisis Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:40:28 +0000 Singapore /singapore/spore-experiencing-its-12th-consecutive-day-unhealthy-air-longest-2015-haze-crisis During similar episodes in 2019 and 2023, periods of unhealthy air only lasted a couple of days https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-key-exports-jump-higher-expected-68-4-september-led-non-electronics Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0000 Elysia Tan Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/singapore-key-exports-jump-higher-expected-68-4-september-led-non-electronics Electronics exports continue to surge on AI-related demand, but economists warn that this will soften in 2027 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth/high-court-rules-against-julius-baers-singapore-trust-arm-us50-million-family-trust-dispute Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000 Chloe Lim Wealth Singapore /wealth/high-court-rules-against-julius-baers-singapore-trust-arm-us50-million-family-trust-dispute The tussle involves assets including a historic London property https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-looking-which-companies-responsible-haze-causing-fires-pm-wong Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:12:25 +0000 Singapore /singapore/singapore-looking-which-companies-responsible-haze-causing-fires-pm-wong Where warranted, Singapore will take action under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/ey-ex-managing-partner-max-loh-appointed-chair-singapore-institute-directors Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:13:57 +0000 Renald Yeo Singapore /singapore/ey-ex-managing-partner-max-loh-appointed-chair-singapore-institute-directors He succeeds former PwC Singapore executive chairman Yeoh Oon Jin https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-q2-tourism-receipts-down-6-2-s7-21-billion-amid-global-uncertainty Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:52:26 +0000 Elysia Tan Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/singapore-q2-tourism-receipts-down-6-2-s7-21-billion-amid-global-uncertainty International visitor arrivals are 6.6% lower than a year ago https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/low-rates-may-weigh-singdollar-after-mas-policy-hold Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:35:17 +0000 Tessa Oh Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/low-rates-may-weigh-singdollar-after-mas-policy-hold But some analysts still bullish as MAS’ firm stance and Singapore’s credibility support the move https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-152 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:45:00 +0000 Singapore /singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-152 Stories you might have missed https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/four-star-industries-helping-singapore-sleep-better-1968 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000 Singapore Enterprise 50 Events & Awards SMEs /singapore/four-star-industries-helping-singapore-sleep-better-1968 The mattress maker blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-collecting-data-haze-will-keep-its-options-open-taking-legal-action-grace-fu Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:01:06 +0000 Singapore /singapore/singapore-collecting-data-haze-will-keep-its-options-open-taking-legal-action-grace-fu Singapore has faced several haze episodes that crossed the threshold for its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to be breached https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/singapore-registered-vessel-hit-projectile-sinks-strait-hormuz-another-damaged Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:38:37 +0000 Renald Yeo International Singapore /international/singapore-registered-vessel-hit-projectile-sinks-strait-hormuz-another-damaged All 43 crew members are safe; none are Singaporean https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/coe-review-gap-between-luxury-and-mass-market-cars-isnt-only-one-worth-bridging Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:35:12 +0000 Derryn Wong Singapore Opinion & Features /singapore/coe-review-gap-between-luxury-and-mass-market-cars-isnt-only-one-worth-bridging Commercial vehicles and motorcycles, whose prices vary significantly within their categories, merit a closer look https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/bubble-or-nothing-looking-ai-boom-part-cycle Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:39:17 +0000 Annabeth Leow Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/bubble-or-nothing-looking-ai-boom-part-cycle Singapore’s economic strategy must be ready for structural artificial intelligence-related risk https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/surprise-mas-hold-signals-core-inflation-near-peak-economists-see-longer-pause-policy-tightening Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:21:15 +0000 Tessa Oh Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/surprise-mas-hold-signals-core-inflation-near-peak-economists-see-longer-pause-policy-tightening A narrower forecast points to stabilising prices, though HSBC and UOB flag a January risk https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-142 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:22:25 +0000 Singapore /singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-142 Stories you might have missed https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/haze-shelters-open-n95-masks-be-distributed-amid-worsening-haze-singapore Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:12:40 +0000 Singapore /singapore/haze-shelters-open-n95-masks-be-distributed-amid-worsening-haze-singapore Each eligible person can receive a pair of masks after showing their NRICs https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/wealthy-investors-can-trust-singapore-manage-their-assets-gan-kim-yong Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:03:20 +0000 Global International Singapore /international/global/wealthy-investors-can-trust-singapore-manage-their-assets-gan-kim-yong He says that it is important for the Republic to invest in supply chain resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and climate change https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-growth-stay-firm-ai-boost-moderate-2027-mas Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Low Youjin Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/singapore-growth-stay-firm-ai-boost-moderate-2027-mas Core inflation is expected to ease from mid-2027 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/smes/if-you-can-make-it-singapore-you-can-make-it-anywhere-minor-food-ceo Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +0000 Ranamita Chakraborty SMEs Asean Companies & Markets Consumer & Healthcare International Singapore /singapore/smes/if-you-can-make-it-singapore-you-can-make-it-anywhere-minor-food-ceo Diversification is key amid pressure from China F&B players and the new Johor transport link, says Dellen Soh https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-build-digital-bunkering-data-ecosystem Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0000 Tay Peck Gek Companies & Markets Singapore Transport & Logistics /companies-markets/singapore-build-digital-bunkering-data-ecosystem It will secure the flow of information and protect the integrity of transactions for ship fuels https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/mas-holds-monetary-policy-settings-pausing-after-two-straight-tightenings Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:06:10 +0000 Tessa Oh Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/mas-holds-monetary-policy-settings-pausing-after-two-straight-tightenings Core inflation forecast for 2026 narrows to 1.5% to 2%; central bank sees price pressures easing from mid-2027 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/economists-raise-full-year-gdp-forecasts-after-growth-hits-5-4-q3-beating-estimates Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:02:17 +0000 Elysia Tan Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/economists-raise-full-year-gdp-forecasts-after-growth-hits-5-4-q3-beating-estimates The manufacturing sector is up by 7.5% year on year in the 3 months to September, from 12.9% in Q2 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/emerging-enterprise-2026/innovation-everyday-needs Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000 Jermaine Fok Singapore SMEs /singapore/emerging-enterprise-2026/innovation-everyday-needs These Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award finalists are developing products to tackle everyday challenges across health, logistics, thermal management and maritime https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/smes/imda-expands-digital-support-smes Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:51:43 +0000 Ranamita Chakraborty SMEs Singapore /singapore/smes/imda-expands-digital-support-smes Small and medium-sized enterprises can leverage data and AI through partnerships with tech firms https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/blackstone-backed-airtrunk-delays-singapore-reit-ipo-amid-ai-stock-sell-sources-say Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:31:25 +0000 Companies & Markets Singapore /companies-markets/blackstone-backed-airtrunk-delays-singapore-reit-ipo-amid-ai-stock-sell-sources-say The delay comes as Asian equities slid to more than two-month lows on Tuesday https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-131 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:45:00 +0000 Singapore /singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-131 Stories you might have missed https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/business-judgement-ai-proficiency-key-cyber-defender-roles-evolve-new-professional-standards-being Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:05:41 +0000 Singapore Companies & Markets Telcos, Media & Tech /singapore/business-judgement-ai-proficiency-key-cyber-defender-roles-evolve-new-professional-standards-being The findings will help shape new professional standards for CSA’s upcoming accreditation framework https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-healthcare-system-outage-services-fully-restored-investigations-ongoing Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:45:31 +0000 Singapore Companies & Markets Consumer & Healthcare /singapore/singapore-healthcare-system-outage-services-fully-restored-investigations-ongoing No indication that the service disruption is a cyber incident, says Synapxe https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/smes/emerging-enterprise-2026/building-solutions-changing-needs Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000 Jermaine Fok SMEs New Articles Singapore /singapore/smes/emerging-enterprise-2026/building-solutions-changing-needs These Emerging Enterprise Award finalists use technology and new business models to tackle changing needs across industries https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/asean-needs-come-together-single-market-continue-attracting-investments-pm-wong Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:25:05 +0000 Benicia Tan Companies & Markets Economy & Policy New Articles Singapore /companies-markets/asean-needs-come-together-single-market-continue-attracting-investments-pm-wong He also notes at DBS forum with the bank’s CEO Tan Su Shan how firms can manage AI’s impact on jobs and... https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-121 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:35:00 +0000 Singapore /singapore/daily-debrief-what-happened-today-oct-121 Stories you might have missed https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/economists-expect-mas-tighten-monetary-policy-again-october-though-some-see-room-pause Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:25:37 +0000 Tessa Oh Economy & Policy Singapore /singapore/economy-policy/economists-expect-mas-tighten-monetary-policy-again-october-though-some-see-room-pause Another ‘very slight’ steepening of the Singdollar policy band is expected on Oct 14 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/unhealthy-air-quality-singapore-enough-trigger-haze-pollution-law-nea-monitoring-situation Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:40:33 +0000 Singapore /singapore/unhealthy-air-quality-singapore-enough-trigger-haze-pollution-law-nea-monitoring-situation Those guilty under the Act can be fined up to S$100,000 a day, capped at a total of S$2 million https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/mas-introduces-enhanced-safeguards-around-public-events-financial-institutions Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:12:06 +0000 Chloe Lim Singapore /singapore/mas-introduces-enhanced-safeguards-around-public-events-financial-institutions It will issue the updated guidelines in 2027 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/sit-sets-lifelong-learning-school-combines-assessment-training-and-research Mon, 12 Oct 2026 06:20:52 +0000 Elysia Tan Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/sit-sets-lifelong-learning-school-combines-assessment-training-and-research It works with industry in multiple aspects, from creating assessment tools to teaching programmes https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-workers-embrace-ai-faster-global-peers-fewer-feel-secure-their-jobs-pwc-survey Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:58:22 +0000 Tessa Oh Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/singapore-workers-embrace-ai-faster-global-peers-fewer-feel-secure-their-jobs-pwc-survey Confidence in job security has dropped 15 percentage points since 2024, while global sentiment is steady https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/red-bulls-verstappen-secures-first-singapore-grand-prix-win Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:12:26 +0000 Elysia Tan Singapore Economy & Policy /singapore/red-bulls-verstappen-secures-first-singapore-grand-prix-win The 2026 race draws the second-highest attendance on record in Singapore, at 301,294 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/consumer-healthcare/mary-chia-admits-disclosure-lapses-over-cpf-arrears-four-subsidiaries-after-sgx-queries Sun, 11 Oct 2026 07:19:18 +0000 Consumer & Healthcare Companies & Markets Singapore /companies-markets/consumer-healthcare/mary-chia-admits-disclosure-lapses-over-cpf-arrears-four-subsidiaries-after-sgx-queries Firm attributes omission to shortcomings in its internal information consolidation and disclosure assessment processes