Economy & Policy

Singapore’s key exports up 9.3% in January, fuelled by electronics shipments

Key exports to all but two of Singapore’s top 10 markets grow

Industry observers say the move reflects the clear, immediate applications of AI in text-heavy work.
BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Why Singapore’s white-collar AI training drive is starting with law and accounting

Stronger AI literacy could help ease manpower pressures in accounting and attrition in the law, while shifting professionals towards higher-value roles

In his annual Chinese New Year message, PM Lawrence Wong drew on the symbolism of the Fire Horse – associated with change and movement in the Chinese zodiac – to frame the challenges ahead.

Singapore must face global shifts with adaptability, resilience: PM Wong in Chinese New Year message

With Budget 2026 providing more assurance and support, he calls on Singaporeans to turn challenges into opportunities

NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng says the Al-Ready SG initiative reflects its focus on supporting workers and addressing job security concerns arising from the rapid adoption of Al.

NTUC launches AI-Ready SG initiative with tool subsidies, training pathways for workers

Labour movement expects to roll out partial funding for eligible artificial intelligence tools within the first half of the year for union members

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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

"We must aim higher, move faster and be prepared to take calculated risks," said Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: AI adoption, business growth drive Singapore’s ambition to ‘aim higher, move faster, take calculated risks’

In the largest Budget to date, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong warns growth will be harder to achieve

This comes at a time when the supply of HDB flats available for rental and completed private residential properties is rising, says Huttons Asia's Mark Yip.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: HDB, private rental markets may take hit from higher foreigner work pass salary thresholds

Increased business costs may lead employers to trim hiring, market watchers say

The measures take effect for new applicants starting January 2027, and 2028 for those renewing their passes.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Quick takes on salary threshold adjustments for EP, S-Pass holders 

[SINGAPORE] Minimum qualifying salaries for employment pass (EP) and S Pass holders will be raised, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech on Thursday (Feb 12).

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

A higher allocation to small and mid-cap Singapore Exchange-listed stocks is a priority for the programme.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Quick takes on EQDP top-up, support for startups

S$1 billion will be portioned for the Startup SG Equity Scheme