SG Budget Conversations 2026

Budget 2026 includes measures aimed at helping Singapore companies venture overseas, as policymakers encourage businesses to look beyond the domestic market for their next phase of growth. But in an uncertain global environment, how much appetite is there for regional expansion and are firms truly ready to take that step? Ryan Huang moderates a panel with Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance & Manpower, Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, Ang Yuit, President at ASME, and Max Loh, Vice-Chair, Singapore Institute of Directors. Watch the full discussion on MONEY FM 89.3's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_ZIxGRaoCY8

Budget 2026 continues Singapore’s push to uplift wages and strengthen the local workforce, including raising the Local Qualifying Salary from S$1,600 to S$1,800 and tightening salary thresholds for Employment Pass and S Pass holders. The move reflects a broader effort to upgrade jobs and lift incomes while keeping Singapore competitive as a global business hub. But as hiring costs rise, businesses are weighing the implications. Are SMEs feeling the squeeze as wage floors move up? Ryan Huang moderates a panel with Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance & Manpower, Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, Ang Yuit, President at ASME, and Max Loh, Vice-Chair, Singapore Institute of Directors. Watch the full discussion on MONEY FM 89.3's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_ZIxGRaoCY8

Artificial intelligence sits at the heart of Budget 2026, with new AI missions aimed at accelerating adoption across Singapore’s economy the establishment of a new National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council chaired by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to drive the nation’s AI agenda. But translating ambition into real change raises practical questions. How can policymakers ensure AI adoption does not end up concentrated among large corporations? And as companies integrate AI into core operations, are business leaders and boards prepared to manage the risks, governance challenges and cybersecurity implications that come with it? In this special MONEY FM 89.3 SG Budget Conversations panel, Ryan Huang speaks with Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance & Manpower, Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, Ang Yuit, President at ASME, and Max Loh, Vice-Chair, Singapore Institute of Directors. Watch the full discussion on MONEY FM 89.3's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_ZIxGRaoCY8

It has been about a month since Budget 2026 was delivered and the Committee of Supply debates have wrapped up. But beyond the headline measures, what are the early signals emerging for businesses, workers and the broader economy? Ryan Huang moderates a panel with Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance & Manpower, Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, Ang Yuit, President at ASME, and Max Loh, Vice-Chair, Singapore Institute of Directors. From workforce upskilling and AI readiness to SME support and procurement opportunities, the conversation looks at what businesses and workers should be watching in the months ahead. Watch the full discussion on MONEY FM 89.3's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_ZIxGRaoCY8

Is Singapore’s property market quietly shifting after Budget 2026?  In this episode of Money and Me, hosted by Michelle Martin, we break down what new policies on foreign work passes, AI investment and housing demand could mean for buyers and investors. Michelle speaks with Christine Sun, Chief Researcher and Strategist at Realion Group (OrangeTee & ETC), about whether the absence of new cooling measures signals confidence that prices have stabilised. They unpack why demand for some Prime and Plus HDB flats appears softer, and why first-time buyers may now prioritise space over central locations. The conversation also explores how stricter foreign hiring rules could affect rental demand and whether Singapore’s push to become an AI hub might boost long-term property values. Finally, Christine shares where investors might find the smartest opportunities in Singapore’s property market in 2026.

Budget 2026 continues to expand support for families through measures such as Child LifeSG credits and enhanced preschool and student-care subsidies, continuing efforts to ease the financial burden of raising children. But some argue that while these schemes reduce upfront costs, they may not address the longer-term income and career penalties associated with caregiving.  So, are current family policies targeting the right constraints? And could more structural forms of support, including experimentation with caregiving compensation, influence decisions around family formation?  Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what a deeper rethink of family policy might look like amid mounting demographic pressures. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Budget 2026 has added nuance to Singapore’s sustainability journey. While the country remains committed to its long-term net-zero ambitions, the tone around carbon pricing appears more measured, reflecting a global environment where climate momentum has become less uniform and economic pressures more pronounced. Beyond the carbon tax, the Government continues to push ahead with solar expansion, regional electricity imports and the exploration of emerging low-carbon energy sources. So how should businesses interpret this mix of pragmatism and ambition? Kum Mun Lock, Vice President of Strategic Client Success at Univers joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what Budget 2026 signals for corporate sustainability strategies and long-term investment decisions. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year. But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans. For more Budget 2026 insights:  https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

“If there’s a time to invest in AI and advanced manufacturing, it’s now.” That was the message from Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, as Singapore’s Budget 2026 placed AI firmly in focus with plans for a National AI Council and a dedicated mission for advanced manufacturing. On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks with Lennon about the realities manufacturers are navigating today — mixed demand, cost pressures, and the growing role of AI inside factory operations. They unpack why upgrading is happening in stages, how firms are moving at different speeds, and what that means for Singapore’s competitive edge. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Under Budget 2026, Singapore will raise the qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass holders from 2027, alongside lifting the local qualifying salary and adjusting selected work permit levies. The changes are phased in, but they form part of a continued calibration of the foreign workforce framework. So, how might firms adjust their workforce mix? And what should businesses be reviewing now as the changes take effect from 2027? Jod Gill, Partner, Deloitte SG Tax Services, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what the Budget 2026 measures mean for employers on the ground. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/