Rationale for Shareholding Threshold to Qualify SMEs for Grants

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) why a threshold of 30% local shareholding was set for qualifying SMEs for grants such as the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant; and (b) whether there are periodic reviews to this shareholding threshold.

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) and solutions supported by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) under the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) are intended to support Singapore companies in their transformation, including by automating existing processes, as well as improving overall productivity. The minimum local shareholding criterion of 30% reflects this intent. ESG may consider exceptional cases based on factors such as the company's local employment and strategic importance to the economy.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) reviews this threshold periodically to ensure that it remains appropriate.