Economy & business

5,376 debates and bills about economy & business

4 Aug 2026

Business Relocation and Restructuring, and Staff Retrenchment Trends in Q1 2026

Retrenchment rate stable at 1.6 per 1,000, below average, despite relocations.
Employment grew for 18th consecutive quarter, with 9,400 jobs added in Q1 2026.
Government will boost reskilling and job matching in growth areas like advanced manufacturing and AI.

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4 Aug 2026

Plans and Performance Indicators for Specific Technologies Considered "Bold Bets" in Singapore's Economic Strategy Review Recommendations

ESR identifies quantum, space, and decarbonisation as bold bets for growth.
Plans include deep industry-research ties, local supplier networks, and talent pipelines.
Entrepreneurship strengthened via capital access, with Anchor Fund 2 announced; KPIs pending.

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4 Aug 2026

Expected Impact of RTS Link's Opening on Businesses in Singapore's Northern Region

Government expects RTS Link to bring net benefits, deepening Singapore-Johor Bahru ties.
Northern food and retail businesses face competition; taskforce is assessing impact.
Existing grants and schemes help SMEs adapt; findings due later this year.

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4 Aug 2026

Commercial Viability of Converting Industrial Waste at Semakau Landfill into Resources

Commercial viability is a key TREASURES Centre priority with technical and risk factors.
External market conditions and industry investments affect outcomes beyond its mandate.
Zero Waste Masterplan targets will be reviewed based on viable technologies.

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4 Aug 2026

Rental Reductions, Free Lunchtime Parking to Boost Footfall and Other Measures to Support Commercial Tenants Expected to Be Affected by JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

Taskforce engaging HDB tenants in the North; studying business federation report on RTS Link impact.
HDB will help struggling tenants case-by-case via shorter tenancies or relocation.
No commitment to rental cuts, subletting, or free lunchtime parking.

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4 Aug 2026

Number and Average Rents of HDB Eating Houses in Tenders where Contracts were Awarded to Bidders Who Did Not Bid the Highest

HDB awarded 65 eating house tenders under Price-Quality Method since 2018.
40 went to non-highest bidders, balancing quality over maximum rent.
Winning bids averaged $38 per square metre lower monthly.

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4 Aug 2026

Average Occupancy Rates for Shop Spaces in HDB-managed Neighbourhood Malls and Proposal to Set Aside Space for Social Enterprises at Concessionary Rates

HDB malls averaged 95% occupancy from 2021 to 2025, serving residents' commercial needs.
Social communal facilities usually sit in void decks; mall space requests are considered case-by-case.
Supported social enterprises get direct allocation and 30% rental discount via raiSE or SG Enable.

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4 Aug 2026

Auditing Self-employed Professionals to Enforce Accurate Tax Reporting and Taking Professional Advisors to Task for Tax Avoidance Schemes

IRAS audits self-employed professionals annually on a selective basis.
Advisors promoting tax avoidance face referral to regulatory or professional bodies.

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4 Aug 2026

Extent that Fixed Asset Investment and Total Business Expenditure Commitments Translate into Procurement and Business Opportunities for Local SMEs

EDB investments create SME spillovers via supplier contracts, co-innovation, workforce quality.
Government does not track procurement value; sourcing decisions are commercially sensitive.
Partnership for Capability Transformation and MNC-LE Alliance boost SME-MNC collaboration; schemes reviewed regularly.

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4 Aug 2026

Temasek Holdings' Investment in Indonesia's eFishery Which Is Linked to Fraud and Accounting Scandal

On eFishery, Government does not scrutinize or direct Temasek's individual investment decisions; they are commercial.
Temasek board accountable for long-term governance and performance, not outcomes of single investments.

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4 Aug 2026

Classification and Tax Treatment for Company-owned Premises Used to House Persons

Company-owned residential premises are taxed at non-owner-occupier rates starting 12%.
URA-approved staff quarters and dormitories are classified as non-residential, taxed at 10%.
Classification and tax guidelines are available on URA and IRAS websites.

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4 Aug 2026

Access to Physical Banking and Cash Deposit Services in Residential Estates and Neighbourhood Centres

MAS won't dictate locations; banks committed to ATM/branch within 500m of HDB blocks by 2027.
Seniors get digital support, yet physical banking remains vital for seniors, hawkers, and small businesses.
Two-pronged approach balances digital adoption with ensuring convenient access to physical banking services.

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4 Aug 2026

Impact of Recent Adjustments to Tote Board Enhanced Fundraising Programme

Government expects Tote Board fundraising adjustments to minimally impact charity donations and operations.
Charities won't get GST refunds; support remains via direct grants and 250% donation tax deductions.

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4 Aug 2026

Reviewing Subsidies for Targeted Eczema Therapies and Providing Considerations for Patient Eligibility, Subsidy Duration and Cost Effectiveness

MOH will review subsidies for targeted eczema therapies like biologics and JAK inhibitors.
Some immunosuppressants and abrocitinib are already subsidised for eligible patients.
Subsidies hinge on clinical and cost-effectiveness, factoring price, efficacy, and alternatives.

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4 Aug 2026

Impact of Higher Co-payment Requirements on IP Policyholders with Medical Conditions Requiring Ongoing Treatment and Safeguards against Significant Out-of-pocket Cost Increases

New IP rider requirements apply only to new policyholders, so no transitional measures needed.
Existing policyholders may switch, weighing premium savings against higher co-payments.
Insurers will decide how to treat riders bought on or before 26 Nov 2025.

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4 Aug 2026

Singapore's Involvement in Thailand Land Bridge Project

Singapore government not approached to invest in Thailand Land Bridge, nor aware of local entities.
Singapore maintains maritime competitiveness via port expansion, technology, and improved marine services.

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4 Aug 2026

Increases in War Risk Insurance Premiums, Marine Insurance Costs and Freight Rates Due to US-Iran Conflict

War risk premiums for Hormuz transits rose from ~0.2% to 3.5-7.5% of hull value per transit.
Asia-North Europe container freight rates climbed about 120% versus pre-conflict levels.
Singapore’s marine insurance stays stable; its maritime hub competitiveness remains intact.

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4 Aug 2026

Number of MOH Development Projects with Undeclared Savings Other Than That Highlighted in FY2025/2026 Auditor-General's Report

MOH had 11 other development projects with undeclared savings beyond NCCS, a systemic process lapse.
Completed projects yielded $436 million; ongoing ones hold about $48 million estimated savings.
Funds were used for public benefit and freed up for Finance reallocation, not misappropriated.

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4 Aug 2026

Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill

Bill amends laws to counter scams and enhance enforcement measures.
Targets scams via Protection from Scams Act and Online Criminal Harms Act.
Also updates Banking Act and Police Force Act for related changes.

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7 Jul 2026

Enhancing Remuneration, Career Progression and Workplace Arrangements for Aviation Workers to Sustain Strong Local Workforce Presence in Airport Services

Ministry and CAAS partner with unions to attract and retain Singaporean aviation workforce.
Transforming jobs with technology and AI to offer competitive wages, supported by $200M fund.
Mentorship programs and facility reviews enhance career progression and workplace experience.

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