REACH (Telegram) 120 - SHARE YOUR VIEWS HERE ON THE BUDGET 2026 SPEECH
(SK)
12 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 10:00 am]
π’ BUDGET SPEECH TODAY @ 3.30PM
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will be delivering the Budget 2026 speech in Parliament today at 3.30pm.
This Telegram chat group will be opened at 3.30 pm for contributors to discuss and share their views about Budget 2026 measures.
Late last year, Singaporeans were invited to provide their suggestions for Budget 2026 through several channels from 2 December 2025 to 12 January 2026, on themes such as advancing our economyπ, securing good jobsπ€, and uplifting Singaporeans to progress togetherπͺ.
π Watch the Budget speech live at 3.30pm: https://go.gov.sg/budget2026live.
ππ» For more info on Budget 2026, please visit MOF's Singapore Budget website at https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg. (https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/)
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 3:31 pm]
π’ SHARE YOUR VIEWS HERE ON THE BUDGET 2026 SPEECH π’
Prime Minister & Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, is delivering the Budget 2026 speech now in Parliament. Watch the speech live (https://go.gov.sg/budget2026live) and share your views on Budget 2026 measures here!
----
Dom HU, [12/2/2026 3:41 pm]
40% Corporate Income Tax Rebate min $1,500
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 3:45 pm]
"Singapore Budget 2026: Live updates, key announcements by PM Wong
Stay updated on Singapore Budget 2026 as we follow Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's key announcements on our live blog, or watch it live on CNA from 3.30pm."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576#:~:text=Singapore%20Budget%202026,CNA%20from%203.30pm.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:09 pm]
National AI efforts to drive AI adoption make more sense - rather than relying on individual companies trial and errors and adhoc efforts in AI adoption.
Tangible benefits and productivity can be reap - if AI are implemented across work process and workers trained in AI to operate it.
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:19 pm]
π’ [SHARE YOUR VIEWS #1] BUDGET 2026 - Advancing our refreshed economic strategy
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced a slate of measures to refresh our economic strategy to continue generating inclusive growth that creates good jobs and raises incomes for all Singaporeans.
π¬ What are your views on these measures to advance our refreshed economic strategy?
The measures include:
π 40% corporate income tax rebate
π Singapore is building new forms of international cooperation to strengthen its economic resilience.
π Supporting local enterprises that venture abroad. Support levels for grant schemes that help companies to internationalise will be enhanced - up to 70 per cent for SMEs, and up to 50 per cent for non-SMEs. The Market Readiness Assistance grant will also be improved.
π Invest in the Research, Innovation and Enterprise plan
The government will invest $37 million under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise plan as a sustained commitment to research and innovation.
π S$1 billion boost for growth-stage startups
The government will inject S$1 billion into Startup SG Equity to support not just early-stage startups, but also growth-stage companies.
π Second S$1.5 billion tranche for Anchor Fund
The government will also launch a second S$1.5 billion tranche of the Anchor Fund to attract and anchor high-quality public listings in Singapore.
π S$1.5 billion top-up to strengthen financial sector
The move follows encouraging results from the Equity Market Development Programme, which was launched last year by MAS to grow the fund management industry and boost investor participation.
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576
Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 4:24 pm]
I most concerned is there cash given out
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:25 pm]
Now the focus is on companies and its competitiveness.
Individuals come later.
Adam, [12/2/2026 4:31 pm]
Households....
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:36 pm]
π’ [SHARE YOUR VIEWS #2] BUDGET 2026 - Harness AI as a strategic advantage
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced a slate of measures to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic advantage by deploying AI effectively, responsibly, and at speed.
π¬ What are your views on these measures to harness AI as a strategic advantage?
The measures include:
π A new set of national AI missions to drive AI-led transformation in key sectors of the economy. It will focus on four sectors: advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance and healthcare.
π The formation of a new National AI Council. This will be chaired by PM Lawrence Wong to provide strategic direction and drive Singapore’s national AI agenda.
π New “Champions of AI” programme to support companies to “comprehensively transform” using AI.
π More support for enterprises to adopt AI. The Enterprise Innovation Scheme will be expanded to add AI expenditures as a qualifying activity for the Years of Assessment (YA) 2027 and 2028, capped at S$50,000 per year of assessment. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) will also be expanded to support a wider range of digital and AI-enabled solutions, so companies have tools to work smarter and compete more effectively. Singapore will also develop a larger AI park in the One-North area.
π Singapore will roll out wide-ranging support to help workers navigate the transition to an AI-enabled economy with training, tools and new opportunities. Institutes of Higher Learning will also strengthen AI literacy for students and working adults.
π 6 months’ free access to premium AI tools. The government will thus redesign the SkillsFuture website to make AI learning pathways clearer and easier to access so Singaporeans can find the right courses for their work needs and proficiency levels. Those who sign up for selected AI training courses will also get six months of free access to premium AI tools to apply what they learn.
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:41 pm]
[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #3] BUDGET 2026 - Build a resilient and skilled workforce
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures to continue to strengthen support for workers.
π¬ What are your views on these measures to build a resilient and skilled workforce?
These measures include:
π Local Qualifying Salary to be raised to strengthen support for lower-wage workers.
π More support for firms paying Progressive Wages. The government will raise co-funding under the Progressive Wage Credit (PWCs) from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, and extend the scheme by two years to 2028.
π Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be merged into a new statutory board. The new agency will be jointly overseen by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), in a move aimed at strengthening the integration of Singapore’s jobs and skills ecosystem.
π Senior Employment Credit extended to 2027. Older workers will also receive continued support to stay active in the workforce, with the Senior Employment Credit now extended to end-2027.
π EP minimum salary to rise to S$6,000. To maintain the quality of Employment Pass (EP) holders, as local wages rise, the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applicants will go up from S$5,600 to S$6,000 in January 2027.
π S Pass minimum salary to rise to S$3,600. The minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applicants will be raised from S$3,300 to S$3,600. For those in the financial services sector, the threshold will go up from S$3,800 to S$4,000.
π Work Permit levies to rise for some sectors from 2028. Levies for basic-skilled workers in the marine and process sectors will be raised by S$100 and S$150, respectively.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:43 pm]
This effectively make companies more likely to recruit locals than foreigners as higher salary need to be paid to recruit foreigners.
Locals salary become lower and more competitive as compared to foreigners $6,000.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:49 pm]
The success story of AI adoption that are translated to big economic benefits are reported by DBS.
No similar big success story of AI adoption are reported by other companies.
Hence a more structured and systematic approach through national led effort in AI adoption - will lead to a more tangible productivity that can be reaped by AI.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:50 pm]
"DBS says AI push is paying off as it shifts from efficiency tool to growth engine.
The time savings from the technology can be redeployed towards business expansion, says chief Tan Su Shan".
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/dbs-says-ai-push-paying-it-shifts-efficiency-tool-growth-engine#:~:text=DBS%20says%20AI,Tan%20Su%20Shan
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:52 pm]
In January, DBS told The Business Times that it recorded a one-third increase in economic value (https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/dbs-unlocks-s1-billion-ai-value-2025) from its AI initiatives to S$1 billion in 2025, compared with S$750 million in 2024.
The S$1 billion figure was derived by comparing outcomes between customers who were offered AI-driven solutions and those in a control group.
This should be the massive tangible benefits reap through AI.
Then our economy will grow by leap and bound fuel by AI.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 4:58 pm]
"Budget 2026: Cost-of-Living special payments of up to S$400, S$500 CDC vouchers for Singaporeans
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also announced additional rebates to help households with utility expenses."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/budget-2026-cost-living-payout-cdc-vouchers-5925606#:~:text=Budget%202026%3A%20Cost,with%20utility%20expenses.
Hanny, [12/2/2026 5:02 pm]
AI is transforming workplace. I use AI everyday at work. The improvement in quality and efficiency cannot be ignored.
Companies need to adapt. If they don’t, they will lose their competitiveness.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 5:04 pm]
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/less-than-a-year-after-ceo-satya-nadella-said-30-of-microsofts-code-is-ai-written-company-appoints-an-engineering-quality-head/articleshow/128116076.cms
Microsoft engaging engineering qualify head as 30% of Microsoft code are written by AI.
More codes are written by AI, but bugs are surging.
US Big Tech CEOs make the biggest mistake of not recruiting software developers and firing software engineers relying fully on AI generated codes - that produced bugs making damage control all the more expensive.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 5:04 pm]
But do watch out for negative misuse of AI that lead to more rework.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 5:05 pm]
Hence a national led effort in AI adoption that brings tangible benefits and productivity is required.
Else we fail to harness the potential of AI that will give us the quantum leap.
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]
[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #4] BUDGET 2026 - Give families more support and greater assurance
Measures to continue to give families more support and greater assurance have just been announced by PM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.
π¬ What are your views on these measures to give families more support and greater assurance?
The measures include:
π S$500 in Child LifeSG credits* as part of continued support for families.*
π More families to qualify for preschool, student care subsidies. From 2027, the monthly household income ceiling for means-tested preschool subsidies will be raised to S$15,000 – benefitting more than 60,000 families. Parents can also expect higher subsidies for infant care and childcare. The monthly household income threshold for Student Care Fee Assistance will also be raised to S$6,500 so that more families can qualify.
π Enhanced ComLink+ support for lower-income families. There will be greater support such as more cash payouts and CPF top-ups.
π Strengthening support for persons with disabilities. A task force led by Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming is looking into how the government can provide more meaningful support at different life stages for persons with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers.
π Helping seniors age well. The Long-Term Care Support Fund – which provides premium support for CareShield Life – will receive a S$400 million top-up to fund additional subsidies for the scheme.
π Strengthening retirement support. To help Singaporeans meet their basic retirement needs with confidence, those aged 50 and above with CPF retirement savings below the Basic Retirement Sum will receive a CPF top-up of up to S$1,500.
π New CPF investment scheme. CPF members will have the option of putting funds in a new, voluntary life-cycle investment scheme when it launches in 2028.
π Payouts, rebates, vouchers. Eligible Singaporeans earning up to S$100,000 in assessable income and who do not own more than one property will receive S$200 to S$400 in cash. Eligible HDB households will receive up to S$570 in utilities rebates this financial year – 1.5 times the regular number of U-Save rebates. S$500 in CDC vouchers will also be handed out to all Singaporean households in January 2027
Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]
I think for ai need to pass a law that state the content is created by ai or interference to ai
Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]
Aiya too much things liao will wait for the tldr tmr
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 5:15 pm]
[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #5] BUDGET 2026 - Protect our security and sustainability
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures to strengthen defence and cybersecurity capabilities that are essential to Singapore’s defence. Overall security-related expenditures are expected to rise in the coming years to keep Singapore safe and secure in a far more complex threat environment. Singapore will also continue to contribute responsibly to global climate action.
π¬ What are your views on the measures to protect our security and sustainability?
The measures include:
π Enhance Singapore’s cyber defences. Singapore will further strengthen its cybersecurity posture by deepening capabilities, improving cross-agency coordination and safeguarding critical systems.
π Help businesses invest in energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. The government will extend the Energy Efficiency Grant and support for green loans under the Enterprise Financing Scheme launched in 2019. It aims to support businesses in their sustainability journey by co-funding investment in energy-efficient equipment.
π Calibration of climate action and importing low-carbon electricity to strengthen its energy resilience. Singapore is pursuing possibilities to further diversify its energy mix and is already in cooperation with the US and France and is also discussing similar arrangements with other partners like South Korea.
π Further push for sustainability in aviation and maritime sectors. From 2026, 1 per cent of all fuel used for flights departing Singapore must be sustainable aviation fuel. The government will also partner with industry players to develop a low-carbon ammonia bunkering solution on Jurong Island. If successful, Singapore could become one of the first countries to supply ammonia commercially as a fuel for international shipping.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 5:48 pm]
By developing a low-carbon ammonia bunkering solution in Jurong island - does it means that it will provide a means to perform electrolysis to convert seawater H20 into hydrogen gas as another energy source and oxygen for industrial and medical sectors.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [12/2/2026 5:56 pm]
Only can choose one option - cannot choose more than one.
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:05 pm]
[ Poll : Which theme(s) in Budget 2026 resonated with you the most? (You may choose more than one option) Please share your reasons in the chat! ]
- Advance our refreshed economic strategy
- Harness AI as a strategic advantage
- Give families more support and greater assurance
- Build a resilient and skilled workforce
- Protect our security and sustainability
- Renew and strengthen our Singapore spirit
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:06 pm]
Dear Contributors,
Apologies for the issues with the poll sent earlier.
Please take a moment to participate in the newly sent poll and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you.
Megan π
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:09 pm]
[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #6] BUDGET 2026 - Renew and strengthen our Singapore spirit
PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures that will continue to unite us against rising global tensions and polarisation.
π¬ What are your views on the measures to renew and strengthen the Singapore spirit?
The measures include:
π Strengthen cultural and sports infrastructure to deepen social bonds and celebrate Singapore’s diversity. The revamped Malay Heritage Centre will open later this year, while help will also be provided to the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and the Indian Heritage Centre to expand outreach and engagement. Under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, new or upgraded venues have been planned across the island, including in Punggol, Toa Payoh, Farrer Park, Tengah, Hougang and Queenstown. The Dual-Use Scheme will also be expanded so that more residents are able to access school sports facilities.
π Extend tax support to encourage giving and volunteering. Qualifying donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) and other eligible institutions will continue to receive 250 per cent tax deductions, with the scheme extended for another three years until end-2029. The Corporate Volunteer Scheme will also be extended to end-2029.
π Launch new S$50 million fund to grow community ground-up efforts. A new S$50 million SG Partnerships Fund will be launched to support and scale up citizen-led initiatives that meet community needs. To build sustained impact, the new SG Partnerships Fund will offer differentiated tiers of support, including grants of up to S$1 million for larger, multi-year initiatives.
π More avenues for youth to shape Singapore’s future. The Government will continue to partner young people and open up avenues for them to shape the country’s future. The next round of Youth Panels will be launched later in 2026.
π Invest more across four major fronts – external relations and security, economy, social needs and future needs. The government will make further top-ups in this year’s Budget to the relevant funds to support the development of Changi Airport, as well as the country’s longer-term economic strategies.
π Revision of Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate and caps for EV. The Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate for cars and taxis will be cut by 45 percentage points. The rebate cap will also be lowered from $60,000 to $30,000, and this will apply to all cars registered with COEs from the next bidding exercise.
π 20% tobacco tax hike takes effect today.
REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 7:47 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
No comments:
Post a Comment