Budget 2026

议长先生，我今天想从一个年轻人的视角，探讨一个我们都非常关心的问题：在新加坡生活，怎样才算是“活得好”？这个问题看似简单，其实意味深长。活得好，不只是收入高、房子大、经济增长快。活得好，更是我们有没有时间和精力陪伴家人，以及有没有空间去探索和成长。

‍IntroductionMr Speaker, my speech titled “taking care of our own” will cover three issues. First, I will speak on the broader geostrategic environment and its implications for Singapore. Secondly, I will briefly discuss the point made by DPM Gan Kim Yong over the Economic Strategies Review mid-term update that GDP growth may not translate into jobs for Singaporeans; before discussing the budget announcements pertaining to AI, skills upgrading and opportunities for our workers. Finally, I will speak about the fiscal position and call for more cost-of-living support measures for low and middle-income Singaporeans and for families with children.

Mr Speaker, the 2026 Budget Statement arrives at a moment of profound transformation. Globally, we are navigating tectonic shifts in security, trade and technology, while domestically, our workforce is feeling the weight of disruption alongside continuing cost-of-living pressures.