Over 850 business leaders and policymakers attended the Singapore Budget Symposium 2026. The forum focused on AI adoption, workforce transformation, and strengthening Singapore’s economic resilience.
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) held the Singapore Budget Symposium 2026 with support from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Manpower. The event brought together more than 850 participants, including policymakers, business leaders, and professionals, to discuss feedback on Budget 2026 and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
In his opening address, Mr Mark Lee, Vice-Chairman and Honorary Treasurer of SBF, highlighted the importance of cooperation between businesses and the government as companies face rising costs and rapid technological changes. He said Budget 2026 provides an important direction for enterprises navigating an increasingly complex global environment.
The highlight of the symposium was a Ministerial Dialogue featuring Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Mr Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. The session was moderated by Mr Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer of SBF.
Mr Kok shared results from SBF’s post-Budget 2026 Business Dipstick poll, which showed that 60 percent of businesses expressed satisfaction with Budget 2026. The survey also found stronger confidence among large enterprises compared with small and medium-sized businesses. Companies responded most positively to measures supporting Artificial Intelligence adoption and internationalisation, while manpower shortages and business costs remained key concerns.
During the dialogue, the ministers noted that businesses are operating in a challenging global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and energy price volatility. They emphasised that Singapore remains well positioned due to strong economic fundamentals and forward-looking policies.
A plenary discussion on enterprise transformation followed, featuring Mr Han Kwee Juan from DBS Bank, Dr He Ruimin from the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and Ms Cindy Lee from Adecco Singapore. Moderated by Mr Marcus Lam, Executive Chairman of PwC Singapore, the panel explored how companies can scale AI adoption, redesign job roles and strengthen workforce capabilities.
The symposium concluded with a call for closer partnerships between businesses, government agencies and industry partners to drive innovation, productivity and sustainable growth in Singapore’s evolving economy.
Source: SBF
