Singapore tackles tariffs with bold economic strategy review; Pritam reflects on WP's GE2025 near misses: Singapore live news

Yahoo

18 hours ago

Singapore has launched a forward-looking Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to navigate rising global uncertainties, including US-imposed tariffs and technological disruption. Spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the ESR will be driven by five new committees focused on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital and economic restructuring.
Each committee is co-chaired by political leaders and includes stakeholders from the private sector and unions. The review aims to build on existing strategies while embracing new approaches, especially in areas like AI and workforce transformation. Singapore's baseline tariff with the US now stands at 10 per cent, with further levies expected. The committees will engage widely and publish a final report by mid-2026. The ESR signals Singapore's commitment to staying agile, competitive and resilient.
Workers' Party (WP) leader Pritam Singh opened up about the 2025 General Election (GE2025) in a candid radio interview, revealing that the party had hoped to win one or two new constituencies. Despite retaining its strongholds, WP fell short in areas like Punggol and Tampines.
Pritam blamed boundary changes for forcing a strategic pivot, including the decision not to contest Marine Parade GRC. That move led to a walkover win for the PAP and criticism from other opposition parties. Pritam praised WP's candidates for their courage and commitment, especially the 14 newcomers. He emphasised the importance of long-term planning over short-term gains. Pritam says WP may not have tipped new seats this time, but the fight for broader representation continues. More on Pritam's GE2025 candid interview here.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Government launches Economic Strategy Review to tackle global shifts
Singapore has kicked off a major Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to safeguard its future amid rising US tariffs, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the review will culminate in a comprehensive report by mid-2026.
Five new committees will focus on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital, and economic restructuring. Each is co-chaired by political office holders and includes private sector and union representatives.
The Global Competitiveness committee aims to reinforce Singapore's status as a trusted investment hub. The Technology and Innovation group will explore AI adoption and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship committee will strengthen the startup ecosystem, and the Human Capital team will equip workers for career mobility and resilience. The final committee will address the social and economic fallout of restructuring.
Pritam Singh shares WP's GE2025 lessons learned
Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh hoped to 'tip one or two more constituencies' in Singapore's May 2025 General Election (GE2025). Despite strong efforts, the party retained its seats in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang, but couldn't break into new ground like Punggol and Tampines.
Pritam cited boundary changes as a major factor, saying the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee's adjustments forced WP to pivot its strategy. The party had previously contested Marine Parade GRC but chose not to this time, drawing criticism from other opposition groups.
Pritam praised WP's 26 candidates, including 14 newcomers, for their grit and character. He emphasised the uphill battle smaller parties face due to limited resources.
For Pritam and WP, the fight continues. 'We came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there's still work to do,' he said.
Read on Pritam's GE2025 reflections here.
Government launches Economic Strategy Review to tackle global shifts
Singapore has kicked off a major Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to safeguard its future amid rising US tariffs, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the review will culminate in a comprehensive report by mid-2026.
Five new committees will focus on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital, and economic restructuring. Each is co-chaired by political office holders and includes private sector and union representatives.
The Global Competitiveness committee aims to reinforce Singapore's status as a trusted investment hub. The Technology and Innovation group will explore AI adoption and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship committee will strengthen the startup ecosystem, and the Human Capital team will equip workers for career mobility and resilience. The final committee will address the social and economic fallout of restructuring.
Singapore has kicked off a major Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to safeguard its future amid rising US tariffs, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the review will culminate in a comprehensive report by mid-2026.
Five new committees will focus on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital, and economic restructuring. Each is co-chaired by political office holders and includes private sector and union representatives.
The Global Competitiveness committee aims to reinforce Singapore's status as a trusted investment hub. The Technology and Innovation group will explore AI adoption and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship committee will strengthen the startup ecosystem, and the Human Capital team will equip workers for career mobility and resilience. The final committee will address the social and economic fallout of restructuring.
Pritam Singh shares WP's GE2025 lessons learned
Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh hoped to 'tip one or two more constituencies' in Singapore's May 2025 General Election (GE2025). Despite strong efforts, the party retained its seats in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang, but couldn't break into new ground like Punggol and Tampines.
Pritam cited boundary changes as a major factor, saying the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee's adjustments forced WP to pivot its strategy. The party had previously contested Marine Parade GRC but chose not to this time, drawing criticism from other opposition groups.
Pritam praised WP's 26 candidates, including 14 newcomers, for their grit and character. He emphasised the uphill battle smaller parties face due to limited resources.
For Pritam and WP, the fight continues. 'We came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there's still work to do,' he said.
Read on Pritam's GE2025 reflections here.
Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh hoped to 'tip one or two more constituencies' in Singapore's May 2025 General Election (GE2025). Despite strong efforts, the party retained its seats in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang, but couldn't break into new ground like Punggol and Tampines.
Pritam cited boundary changes as a major factor, saying the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee's adjustments forced WP to pivot its strategy. The party had previously contested Marine Parade GRC but chose not to this time, drawing criticism from other opposition groups.
Pritam praised WP's 26 candidates, including 14 newcomers, for their grit and character. He emphasised the uphill battle smaller parties face due to limited resources.
For Pritam and WP, the fight continues. 'We came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there's still work to do,' he said.
Read on Pritam's GE2025 reflections here.