BIZSpoke | 850 Leaders Gather to Discuss Budget 2026 and Business Transformation at the Singapore Budget Symposium

13 MARCH 2026

SGBS 2026: Dialogue on AI, Workforce and Business Resilience

The Singapore Budget Symposium (SGBS), graced by Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng, and Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow, brought together over 850 business leaders to exchange views on how companies can strengthen resilience through AI adoption, internationalisation, workforce transformation and energy transition.

A plenary session also explored how businesses can move beyond AI pilots to redesign jobs, boost productivity and stay competitive in an increasingly complex global landscape. Read the full press release to find out more.

PRESS RELEASE

BS71 - BannerTop - Budget 2026 Support Measures

WHAT'S NEW

Businesses Stay Cautious as Sentiment Improves Amid Global Volatility

Results from our National Business Survey 2025 – Q4 Business Sentiments Edition released on 2 March, indicate cautious optimism among Singapore businesses. While firms continue to face global cost and trade pressures, confidence is gradually improving. Satisfaction with the current business climate edged up, and more companies expect economic conditions to improve over the next year. Overall sentiment has turned cautiously positive, with the Business Sentiment Index rising to 53.4, ending a six-month decline.

FULL REPORT

Supporting the Integration of Foreign Professionals

We are working with government and industry partners to roll out new initiatives that help businesses better integrate foreign professionals, including Employment Pass holders, into Singapore’s workplaces. These include orientation programmes, cultural awareness training for HR practitioners, and a dedicated resource hub with practical guides on living and working in Singapore. The initiatives aim to support inclusive workplaces, strengthen business confidence, and enhance Singapore’s appeal as a global business hub.

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SKILLS-EMPOWERED

Accelerating Workforce Transformation for Businesses

We are the Anchor Programme Partner for the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP), a newly launched government initiative to help Singapore companies translate workforce transformation plans into action. Through end-to-end advisory and guidance, we support businesses in accessing EWTP resources and implementing practical workforce strategies. Hear from our Chief Workforce Development Officer Julia Ng, as she shares how SBF can help companies strengthen capabilities and future-proof your workforce.

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SMART-ENABLED

Is Your Business Cyber-Ready? Strengthen Protection and Resilience

Cybersecurity is a strategic enabler of trust, resilience and growth. This workshop offers practical insights into Singapore’s digitalisation trends, the evolving threat landscape, and how businesses can attain Cyber Essentials. Participants will also learn about programmes such as CISO-as-a-Service, practical ways to strengthen business continuity, and common implementation pitfalls. The session concludes with an interactive tabletop exercise, Cyber Essentials in Action, where participants apply cybersecurity strategies to real-world business scenarios.

OUR BUSINESS NETWORK

BS71 - YBLN Fireside Chat with Prof Tommy Koh

YBLN Fireside Chat with Professor Tommy Koh

The Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) is honoured to host Professor Tommy Koh for an exclusive fireside chat on 25 March 2026. Drawing on his professional and personal experiences, Prof Koh will share reflections shaped by a lifetime of diplomacy at the highest levels, offering candid insights into leadership, negotiation, and what it takes to build trust, bridge differences, and leave a lasting legacy across generations. Join us to hear about Prof Koh’s extraordinary journey!

SUPPORTED INITIATIVE

Your Feedback Matters: Shaping a More Business-Friendly Compliance Framework

ACRA is conducting a public consultation on the audit exemption framework — an initiative aimed at reducing compliance costs for small businesses. This is an opportunity for businesses to share practical feedback and help shape policies that affect their operations. Companies are encouraged to participate and submit their views directly to ACRA.

SUBMIT NOW