Monday Wrap: 'Defence-led' Budget, fintech surge, and a mega-event lineup

Budget 2026 is expected to prioritise hard power and AI as consumer vouchers ease.

Last week in Singapore Business Review, Budget 2026 is set to focus on defence, fintech and green tech led 2025 deals, and 18 million visitors are expected this year amidst the country’s mega-event lineup.

The country is expected to scale back CDC vouchers, shifting spending towards defence, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI) after $1.06b was allocated in FY2025, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to deliver the Budget speech on 12 February.

A report showed fintech and green tech led last year’s deals, with 75 worth $1.02 b and 25 worth $159 m. Health tech ranked third with 23 transactions totalling $323 m.

The Singapore Tourism Board projects up to 18 million visitors, generating up to $32.5b in receipts, with the year’s pipeline featuring Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, Disney Cruise Line’s Asia debut, and the new sprint race at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Whilst the Monetary Authority of Singapore maintains its policy stance, analysts are divided on how long it will hold, as the January core inflation forecast rises to 1%–2%, still within the 2% level consistent with price stability.

Meanwhile, the country’s remittance market is expected to hit $17b by 2032, though varying systems and regulations limit cross-border real-time payments.

Firms are encouraged to expand overseas, with the ESR Committees noting that stronger support for capital-intensive, high-risk ventures can help secure strategic footholds, boost revenue, and create higher-value jobs locally and abroad.

Lastly, seven in 10 recruiters in Singapore plan to boost AI use for pre-screening, with 40% under pressure to hire faster, as over half of professionals seek new roles.

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