Stories from Singapore · Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower reported that the Singapore labor market remained broadly stable in March 2026 compared to December 2025. A Ministry of Manpower survey conducted between January and March found that 71.5% of firms in Singapore are not using AI technology. The survey polled more than 2,500 firms employing approximately 500,000 workers. Singapore currently trails other economies including China, Denmark, Hong Kong, Finland, and Sweden in AI adoption. Among the firms that do use AI, adoption levels remain uneven. This follows an earlier warning from the Prime Minister regarding stagflation risks if slowing growth is coupled with low employment figures. Singapore is seeing early signs of cautious demand in certain sectors. Demand declined from 54.6% in February 2026 to 44.6% in March 2026, representing a 10 percentage point drop.

Total employment in Singapore grew by 5,000 residents and non-residents during the first quarter. NTUC President K. Tanalechmi and Secretary General Ng Chi Minh issued a joint message stating more will be done to build fair and inclusive workplaces. The initiative includes stronger support for persons with disabilities through improved workplace accommodations and pathways back to work. Singaporean Minister Dr. Tan is conducting reviews of the Employment Act to better protect workers and support flexible work arrangements. The move follows a May Day message said the need for employment standards to keep pace with global challenges, including the Middle East conflict. The Singapore National Federation of Industries (SNF) stated it is committed to helping businesses seize AI opportunities while building an AI-ready workforce.

Health authorities identified 13 tuberculosis cases at Bedok Central in Singapore. Mandatory medical screenings have been ordered for workers and tenants at three specific locations to contain the spread. Hawkers and merchants at Bedok's Block 216 are receiving half a month of rental and other charges waived this month. The decision follows reports of tuberculosis cases in the area which led customers to avoid the location. The waiver aims to support businesses facing reduced foot traffic. An additional day of testing is being planned for Friday to address community concerns. The move follows a month of residents avoiding the area due to the outbreak. Ong stated during a media visit to the hawker centre and a screening centre at Heartbeat at Bedok that the disease does not spread easily through casual contact. Kang, a cardiologist, noted that dining at the location remains safe.

A 21-year-old Malaysian woman has been arrested in Singapore for allegedly facilitating a scam syndicate. However, pickups in the foreign country are restricted to designated points via ride-hailing or e-hailing bookings. Specified Singapore pickup points include areas near Vivo City and Jurong. Designated Malaysian pickup points include Mid-Valley, Southkey Mall, and Toppen Shopping Centre. The move aims to provide greater flexibility for travelers moving between the two nations. The scheme now includes specific pickup points near Vivo City and Jukun in Singapore for ride-hailing and e-hailing bookings. The Transport Ministries of Singapore and Malaysia announced enhancements to their cross-border taxi scheme today. Licensed cross-border taxis will be permitted to drop passengers off anywhere in Singapore and across various parts of Johor, including Johor Bahru, Forest City, and Senai.

A new tripartite council on jobs has been established to assist workers and businesses in integrating AI skills. The initiative is intended to prevent benefits from being left solely to market forces. Ng stated the council is an example of collective action to help workers seize new opportunities. Labour Chief Ng Chi-Ming announced the launch of the Tripartite Jobs Council to address the upcoming AI revolution. The festival features over 100 programs across the country. The event includes stories, trades, and communities related to Singapore's waterways. CNS Nicholas Ng stated that AI will disrupt and reshape entire industries by using agents that do not require human intervention. The council aims to prepare the nation to succeed in an environment where AI improves productivity.

Singapore's High Court has allowed an appeal by the prosecution and reversed the acquittal of three women. The court's decision follows the prosecution's request to overturn the previous ruling. Keon ruled that District Judge John Eung erred in law regarding the organizers' knowledge of the Public Order Act. The court found the trio should have made reasonable inquiries to inform themselves of the relevant prohibition order. The organizers faced potential jail terms of up to six months and fines of up to $10,000 each. However, Justice C. The Singapore High Court reversed the acquittal of three individuals who sent letters regarding the Palestinian cause to the Prime Minister's office. Three women, Mossamad Subikun Nahar, Siti Amira Mohamed Azrori, and Annamalai Kokila Parvati, were acquitted in Singapore.

The ASTAR Innovation Factory at Simtech has developed a 4D printed orthopedic cast called the TESSA cast. The device is designed for health and healing applications. The source noted the cast was featured at Prototype Island in Milan.

Singapore's Gardens by the Bay was ranked as the third best attraction in the world. The ranking comes from TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers Choice Awards. The urban park features flower domes, super trees, and a cloud forest. It was ranked behind the Royal Yacht Britannia in the United Kingdom. The ranking was determined by the quality and quantity of user reviews and ratings on a platform over a 12-month period. An editorial review process was also used to establish the ranking. Angkor Wat in Cambodia was also recognized, ranking 21st on the list. Gardens by the Bay was one of two Asian attractions to make the list, alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia which ranked 21st.

Mr. The announcement was made by Singaporean officials. The policy will initially apply to workers from China and Thailand. Firms will no longer be required to conduct mandatory overseas skill testing before workers enter the country. Singapore will reduce hiring timelines for new foreign construction workers beginning January 20, 2027. The move is intended to create jobs and act as a buffer against external shocks through increased intra-region trade. The move follows discussions regarding intra-region trade potential within ASEAN and South Asia. Businesses in Singapore are expected to adopt more cautious hiring and wage plans according to the latest report from the Manpower Ministry. Manufacturing firms anticipate growth while the services industry remains wary of worsening conditions.

National Development Minister Desmond Lee announced that prospective construction workers will undergo local testing instead of overseas testing starting January 2027. The measure aims to streamline the hiring process for construction workers, who may be able to be hired approximately three months faster. Analysts noted cautious sentiment in the F&B, accommodation, and retail trade sectors due to shifting demand. Authorities stated the move is necessary to support strong construction growth expected in the coming years. Starting January 20, 2026, workers from China and Thailand will no longer be required to pass a skills test before entering Singapore. Industry feedback indicated that overseas certifications often do not match local deployment needs. The Workers' Party Central Executive Committee met on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss a disciplinary panel's report.