Budget 2026: The big push for AI and jobs in a changing world | Deep Dive

0 February 13, 2026 02:14

Jobs and AI took centre stage in this year’s Budget, with the government committing significant resources to ensure no Singaporean is left behind. What are the concrete steps to propel Singapore forward and can they help build a truly “we first” society? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to unpack the plans and implications of Budget 2026.

Highlights:
00:55 Getting Singaporeans ahead of the curve
02:47 Making AI relevant for everyone
05:05 No one knows what the transition looks like
06:03 Protecting our workers from being replaced
07:49 Why make AI part of the national agenda?
10:17 Merging Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture – a long time coming?
14:46 Bigger hurdles for entrepreneurs and local businesses?
17:58 How to get local companies to take the leap overseas
20:37 New CPF investment scheme – why now?
23:34 Will the measures foster a "we first" society?

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