Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, is delivering the Budget speech in Parliament today, Thursday, 12 February 2026. (MDDI)
On February 24, lawmakers in Singapore emphasised that the country’s national artificial intelligence (AI) push must prioritise trust, accountability and inclusivity during the 2026 budget debate. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced he would chair a new National AI Council to drive the agenda, with parliamentarians broadly supporting the strategy while highlighting potential challenges. Discussions focused on leveraging Singapore’s reputation for strong governance as a competitive advantage, ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can adopt AI without excessive risk, and supporting workers through education, skills development and clearer career pathways. Proposals included targeted SME assistance, AI readiness frameworks, funding for implementation rather than set-up costs, and measures to ensure equitable access to AI tools across the workforce.
The debate signals continued government investment in AI adoption alongside stronger regulatory oversight and support mechanisms, which could create opportunities for technology providers, training firms and digital solution vendors. However, businesses should expect increased accountability requirements and a policy focus on inclusive adoption, particularly for SMEs and workforce transformation, shaping how companies plan AI investments and workforce strategies in Singapore.
About The Author
