MPs from the People’s Action Party have welcomed Budget 2026’s enhanced support for Singaporean workers, and families. They also commended the government’s efforts to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its strategy to navigate an uncertain and fractured world.
Edward Chia, Deputy Chairperson of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Finance, Trade and Industry, described this year’s Budget as heartwarming.
He noted that the government has listened to concerns from employers and businesses about cost pressures, with measures such as the corporate tax rebate of 40 per cent.
The government’s efforts to help Singapore harness AI as a strategic advantage also stood out for several MPs.They believe this will ensure that Singapore and Singaporeans remain competitive in the global market.
Mr Chia (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) emphasised the importance of enabling Singaporean workers and our SMEs to adopt AI as a transformative tool to uplift productivity, which would eventually translate to higher real wages.
“I hope these initiatives can be quickly cascaded down, with massive diffusion of these schemes to enable many SMEs to create transformative impact at the local level,” he added, highlighting that SMEs employ seven out of 10 Singaporean workers.
Foo Cexiang (Tanjong Pagar GRC) said that Singapore, as a modern society, can effectively harness AI’s possibilities. However, he cautioned that the country will also be among the first in the world to face AI’s threats. Therefore, he stressed the need to take “both a proactive and defensive approach” toward AI.
Cassandra Lee (West Coast-Jurong West GRC), a member of the Digital Development and Information GPC, highlighted that her committee has been advocating for AI skill development among accountants and lawyers—an area requiring significant focus.
“Our young professionals are increasingly concerned about competing in the world with AI. With government support, they will be equipped to thrive and support themselves in this world driven by AI,” she said.
PAP MPs laud government’s increased support for families and seniors
Cai Yinzhou (Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC), Dr Hamid Razak (West Coast-Jurong West GRC) and Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast GRC) also welcomed the enhanced measures to support families, including lower-income and dual-income families.
Mr Cai pointed to ComLink+ scheme’s recent enhancement as evidence of its effectiveness.
The enhanced ComLink+ Progress packages now offer families additional payouts when they achieve concrete progress toward their goals, specifically maintaining stable employment and ensuring good preschool attendance for their children.
“Since ComLink+ was first announced three years ago, family coaches have clearly excelled in supporting families’ needs. I’m happy to learn about the tiered support packages offering various incentives for families who achieve their employment goals and maintain their children’s school attendance,” he said.
Mr Cai believes these measures will effectively address current inequality issues, as highlighted in the Ministry of Finance’s occasional paper. The initiatives are designed to “redistribute wealth and ensure no one is left behind.”
Ms Cassandra Lee said that the increased monthly household income threshold for means-tested preschool subsidies and Student Care Fee Assistance will significantly benefit dual-income families.
“Many of our young parents today both work and want to ensure their children are in safe spaces where they can use their time productively after school,” she noted. “The review of student care assistance and increased preschool subsidies would mean a lot to them.”
Dr Hamid viewed the increased support for Singaporeans, especially large families and seniors, as timely while Singapore transitions toward becoming a super-aged society.
“I’m looking forward to announcements during the COS debate to see how we can emphasise healthier habits for younger Singaporeans. As we become a super-aged society, it’s important to place health at the centre of everything we do.”
Ms Hazlina was encouraged by the government’s deliberate focus on supporting seniors in Singapore. “With many elderly residents in Fengshan, there remains consistent hope for the future.”
She was also moved by PM Wong’s call for Singaporeans to take collective responsibility for improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities, particularly persons with disabilities. “Several Fengshan residents have shared with me their stories of strength, resilience, and needs for support.”
Dr Hamid, an advocate for worker upskilling, welcomed the merger of Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore into a new statutory board. This consolidation will better organise jobs and skills support for Singaporeans.
“I’m happy to see the government has taken efforts to increase flexibility, especially for individuals from what I call ‘no bandwidth’ or ‘low bandwidth’ families. These are people who might already be working one or two full-time jobs and find it hard to take time away from work to attend SkillsFuture courses,” he explained. “The increased flexibility will allow these individuals to scale up their skills and earn better wages.”
Regarding the government’s sustainability efforts, Mr Foo, a member of the Sustainability and the Environment GPC, highlighted PM Wong’s observation that the global climate agenda faces significant challenges. He noted that Singapore must consider both the global landscape as well as its economic competitiveness when determining future climate sustainability measures.
“I was very encouraged by PM’s commitment that Singapore will continue to take concrete steps, whether it’s greening our vehicle population or exploring alternative cleaner energy sources, that ensure Singapore make actual progress to becoming a greener society.”
On strengthening global relationship, Ms Hazlina, a member of the Defence and Foreign Affairs GPC, is heartened that Singapore is exploring partnerships with Latin America, the Middle East, and emerging markets. “As Singapore, we must make our mark through strong partnerships and highlight that we are indeed this mighty red dot.”
“With Budget 2026, I hope we can better achieve our aspirations as Singaporeans, particularly for our youths while not forgetting our seniors. Every Singaporean deserves to live with dignity, respect, safety and security—and most importantly, to feel proud of where we live and our identity as Singaporeans.”
