Singapore’s Premier Wong Preps Budget for Age of AI, Trade Rifts

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will likely use his 2026 budget speech Thursday to position the nation as an artificial intelligence hub, a key facet of his government’s effort to diversify growth engines as global trade fractures.

Wong, who’s also finance minister, is expected to outline the city-state’s spending and strategies on the new technology, while reassuring citizens and small businesses that they won’t be left behind. Retraining and living costs for the rapidly aging population will also likely remain a focus.