Singapore has launched a series of initiatives to harness artificial intelligence, including tax breaks for companies and support for workers to learn AI skills.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced when presenting the national budget on Thursday that Singapore will establish a “National Artificial Intelligence Commission”, with him as chairman.

“AI is a powerful tool, but it is still a tool. It must serve our national interests and our people,” he said.

Singapore will also set clear rules on how artificial intelligence can be developed and used to ensure that it benefits society safely and responsibly, Wong added.

In terms of measures, Singapore will launch a new “Artificial Intelligence Champions” program to support companies that want to use artificial intelligence to transform their businesses. Support will be tailored to each company, including business transformation and workforce training.

“As these companies become successful, they will set benchmarks for their industries and inspire other companies to follow suit,” Huang said.

The country will also expand its Business Innovation Scheme, offering businesses a 400% tax break on qualifying expenditures. Such spending will be expanded to include spending on artificial intelligence, capped at S$50,000 (US$39,654) per year in 2027 and 2028.

“Every Singaporean can take the initiative to learn and master AI-related skills,” Huang said, adding that the country will redesign its Skillsfuture website to make AI learning paths clearer and more accessible so that Singaporeans can quickly find courses that suit their job needs and proficiency levels.

The Skillsfuture website provides learning opportunities and training support for Singaporeans, and Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive credits for enrolling in Skillsfuture courses.

But Wong noted that while most AI tools are free at a basic level, access to more advanced models requires a paid subscription.

Singapore will then offer six months of free access to advanced AI tools to Singaporeans who take selected AI training courses. “This will allow them to practice, experiment and apply what they have learned,” he noted.

Jessica Zhang, senior vice president of Asia Pacific for business services provider ADP, said that although artificial intelligence is becoming a key driver of Singapore’s digital economy, the adoption of artificial intelligence alone does not guarantee improvements in productivity.

Zhang added that without job redesign and practical training, the transition to AI could widen skills gaps and harm long-term talent development.

Therefore, she believes the main challenge will be equipping workers with the skills to work effectively with AI, rather than simply introducing new tools.

“Convenient learning pathways, regular exposure to AI, and targeted upskilling to strengthen critical thinking, data literacy, and communication skills may have a greater impact than broad training alone.”

EQDP is one of the factors behind straits times index Will rise in 2025. The STI rose 22.67% in 2025, the largest gain since 2009.

S$4 billion has been injected into nine asset management companies, with the remaining funds expected to be deployed in the second quarter of 2026.

Wong also said the government would look to implement other measures to boost the market, such as simplifying listing rules and requirements to make it easier for high-growth companies to list, and establishing a dual-listing bridge connecting SGX and Nasdaq.

“These measures will enhance the depth and vitality of our public equity markets and provide more avenues for businesses to grow and scale in Singapore,” said Wong.

Deloitte Singapore private tax leader Klenn Yeo said he expected the additional S$1.5 billion to “significantly enhance liquidity in the Singapore stock market”, adding that he expected high-growth privately held companies in Southeast Asia to consider Singapore as a preferred listing destination in the coming years.