DPM Heng Swee Keat to unveil Budget 2021 on Feb 16, Singapore News

DPM Heng Swee Keat to unveil Budget 2021 on Feb 16, Singapore News

SINGAPORE’s Budget 2021: What to Expect

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is set to take the spotlight on Tuesday, 16 Feb, unveiling Singapore’s Budget 2021. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced the date in a December 31 statement, and the event will be streamed live on TV, radio, and the Singapore Budget website.

  • Why This Budget is Anything But Ordinary

    Heng’s Facebook update explained that the year has been “far from traditional.”

  • Instead of one Budget, there were four Budgets and two ministerial statements.
  • To bolster workers, firms, and families amid Covid‑19, a steady stream of support measures has been rolled out.
  • “Preparation for Budget 2021 is in full swing. Local transmission is under control, vaccinations are underway, but the overall outlook remains highly uncertain.If the economic recovery stays on track, we’ll have a more “traditional” Budget year. If it turns worse, we’re ready to adapt,” he added.

  • Get Your Voice Heard

    Throughout January, Singaporeans can weigh in on the upcoming Budget through multiple channels:

  • Reach government feedback unit: virtual and physical listening points in high‑traffic areas.
  • People’s Association and grassroots groups: virtual engagement, including the “Ask Kopi Kakis” initiative.
  • These outlets focus on four main themes:

  • Economy
  • Workforce
  • Society & Community
  • Smart & Sustainable Nation
  • You’ll see questions about digital transformation, supporting vulnerable groups, and how enterprises can thrive after the pandemic.

  •  The Bigger Picture

    In November, Heng and agency leaders briefed President Halimah Yacob and the Council of Presidential Advisers on Singapore’s long‑term macro outlook and expected real rates of return.
    “Discussions centered on Covid‑19 and its impact, and whether the pandemic has reshaped the investment landscape,” said Halimah.She urged a deeper look into structural shifts caused by the pandemic and how they’ll influence Singapore’s long‑term returns.

  • The Numbers

  • Nearly $100 billion has already been devoted to Covid‑19 support measures across the four Budgets.
  • Up to $52 billion of that comes from reserves.
  • In a Nutshell

    The Budget 2021 promises to be a mix of reflection on the past year’s challenges and a roadmap for a resilient, digital‑savvy future. Stay tuned for the live broadcast on 16 Feb, and feel free to share your thoughts by the end of Jan!