"But two immediate questions arise: What are the trade-offs involved in reducing emissions? How would our daily lives be impacted?"
24 February 2022 :Prof Euston Quah on ” Calibrating the costs and benefits of Singapore’s carbon tax”
“The trade-off? Rising business costs and a squeeze on profits. As an export-oriented economy – exports constitute more than 170 per cent of our gross domestic product – Singapore runs the risk of its international competitiveness being hurt by the imposition of a substantial carbon tax as our trading partners turn to competitors who, without a carbon tax, can under-price us”.
“In his Budget speech, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said that an increase in carbon tax to $25 a tonne is estimated to lead to a rise in utility bills for an average household by $4. What about the impact on our overall cost of living?”
To read more, click here. (Source: SUSS & Straits Times)
SPILL THE TEH: PENANG INSTITUTE
Through no-holds barred conversations, Spill The Teh gets into the minds of individuals who break stereotypes of society. Join us in igniting curiosity, changing perspectives, and seeing life’s flip side.
Read More
Panel Discussion on Post Singapore Budget 2026
The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, will deliver Singapore’s Budget 2026 Statement on 12 February 2026, outlining the Government’s priorities and allocation of resources for the year ahead. Budget 2026 focuses on strengthening economic resilience, securing quality jobs, and uplifting Singaporeans to progress together amid heightened global uncertainty. Key priorities include fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting businesses—particularly SMEs—to compete and grow globally, and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The Budget also emphasises preparing students and workers with future-ready skills, encouraging employers to invest in workforce development, supporting seniors to remain productive, and promoting inclusive growth across all segments of society.In response, the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS) is organising a post-Budget panel discussion featuring a distinguished group of speakers. Drawing on their deep expertise in the Singapore and global economies, the panel will provide valuable insights into the implications of Budget 2026.
Read More