SINGAPORE: In recent weeks, there have been murmurs about the prospect of seasonal haze arising from forest fires and clearing of land, primarily in Indonesia.
Is Singapore prepared for the haze season?
SINGAPORE: In recent weeks, there have been murmurs about the prospect of seasonal haze arising from forest fires and clearing of land, primarily in Indonesia.
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs forecast in June a high likelihood of severe haze in the coming months. Minister for Sustainability and Environment Grace Fu said on Jul 5 that this year’s dry season is expected to be the hottest and driest since 2019.
It is bad news whenever the El Nino phenomenon, which entails lower-than-average rainfall and soaring temperatures across Southeast Asia, combines with slash-and-burn agriculture in the region.
Southeast Asia’s transboundary haze has been a perennial issue since the 1970s, with particularly severe episodes costing affected countries billions of dollars. The world is also not spared as forest fires result in substantive carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Read more: Source: CNA
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.
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