This week, Singapore’s money news might just affect your daily routine. There’s good news brewing for thousands of healthcare workers, a major transport link promising to shake up cross-border travel, and fresh rules that could hit your wallet if you (or your loved ones) rely on mobility scooters. Tech fans and investors, take note: our export sector is seeing a big boost, and AI is at the heart of it. Read on for the stories everyone will be talking about, whether you’re a commuter, carer, or just watching the economy.
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Community care sector: 23,000 workers set for at least 7% pay rise
Good news for Singapore’s community care workers—about 23,000 staff could see a minimum 7% bump in their salaries this year. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is rolling out new salary guidelines, aiming to make healthcare careers more attractive and to better recognise the hard work of those caring for seniors and patients after hospital discharge.
Key points:
- Who’s affected?
- Staff in community hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and home care
- Timeline:
- New guidelines expected to be digested and implemented by end-2026 or early 2027
- Support package:
- First tranche: $100 million set aside to help employers manage higher wage costs
Why it matters:
- Helps close the pay gap between community and acute care sectors
- Supports retention and recruitment in a sector that’s increasingly vital as Singapore ages
Quick glance:
Current | After New Guidelines | |
No. of employees impacted | 23,000 | 23,000 |
Expected pay increment | – | ≥ 7% |
Government support fund | – | $100 million |
This move follows last year’s pay bump for 37,000 allied health professionals and is part of ongoing efforts by MOH and unions to keep healthcare rewarding.
ALSO READ: Budget 2026 vs Budget 2025: What’s New for Singaporeans?
RTS Link fares: Cross-border train may cost $5–$7 per trip, still cheaper than driving
If you’re planning regular trips between Singapore and Johor Bahru, the upcoming RTS Link could be a game changer for your wallet and your travel time. The much-anticipated cross-border train service is expected to charge around $5 to $7 per trip, according to Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke. While not as cheap as KL’s local trains, the RTS Link should be more “cost-effective” than driving across the Causeway.
Quick facts:
- Estimated fare: $5–$7 per trip (final fares to be confirmed late 2026)
- Launch: By end-2026
- Route: Direct connection from Johor Bahru (Bukit Chagar) to Woodlands North MRT
How does it compare to driving?
Option | Approximate cost per trip | Notes |
RTS Link | $5–$7 | No monthly passes/subsidies for SG commuters |
Car (tolls + fees) | $6.40–$50+ | Includes tolls, VEP, excludes petrol/parking |
- No monthly pass: Both governments have ruled out regular subsidies for now
- Travel time: Could drop to just 5 minutes, with faster clearance at checkpoints
The RTS Link will be run by a Malaysia-Singapore joint venture and aims to move up to 10,000 passengers per hour, making it a strong alternative for daily commuters.
Mobility scooter prices set to rise by up to 15% as new rules kick in
Mobility scooter shoppers, heads up: prices could jump by as much as 15% from June, as new registration and ownership rules come into play. The updated regulations are meant to curb misuse, but retailers say the extra red tape could push up costs, and make things trickier for elderly buyers who aren’t tech savvy.
What’s changing from 1 Jun 2026?
Current rules | New rules | |
Speed limit | 10km/h | 6km/h |
Registration | Not required | Mandatory for all sales and transfers |
Who can buy | No medical proof needed | Medical certificate required (unless exempted) |
Size/weight | Limits only for public transport | Limits apply on public paths and transport |
- Estimated price hike: Up to 15% (due to added admin, logistics, and compliance costs)
- Possible pain point: Transfer of ownership now needs digital approval (e.g., via Singpass), which may be hard for less tech-savvy seniors
Good to know: Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities can get up to 90% subsidies under government schemes.
Experts caution that while the new rules may improve safety and reduce abuse, care must be taken to keep mobility scooters accessible for those who truly need them.
Singapore exports up 9.3% in January—AI demand powers electronics surge
Singapore’s export numbers kicked off 2026 on a high, with non-oil domestic exports (NODX) rising by 9.3% in January year-on-year. The big driver? Electronics, especially chips and computer parts for AI, cloud, and high-performance computing.
Highlights at a glance:
- Electronics exports jumped 56.1% year-on-year
- Integrated circuits: +80.5%
- Disk media: +70.2%
- PCs: +24%
- Non-electronics exports slipped by 3%
- Gold exports up $300 million, thanks to safe-haven demand
Key markets that boosted exports:
- China: +37.1%
- Hong Kong: +34%
- EU: +43.7%
Jan 2026 YoY % change | |
NODX (overall) | +9.3% |
Electronics | +56.1% |
Non-electronics | –3% |
Total trade | +23.8% |
Experts say the electronics boom is set to continue, powered by global AI and tech demand. However, the Lunar New Year may slow February’s exports before things pick up again in March.
That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s What’s Happening This Week to keep up with the latest in finance, business, and beyond.
This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.
