Singapore cannot rely on more land, labour or carbon for next phase of growth: Tan See Leng
Asked how the government weighed the pros and cons for the proposed western island, Dr Tan See Leng said there are many uncertain development timelines involved, and that detailed environmental studies will be conducted.
Singapore cannot rely on expanding land, labor force or carbon emissions for its next phase of growth, stated Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng on Aug 26. This is due to Singapore's small size and heavy reliance on trade, as well as an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global economy. Dr Tan emphasized that the country must focus on increasing productivity and shifting towards innovative activities to sustain economic growth.
The challenges lie in adapting to geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and rapid technological advancements such as AI and automation, which may enable companies to produce more while employing fewer workers. The government is aware of these uncertainties and is committed to conducting detailed environmental studies before any development plans, ensuring that decisions are made based on evidence, sound judgment, and analytical discipline.
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