Singapore WP presses economic overhaul centered on SMEs and workers

Singapore's Workers' Party used a parliamentary motion this week to argue for a new economic model that relies less on multinational corporations and puts more weight on local firms, workers and fairer growth. Aljunied GRC MP Kenneth Tiong said the city-state should focus on the structure of growth, not only GDP, and proposed an NTU-centered zone with cheaper state land, housing, research and enterprise space for young people and startups. Sengkang GRC MP Jamus Lim said the government's Economic Strategy Review still leans too heavily toward MNCs. WP chief Pritam Singh also renewed the party's call to legislate minimum retrenchment benefits. Ministers Tan See Leng and Jeffrey Siow defended the government's approach, saying it already centers on Singaporeans while helping them adapt to technological change.