Singapore’s economy is growing - why aren’t all workers feeling it?

Singapore's economy is experiencing uneven growth, with AI and technology sectors thriving while domestic industries struggle with inflation and high costs. Experts warn that this disparity could lead to a 'dual economy' and exacerbate long-term wealth inequality.
Why it matters
Understanding the uneven distribution of economic gains is essential for policymakers to address potential social stratification and ensure inclusive growth.
If economic gains continue to be felt unevenly across different sectors, it could lead to a "dual economy" that may lead to more durable wealth inequality, say experts.
The food and beverage sector in Singapore faces high rental and labour costs. (Photo: iStock)
Abigail Ng 27 Aug 2026 06:00AM (Updated: 27 Aug 2026 11:20AM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: On the surface, the economic outlook for Singapore is rosy.
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