CNBC · 13 Oct, 00:39 · Business briefing

Singapore PM Wong rejects weaker currency as shortcut to competitiveness

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has publicly dismissed the strategy of deliberately weakening the Singapore dollar to boost national competitiveness.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has publicly dismissed the strategy of deliberately weakening the Singapore dollar to boost national competitiveness. He argued that relying on currency depreciation is a short-term fix that ultimately harms long-term economic stability and productivity. Instead, the government remains committed to maintaining a strong currency to control inflation and foster sustainable growth. This stance signals a continued focus on structural reforms and productivity enhancements rather than monetary manipulation, reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a stable, high-value economic hub for global businesses.

Employer demand for Strategic Marketing skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This policy shift means you must compete on value, not price. Roles focused on productivity, operational excellence, and strategic innovation will gain significant traction. You should prioritise skills that drive efficiency and premium service delivery, as cost-cutting via currency advantage is off the table. Professionals in finance, supply chain, and strategic management must adapt to a high-cost, high-reward environment. Invest in advanced analytical skills and leadership training to demonstrate how your work creates tangible value. Stay agile, focus on quality over quantity, and align your career development with Singapore’s long-term economic vision to remain indispensable.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Strategic Marketing, Risk Management Strategies, Business And Management and Finance and Accounting — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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