Committee of Supply 2026 debate, Day 3: Tan See Leng on powering Singapore’s economic growth through science and technology

Singapore will leverage science and technology to establish leadership in key growth sectors and push into new growth areas. It will also strive to establish itself as an AI leader, transforming its advanced manufacturing industry. Powering these efforts is energy, which must be sustainable, secure, reliable and affordable. Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng said this in parliament on Monday (Mar 2). To extend its lead in advanced manufacturing, Singapore will continue to direct national-level R&D resources to key growth sectors, including semiconductors and biomedical. It will also pursue emerging technologies, such as space technology, that can drive breakthroughs across its economy. Dr Tan outlined Singapore’s plans for its AI push, with AI Missions across four priority sectors. Given the country’s economic shifts to become more digital and innovation-driven, energy is existential, he said. The government is maximising indigenous sources, with “remarkable progress” made on solar power. It is also pursuing other low-carbon pathways such as biomethane and “seriously studying” the potential deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies.