Singapore

Singapore Ranks 5th in 2025 Global Innovation Index

Singapore has been ranked 5th globally in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), maintaining its top five position for the third consecutive year. The country also climbed two spots to 9th in innovation outputs, its highest ranking in over a decade, reflecting enhanced innovation capabilities.

Public Consultation on Proposed IP Regime Changes

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to Singapore's intellectual property regime. The consultation covers patents, trade marks, registered designs, plant varieties, and geographical indications, with feedback due by November 28, 2025.

IP Week @ SG 2025: IPOS Initiatives for Innovators

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) hosted IP Week @ SG 2025, announcing several initiatives to support innovators and entrepreneurs. These include practical IP guidance sessions, a framework for intangible asset disclosure, and a new platform for peer learning and mentorship.

IPOS Suspends New Requests for Patent and Trademark Acceleration Programmes

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced the suspension of new requests for its SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast acceleration programmes, effective January 4, 2026. This suspension is part of a review of these programmes and will remain in effect until further notice. Requests received before the suspension date that meet the criteria will still be processed.

Active Mobility Exemption Order 2026 for Esplanade

The Singapore government has issued the Active Mobility (Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd — Exemption for Esplanade) Order 2026. This Order grants an exemption for the use of a specified autonomous vehicle, the S1 Robosweeper, on certain footpaths within the Esplanade area.

Road Traffic Electronic Road Pricing System Amendment Rules 2026

Singapore's Acting Minister for Transport has amended the Road Traffic (Electronic Road Pricing System) Rules 2015. These amendments, effective March 23, 2026, modify the First Schedule, specifically replacing Tables 1 and 2 which detail road-user charges during specific evening hours on weekdays.

Supplementary Supply Act 2026 for FY 2025 Additional Expenditure

The Singapore Parliament has passed the Supplementary Supply (FY 2025) Act 2026, authorizing additional expenditure for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. This includes a further sum of over S$1 billion from the Consolidated Fund and over S$2.1 billion from the Development Fund, appropriated for public service and development purposes respectively.

Supply Act 2026

The Singapore Supply Act 2026 has commenced on April 1, 2026. This Act authorizes the issuance of sums from the Consolidated Fund and the Development Fund to meet estimated expenditures for the financial year April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The total authorized sums are approximately $158.96 billion from the Consolidated Fund and $49.01 billion from the Development Fund.

MAS AI Risk Management Toolkit for Financial Sector

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has published an AI Risk Management Toolkit for the financial sector, developed in collaboration with industry partners. The toolkit includes an operationalisation handbook and case studies to guide financial institutions in managing AI-related risks.

Minister Tong's Speech on SIAC's 35 Years and Achievements

Singapore's Minister for Law, Edwin Tong SC, delivered a speech celebrating the Singapore International Arbitration Centre's (SIAC) 35th anniversary. The speech highlighted SIAC's growth from two cases in 1991 to over 600 in 2024, its global reach, and its role as a thought leader in international arbitration.