Paige Lim
CORRESPONDENT
Paige Lim is a correspondent at The Business Times. She covers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and macroeconomics, with a focus on F&B and retail. She also contributes to the monthly Barfly column, which profiles home-grown craft cocktail bars.
Singapore’s key exports up 9.3% in January, fuelled by electronics shipments on strong AI demand
Non-oil domestic exports to all but two of the Republic’s top 10 markets grow
Hotels, restaurants see stronger CNY dining demand, as reunion dinner bookings stream in earlier
While diners are gravitating towards premium experiences, corporates seem more budget-conscious this year
Singapore expects smaller S$8.5 billion surplus in FY2026
Though estimated expenditure outstrips revenue, net investment returns contribution more than makes up for the shortfall
Budget 2026 may give firms more targeted, strategic support to navigate global uncertainty
Observers say AI adoption will be a major focus of this year’s Budget, alongside renewed emphasis on internationalisation and sustainability
Singapore revises 2025 GDP growth to 5% from 4.8% earlier, bolstered by a strong Q4
MTI raises 2026 forecast economic expansion to 2% to 4%, compared to 1% to 3% previously
Theatre company Pangdemonium to close in end-2026; current season’s shows unaffected
The decision to wind up company is a ‘purely personal’ one, say co-founders Tracie and Adrian Pang
Laid-back coastal vibes at Bar Somma
The new menu at fine-dining restaurant Somma’s sister bar leans into stronger Italian influences
Economists expect MAS to tighten monetary policy in April or July, after keeping settings unchanged in January
Despite maintaining its policy stance on Thursday, the central bank raises full-year core and headline inflation forecasts to 1-2%
Singapore leaves monetary policy settings unchanged in January but raises inflation forecasts
MAS ups full-year core and headline inflation forecasts to 1-2%, from 0.5-1.5%
Nanyang Optical plans to enter into voluntary liquidation after 65 years; will close 4 of 6 stores
The eyecare chain’s remaining two stores, which are under franchise arrangements, will continue operating and are unaffected