Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict are no longer just a distant headline, they’re hitting businesses in Singapore where it hurts most: the bottom line. 

A new poll by the Singapore National Employers Federation reveals the scale of the strain: 96% of employers report higher operating costs, with nearly one in five facing increases of more than 25%.

So, is this just a temporary squeeze or the start of a deeper, long-term shift in Singapore’s business landscape? And as costs climb, how are companies balancing competitiveness with the need to protect jobs and workforce stability?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Hao Shuo, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore National Employers Federation, to unpack what this means for businesses and workers moving forward.