Singapore has kicked off 2026 strongly, with the PMI rising to 56.8 in January, marking a year of expansion driven by faster new business and hiring, even as costs stay elevated. That strength contrasts with a tentative global recovery, where manufacturing PMI is just 50.9, while Japan’s post-election policy clarity and improving PMI add a fresh regional tailwind. Pan Jingyi, Economics Associate Director, S&P Global Market Intelligence looks at thethe question of whether Singapore’s momentum is sustainable or partly sentiment-driven.

 

 

Singapore has kicked off 2026 strongly, with the PMI rising to 56.8 in January, marking a year of expansion driven by faster new business and hiring, even as costs stay elevated. That strength contrasts with a tentative global recovery, where manufacturing PMI is just 50.9, while Japan&rsquo;s post-election policy clarity and improving PMI add a fresh regional tailwind. Pan Jingyi, Economics Associate Director, S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence looks at the the question of whether Singapore&rsquo;s momentum is sustainable or partly sentiment-driven.
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From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore — and your place in it.

Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just talk — it’s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let’s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore &mdash; and your place in it.
Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; and what&rsquo;s worth your attention.
And it&rsquo;s not just talk &mdash; it&rsquo;s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let&rsquo;s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.