China’s steel market is not collapsing despite the property downturn. Instead, demand is stabilising at a lower level as manufacturing, exports and new energy sectors gradually replace construction-driven demand. This is not a demand collapse, it’s a structural shift from property to industrial and export-driven demand. What’s Really Happening The sharp drop in construction activity has clearly hurt steel demand: Property-related steel (like rebar) has fallen significantly Construction’s share of demand is shrinking But the broader market tells a different story: Total steel demand is only slightly below past peaks Manufacturing, shipbuilding and energy transition sectors are absorbing demand Exports are acting as a key buffer Instead of a sudden crash, the industry is entering a long plateau . Why This Matters The market had expected a sharp collapse but reality is more gradual: Demand is declining slowly, not falling off a cliff China is shifting from construction-led growth to ...
Singapore’s technology sector is set for continued expansion, with total tech spending projected to reach US$28 billion in 2026, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, driven by AI adoption and hyperscaler investments.
AI and Government Initiatives Fuel Growth
Growth is being supported by strong policy backing, including initiatives by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Programmes such as PathFin.ai are accelerating AI adoption and digital transformation, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional technology hub.
Hyperscaler Investments Drive Cloud Expansion
Major global tech players are committing significant capital to Singapore’s digital infrastructure:
- Amazon Web Services plans to invest US$9 billion by 2028
- Google is allocating US$5 billion to expand its Jurong West data centre
These investments will support enterprise cloud adoption, data processing capabilities, and advanced AI deploymentacross industries.
Telecom and Smart Infrastructure Scaling Up
Singapore is also strengthening its telecommunications backbone to support next-generation applications.
- Singtel has rolled out 5G+ services using 700 MHz spectrum
- Deployment of 5G-enabled automated guided vehicles at PSA Tuas Port is enhancing logistics and industrial automation
These developments are key to advancing smart manufacturing and port efficiency.
Talent Shortage Remains Key Constraint
Despite strong investment momentum, talent availability remains a major bottleneck.
Many companies lack sufficient AI training programmes, prompting government efforts to triple Singapore’s AI workforce by 2029.
Addressing this skills gap will be critical to sustaining long-term growth in the sector.
Investor Takeaways
- Singapore’s tech spending is projected to reach US$28 billion by 2026, growing 6% annually.
- AI transformation and cloud investments are the primary growth drivers.
- Major commitments from AWS and Google reinforce Singapore’s role as a regional data and cloud hub.
- 5G and smart infrastructure developments are supporting industrial and logistics innovation.
- Talent shortages remain a key risk, potentially limiting the pace of AI adoption.
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