As a parent managing a household, one of the frequent daily challenges is deciding on the evening meal.

Each family member has their own preference: one enjoys rice, while another craves noodles.

However, there is always a dependable, tried-and-true dish that can be prepared quickly, is certain to maintain harmony, and consistently delivers satisfaction.

Within the realm of investing, core portfolio holdings serve an identical function.

While over 600 companies are listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), only a select few act as the stable "default meals" of an investment portfolio.

Here are five Singapore dividend stocks that can form the foundation of a long-term income strategy.

DBS Group Holdings Ltd

As Singapore's largest bank by assets, DBS serves as a primary anchor for any long-term income portfolio, offering regional financial exposure spanning consumer banking, wealth management, institutional banking, and treasury markets.

In the first quarter of 2026 (1Q2026), DBS achieved a record total income of S$5.95 billion, a 1% increase year-on-year (YoY).

Net profit attributable to shareholders edged up 1% to S$2.93 billion, while non-interest income surged 10% to S$2.45 billion, driven by record wealth management fees of S$907 million.

The bank maintained a healthy return on equity of 17%, while its non-performing loan ratio improved to 1.0% from 1.1% a year earlier.

DBS declared a 1Q2026 dividend of S$0.81 per share, comprising S$0.66 ordinary and S$0.15 Capital Return dividend, representing an 8% increase YoY.

Singapore Exchange Limited, or SGX

SGX is Singapore's sole stock market operator and benefits from an asset-light business model and recurring revenue streams across equities, derivatives, fixed income, and data services.

For the first half of its fiscal year ending 30 June 2026 (1HFY2026), the bourse operator recorded net revenue of S$695.4 million, climbing 7.6% YoY, led by a 16.2% jump in Equities – Cash revenue.

On an adjusted basis, net profit attributable to shareholders rose 11.6% to S$357.1 million.

The group generated net operating cash flow of S$363.7 million for the period.

It declared a total 1HFY2026 dividend of S$0.2175 per share, up from S$0.180 a year ago.

Management remains confident of maintaining its 0.25 cents quarterly dividend increase through FY2028, providing steady visibility for income-focused investors.

Sheng Siong Group Ltd

A familiar supermarket chain in Singapore, Sheng Siong provides defensive consumer exposure with an established network of 93 outlets as at 1Q2026, comprising 87 stores in Singapore and six in China.

The grocery operator is known for its strong balance sheet, consistent profitability, and organic store expansion potential.

For 1Q2026, revenue rose 12.4% YoY to S$452.8 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders grew 12.0% to S$43.2 million, bolstered by 12 new store openings in 2025 and 3.5% same-store sales growth in Singapore.

Free cash flow surged 59.4% YoY to S$36.6 million, and the balance sheet remained strong, with S$461.1 million in cash and zero debt.

Looking ahead, three new store openings are planned for 2026, with multiple HDB store tenders pending results.

To support its long-term expansion, Sheng Siong is building a new S$520 million automated integrated centre at Sungei Kadut that will more than double its distribution capacity to serve over 120 stores islandwide.

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, or CICT

As Singapore’s largest listed real estate investment trust (REIT), CICT owns a diversified portfolio of retail, office, and integrated properties across Singapore, Germany, and Australia.

In 1Q2026, gross revenue rose 8.0% YoY to S$426.7 million, with net property income (NPI) up 7.9% to S$314.4 million, boosted by full ownership of CapitaSpring and contributions from Gallileo.

Portfolio committed occupancy stood at 95.2% with a weighted average lease expiry of 3 years, supported by positive rental reversions of 4.4% for retail and 6.1% for office year-to-date March 2026.

CICT is also pursuing growth through key moves, including the proposed S$3.9 billion acquisition of Paragon and a S$160 million asset enhancement initiative at Plaza Singapura and The Atrium@Orchard.

Mapletree Industrial Trust, or MIT

MIT provides industrial and data centre asset exposure across Singapore, North America, and Japan, leveraging long-term digital structural trends with a tenant base exceeding 2,000.

For the first quarter of the financial year ending 31 March 2027 (1QFY2027), gross revenue reached S$162.3 million, while NPI stood at S$122.3 million, translating to a distribution per unit (DPU) of S$0.0311.

Overall portfolio occupancy came in at 90.7%, with Singapore at 94.3% and Japan remaining fully occupied.

Non-renewals in North America and a weaker US dollar weighed on results, though MIT secured a 10-year lease with a leading aerospace technology firm at Hawthorne Data Center.

It also plans targeted North American divestments of S$500 million to S$600 million to strengthen its financial flexibility.