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Singapore

Singapore's total fertility rate falls to historic low of 0.97

While Singapore's total fertility rate has been on a decline for many years, this is the first time it has fallen below 1.0. 

Singapore's total fertility rate falls to historic low of 0.97

Close-up of a baby's hand. (Photo: iStock)

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SINGAPORE: For the first time ever, Singapore’s resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0.

Preliminary estimates show that the total fertility rate fell to 0.97 in 2023, declining further from the previous record of 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021.

“There are various reasons for Singapore’s low fertility. Some are temporal, for instance, couples that had their marriage plans disrupted by COVID-19, which may have in turn delayed their parenthood plans,” Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Indranee Rajah said in parliament on Wednesday (Feb 28).

Others cited concerns about the financial costs of child-raising, pressures to be an excellent parent, or difficulties managing work and family commitments, she added. 

The minister also pointed out that Singapore's low fertility rate reflects a global phenomenon where individual priorities and societal norms have shifted. 

Laying out the PMO’s plans, Ms Indranee said the government is looking at how paid parental leave can be increased. 

“We must recognise that this requires workplace adjustments, and that employers may face challenges in making arrangements to cover for employees’ extended absences,” she said.

The government will engage with tripartite partners on further enhancements, and pace out any proposed changes, Ms Indranee added. 

She also noted parents’ feedback that care needs are greatest during a child’s first 18 months.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has been “ramping up” infant care capacity and plans to grow childminding services as an additional infant care option for families, Ms Indranee said, adding that the ministry will provide more details later.

On concerns regarding child-raising costs, she said MSF will lower childcare fee caps in anchor and partner operator preschools by S$40 in 2025 - as announced during Budget 2024

Ms Indranee also pointed to measures announced at Budget 2023 to boost support for parents and families, such as increasing government-paid paternity leave to four weeks.

The government will mandate the additional leave “as soon as possible, to benefit more fathers”, she said. 

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY 

Besides providing leave, the government is also exploring other “sustainable ways” such as flexible work arrangements to help parents better manage work and family commitments, said Ms Indranee.

Employers’ abilities to meet their business needs will be critical in sustaining such flexibilities, she added. 

Ms Indranee also noted that some companies - including small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) - may find it “more challenging” to adopt flexible work arrangements.
 
To this, she said the government will consider ways to help all employers implement flexible work arrangements well and manage their teams productively. 

Employer support can also include family-friendly office features such as lactation rooms, she added. 

Building owners are encouraged to voluntarily provide such family-friendly features beyond the minimum Code requirements, and premises that lack space for separate lactation facilities can consider commercially available lactation pods. 

“Ultimately, it will require a whole-of-society effort to build the family-friendly workplace culture that members have called for,” said Ms Indranee. 

“All of us have a role to play, whether as parents, employers or co-workers.”

NEW CITIZENSHIP 

Immigration policies play an important role in mitigating the impact of low birth rates and ageing on the economy and society, said Ms Indranee.

In 2023, Singapore granted about 23,500 new citizenships, including around 1,300 to children born overseas to Singaporean parents. Another 34,500 new permanent residencies were granted.

"We continue to maintain a measured and stable pace of immigration, which moderates the impact of demographic trends on the size and age profile of the citizen population," said Ms Indranee. 

“We grant PR or citizenship to those who can integrate well, contribute to Singapore, and are committed to making Singapore their home.”

Additionally, the immigration policy also helps to meet Singapore’s future population needs, said Ms Indranee, adding that a higher number of PRs has been granted in recent years to healthcare workers to support the country’s needs.

LOW FERTILITY RATE HAS "SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS"

Ms Indranee pointed to how many other advanced societies are also facing rapidly declining fertility. For example, South Korea continues to grapple with a fertility rate below 1.0, which fell to 0.72 last year from 0.78 in 2022. 

Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Thailand saw their fertility rates fall in 2022, while European countries such as Italy and Spain continue to see record lows in births.

Reports on the total fertility rate reflect a generational change in priorities and how young people around the world are increasingly finding meaning in other pursuits, said Ms Indranee. 

She added that young people may not even see marriage or parenthood as important life goals.

Singapore’s falling total fertility rate has “serious implications” for the country’s future and its impact can already be seen on society. 

Families today are smaller than before, with more sandwiched couples having to care for both the young and old. A growing proportion of Singaporeans are remaining single, and will have weaker familial support networks when they grow older, Ms Indranee said. 

The declining fertility rate will also impact Singapore’s economy, she added. A strong and vibrant economy is critical for Singapore, as it helps raise the standard of living and gives us resources to tackle challenges, she said. 

“However, a vibrant economy is ultimately driven by people. With fewer births, we will face a shrinking workforce. It will be increasingly challenging to maintain our dynamism, attract global businesses, and create opportunities for the next generation,” Ms Indranee said. 

“We are therefore determined to address this challenge.”

Source: CNA/ng(rj)
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