Adjournment motion on embracing parenthood through “live, work and play”

The Government is exploring the possibility of having more preschools near workplaces, as not all families can have one near their homes due to manpower and infrastructure constraints. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling said this in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 9) in reply to an adjournment motion moved by MP Hany Soh. Ms Soh had spoken of the challenges facing many Singaporean parents with young children. One of her suggestions was that the authorities identify common travel routes taken by young parents to work, and look into providing infant and childcare services along their commute. Ms Sun said her ministry is also working with anchor operators and HDB to see if preschool extensions can be built, for example at available void deck or communal spaces. She acknowledged that although the overall number of preschool places has been boosted significantly, supply remains tight for children below the age of four, especially in newer housing developments with many young families. On another front, Ms Sun said employers play a critical role in adopting and expanding flexible work arrangements to support working parents. The Government also believes that family-friendly amenities and activities should be made available for all, and is trying its best to nudge corporates and organisations to contribute. Ms Sun said ultimately, building a Singapore “made for families” will take a whole-of-society effort.