Budget 2024 debate: Nadia Ahmad Samdin on Singapore's shrinking population and utilisation of SkillsFuture credits
Even as Singapore encourages marriages and families, there are other factors contributing to the declining total fertility rate. This includes stress and health conditions which affect fertility, involuntary childlessness and the inability to secure childcare options in line with parents’ wishes, among others. MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin shared this in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 28). Citing a report in CNA last September on SkillsFuture Credit utilisation rates, she highlighted that seven in 10 Singaporeans across all age bands have not used their credits since the scheme started in 2015. She added that the utilisation rate of 38.6 per cent for those aged 40 to 49 is “a signal of hope”, but acknowledged that there are other considerations which would require a shift in attitudes and mindsets as well as flexibility in the employment ecosystem. She wanted to know if the Government might be implementing complementary measures to nudge the utilisation rates. She also expressed concerns over whether the scaling efforts will see a fast enough change.
Even as Singapore encourages marriages and families, there are other factors contributing to the declining total fertility rate. This includes stress and health conditions which affect fertility, involuntary childlessness and the inability to secure childcare options in line with parents’ wishes, among others. MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin shared this in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 28). Citing a report in CNA last September on SkillsFuture Credit utilisation rates, she highlighted that seven in 10 Singaporeans across all age bands have not used their credits since the scheme started in 2015. She added that the utilisation rate of 38.6 per cent for those aged 40 to 49 is “a signal of hope”, but acknowledged that there are other considerations which would require a shift in attitudes and mindsets as well as flexibility in the employment ecosystem. She wanted to know if the Government might be implementing complementary measures to nudge the utilisation rates. She also expressed concerns over whether the scaling efforts will see a fast enough change.
Popular Shows
