Marriage, parenthood workgroup finds consensus on challenges in childcare and costs
A new inter-agency workgroup in Singapore has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family, where action can be taken sooner. The group recommends early action on financial costs, childcare support, housing, and…
Intelligence analysis by Llama
A new inter-agency workgroup in Singapore has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family. The group recommends early action on financial costs, childcare support, housing, and healthcare to address declining fertility and marriage rates.
Imagine you want to have a family, but you're worried about how to afford raising kids and taking care of them. A new group in Singapore is trying to help people like you by making it easier to balance work and family life.
Analysis
Workplace Culture and Norms as Key Challenges
A new inter-agency workgroup in Singapore has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family, where action can be taken sooner. The group recommends early action on financial costs, childcare support, housing, and healthcare to address declining fertility and marriage rates.
The workgroup was formed in April with the objective of supporting Singaporeans as they navigate marriage and parenthood. The nation's TFR fell to a new low of 0.87 in 2025. A collaboration between key ministries including health, manpower, education and social and family development, the workgroup is looking at issues including financial costs, work-life support, housing, healthcare, pre-school and education.
Its members have been speaking to many Singaporeans over the past few months about their hopes, concerns and aspirations about marriage and parenthood. Said Indranee: 'We are not content to sit back and do nothing. We will do all we can to make marriage and parenthood more achievable, supported and valued in Singapore.'
The Government is taking a fresh look at the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other support for families, as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had said in his National Day message on Aug 8. More details are expected at the upcoming National Day Rally on Aug 23, she said, adding that these announcements will be 'the first wave of things that we want to do'.
Key points
- A new inter-agency workgroup in Singapore has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family.
- The group recommends early action on financial costs, childcare support, housing, and healthcare to address declining fertility and marriage rates.
- The government is taking a fresh look at the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other support for families.
- More details are expected at the upcoming National Day Rally on Aug 23, she said, adding that these announcements will be 'the first wave of things that we want to do'.
The government's efforts to address the challenges of starting and raising a family in Singapore could lead to a more balanced approach that benefits both employers and employees. This could result in a more supportive environment for families, with more financial support, childcare leave, and mental health support.
If the government does not take sufficient action to address the challenges of starting and raising a family in Singapore, the declining fertility rate and marriage numbers could continue to worsen, leading to a more aging population and increased pressure on the social safety net.
