'This is an existential issue': New workgroup to tackle S'pore's falling fertility rate, full report out in 2027

A new workgroup to tackle Singapore's falling fertility rate will release its findings by early 2027.

However, it may also make early recommendations where appropriate before the issuance of the full report.

According to the press release, the Marriage & Parenthood Reset Workgroup has been set up to develop a "whole-of-society approach" to better support Singaporeans.

The workgroup was first announced during the budget debate in February.

The workgroup will examine factors including financial costs, work-life support, caregiving, housing, healthcare, preschool and education.

It will also work with stakeholders to promote relevant societal norms and workplace practices.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, who chairs the group, emphasised the need for the reset due to the importance of the issue:

“In 2025, our TFR fell to 0.87, our lowest to date. If this trajectory continues, it will have profound and serious consequences for Singapore. This is an existential issue for us and we must address it before it becomes irreversible."

She continued by acknowledging that many Singaporeans aspire to marriage and having children.

She said: "Family is one of our most important anchors in life and we hope as many Singaporeans as possible will be able to experience the joy and fulfilment that marriage and parenthood can bring."

The workgroup will focus on two broad categories: What the government can do, and what society as a whole can do.

This means reviewing policies as well as how individuals can contribute to the issue.

Indranee said:

"I ask all Singaporeans to be part of this effort and to help change the trajectory of our TFR through the power of our collective effort."

Here are the other members of the workgroup.

1. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

2. Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health

3. Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower

4. Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education

5. Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development

6. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development

7. Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Manpower

8. Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment