Singapore Wants More Babies, but to What End?

Singapore is grappling with an alarming decline in its fertility rate, which has hit a record low of 0.87 in 2025. This demographic shift raises a crucial question: what role should fertility play in shaping the nation's future alongside immigration? While the government has invested heavily in policies like baby bonuses, parental leave, childcare subsidies, and housing priorities, fertility rates continue to fall.

The issue goes beyond just affordability, as many Singaporeans cite factors such as exhaustion, time constraints, caregiving pressures, and emotional bandwidth as significant hurdles. The conversation extends beyond mere affordability, touching on deeper aspects of security, flexibility, and emotional capacity. As expatriates enjoy various advantages like housing allowances and international school support, Singaporeans face challenges like rising housing costs, educational competition, and the rising cost of living.

This disparity in experiences and perspectives highlights the complex interplay between fertility, immigration, and societal expectations in Singapore.