Marriage, parenthood workgroup advances early proposals to not 'lose time' on falling birth rates: Indranee

The Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup has advanced early proposals to address the falling birth rates in Singapore, according to Minister Indranee Rajah. The workgroup, chaired by Ms Rajah, has released a set of interim policy recommendations ahead of its full report due in early 2027. These measures include reevaluating the cost of raising children, improving access to affordable infant care and childcare, and providing other forms of support for families.

This proactive approach comes as the workgroup has received feedback from Singaporeans about their concerns and aspirations related to marriage and parenthood. Ms Rajah stated that certain issues were clearly on people's minds and could be addressed immediately, so why wait for the full report? The upcoming National Day Rally will be the "first wave" of measures arising from the workgroup, with more to follow.

The workgroup has received feedback on workplace culture and norms, as well as work-life balance and the implementation of flexible work arrangements. While the workgroup acknowledges the importance of these issues, they believe that tackling workplace norms and cultures will require more time due to the need to balance the interests and concerns of employers and employees.