Singapore unveils sweeping family support as births tumble
Each Singaporean child will receive almost 70,000 Singapore dollars ($55,150) in direct assistance through age 17, starting with a SG$10,000 baby gift.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a comprehensive family support package on Sunday, as the nation confronts a record-low birth rate and mounting concerns over the escalating costs and burdens of raising children. The package includes nearly SGD 70,000 ($55,150) in direct financial assistance for each Singaporean child until they reach the age of 17. This sum kicks off with a SGD 10,000 ($7,550) baby gift, Wong announced during his National Day Rally Speech.
In addition, the government plans to significantly expand paid childcare leave and aims to reduce monthly fees for subsidized full-day childcare to a more affordable SGD 150. Wong highlighted the growing pressures faced by families during his annual address, stating that the government intends to implement a fundamental shift in how it supports families.
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