Will Singapore finally get more ‘crowded’? New support measures to help families thrive ignite questions
Singaporeans have long complained about overcrowding and rising living costs, but the Government is now trying to get more couples to have children. New measures offering nearly S$70,000 in support... This article ( Will Singapore finally get more ‘crowded’? New support measures to help families thrive ignite questions ) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News .
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's recently announced support measures seek to reassure Singaporean families that the government "will stand with you" if they choose to have children. However, these measures have sparked questions as to whether they will encourage younger Singaporeans to increase the city-state's population, currently perceived as "crowded."
Singapore's population surpassed six million in June 2024, reaching 6.04 million, primarily due to a 5% rise in non-resident population to 1.86 million. The surge in non-residents was particularly notable in the construction, marine, shipyard, and process (CMP) sectors, influenced by delayed projects stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some Singaporeans were unsurprised, noting that "every year is a new historic high," others voiced concerns about the escalating cost of living, including housing, Certificate of Entitlement (COE), and basic food items. In September 2024, population figures rose again to 6.11 million, mainly driven by a growing number of foreign workers.
The non-resident population again increased 2.7% to 1.91 million in 2025, with most of the growth coming from the CMP sectors and domestic workers. Meanwhile, Singapore's local population rose 0.7% from June 2024 to June 2025 to 3.66 million, with the permanent resident population remaining at 0.54 million. Fertility rate hit a historic low of 0.87 in 2025, and marriage rates also declined.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong warned on February 26 that if no new measures are taken, Singapore's citizen population may start to decline by the early 2040s. In response, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled support measures on August 23, including the SG Child Support Package, which provides nearly S$70,000 in direct financial assistance for each child from birth until age 17.
Many online reactions praised the support measures as a sign that "the Government is listening and responding to the needs of families," while others expressed hope that these measures could help revive Singapore's marriage and fertility rates.
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