New Workgroup to Review Policies and Galvanise Societal Support for Marriage and Parenthood Reset

   A Marriage & Parenthood (M&P) Reset Workgroup has been set up to develop a whole-of-society approach to better support Singaporeans in their M&P journeys.

2          In 2025, Singapore’s Total Fertility Rate fell to a new low of 0.87 from 0.97 the year before. M&P aspirations and outcomes are shaped by social attitudes that influence life priorities and choices, as well as enabling conditions such as Government policies, workplace practices, and family and community support. Addressing Singapore’s declining fertility will require a multi-faceted, whole-of-society reset.

3          To address this challenge, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, will chair a new interagency Workgroup with Political Office Holders from relevant ministries. The other Workgroup members are:

        a)    Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

        b)    Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health

        c)     Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower

        d)    Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education

        e)    Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development

        f)      Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development

        g)    Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Manpower

        h)    Ms Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

(*Bold text indicates the ministry the member represents in this Workgroup. Please refer to Annex for statements from Workgroup members.)

4         The Workgroup will focus on three areas to realise a collaborative, whole-of-society M&P reset. It will:

        a)    Develop a long-term roadmap that sets out the shifts needed to bring about a societal reset on how M&P is perceived, supported and realised in Singapore;

        b)    Propose M&P policy enhancements to address key concerns and enable these shifts; and

        c)     Mobilise the whole of society to collectively support Singaporeans in their M&P journeys, as a shared national endeavour.

5         The Workgroup will examine key factors that influence M&P decisions including financial costs, work-life support, caregiving, housing, healthcare, preschool and education. It will also work with stakeholders to promote societal norms and workplace practices that better support M&P aspirations.

6          The Workgroup – supported by the National Population and Talent Division – will engage widely to gather ideas and feedback on policies, as well as to secure the commitment of stakeholders – employers, businesses, community organisations, and individual Singaporeans – to contribute to this collective effort.

7          The Workgroup aims to release a full report with consolidated findings early next year though it may also make early recommendations where appropriate prior to the issuance of the full report.

ANNEX

Statements from Workgroup Members

Chair’s Statement

Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development

“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. Given the importance of this issue, it cannot be business as usual. We need a Marriage and Parenthood Reset.

We also recognise that at a personal level, many Singaporeans aspire to marriage and have children. 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 be approaching its task in two broad ways:

First, what Government can do. We will review our policies to see how we can strengthen support for families, including cost of childraising and ensuring access to affordable housing.

Second, what society as a whole can do, and how each and every one of us in our various capacities – as individuals, organisations, employers, colleagues, neighbours, friends – can contribute to this important national issue.

We will be engaging widely to get ideas and feedback and to secure commitment of stakeholders.

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.”   

On Caregiving and Relationship Formation

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

“Many aspiring parents seek greater certainty and support on preschool and caregiving arrangements. Through this Workgroup, MSF and ECDA will strengthen that assurance through a full review of our preschool accessibility and affordability, and how we can better support parents in fulfilling their family commitments. We will also build on recent enhancements to parental leave, guided by feedback from parents and employers.”

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

“We want to build a Singapore where marriage and parenthood are valued, desired and supported. MSF will work closely with partners such as Families for Life to foster positive mindsets and strengthen community support for families. 

This includes supporting singles to form meaningful relationships. MSF will work with MCCY and community partners to ensure that youth are well equipped with skills to build strong friendships, appreciate the importance of relationships alongside other life goals, and creating more opportunities for people to connect.” 

On Workplace Practices and Work-Life Norms

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

“Many Singaporeans are navigating real pressures of balancing work and parenthood commitments. MOM will engage tripartite partners and take in feedback from both workers and employers to find practicable approaches that support their needs. This is so that workers have the flexibility to balance their career aspirations and parenthood commitments, while we remain sensitive to the operational needs of businesses.”

Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Manpower

“Workplace culture plays a significant role in supporting employees to thrive both in their careers and in life beyond work. MOM will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners to support and foster work-life friendly workplaces and work culture in Singapore.”

On Healthcare

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

“As couples marry and start families later, fertility challenges are becoming more common. We understand that the decision to seek fertility help is deeply personal and the process can be difficult. MOH will work with healthcare partners to raise awareness about fertility health, and strengthen support for couples at every stage of their fertility and maternity journey.”

On Education

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

“Many families today feel the weight of expectations, whether around academic achievements or the idea of ‘perfect parenting’. These pressures are shaped not just at home, but by the norms we see around us. MOE will work with parents, schools and the wider community to build a more supportive environment – one where families feel confident planning for their children’s future, where different pathways are valued, and where every child is given the space to grow and thrive in their own way.”

On Community and Youth Engagement

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

“Over the past year, MCCY and the National Youth Council have been listening to our young people about what matters to them. Many shared that while they are more connected online than ever, it is not always easy to find a real sense of belonging. Our youths want a Singapore where friendships can form more naturally across different backgrounds, and where everyone has a chance to be part of a community. MCCY will continue working with our partners to create more opportunities and spaces for youths to meet and form meaningful connections, because these relationships give young people the support and confidence to take the next steps in life.”

On Business Community

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

“We need all hands on board to create a vibrant culture of support for families. Businesses can play an active role in supporting a pro-family environment and an enjoyable family life. From neighbourhood heartlands and shopping malls, to providers of products and services for young families, MTI will work with the business community to encourage more inclusive, family-friendly offerings. Together, we can shape welcoming, accessible spaces and options that foster family life and connections.”