https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/ Read more on Media Centre here. en Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:28:57 +0800 Isomer (https://www.isomer.gov.sg) https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-government-paid-maternity-leaveurn:isomer:resource:423506The Government maintains a tiered approach to benefits whereby Singapore Citizens receive a higher level of support than Permanent Residents, reflecting the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Accordingly, eligibility for Government-Paid Leave schemes remains contingent on the child being a Singapore Citizen.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-data-on-desired-and-actual-number-of-childrenurn:isomer:resource:423505The 2021 M&P Survey found that while 92% of married respondents preferred two or more children, only about half had achieved this in practice. The M&P Reset Workgroup is studying the multi-faceted barriers such as financial costs, stress, and work-family demands, and will share its recommendations in early 2027, encompassing the roles of employers, community organisations, and wider society.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-utilisation-of-family-support-schemesurn:isomer:resource:423503The Government routinely reviews family support schemes to assess effectiveness across household types and income groups, and will continue to monitor how effectively these schemes reach the intended families, adjusting them where needed.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-on-use-of-child-credits-for-developmental-experiencesurn:isomer:resource:406001Singapore's new Child Support Package provides each child $2,000 of Child Credits per year up to age 16. Ms Indranee Rajah noted the Credits are given in cash for "maximum flexibility," with parents free to spend them on developmental experiences if they choose.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-extending-psea-top-up-to-earlier-cohortsurn:isomer:resource:406381Singapore Citizen children turning 17 from 2026 will receive a $10,000 PSEA top-up under the SG Child Support Package, with the Government confirming no transitional support for those who narrowly miss the eligibility cut-off.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-projected-funding-for-enhanced-family-supporturn:isomer:resource:406366The budget estimates for the enhanced family support measures and childcare leave announced at the National Day Rally are not yet finalised, as implementation details are still being worked out.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-enhanced-childcare-leave-and-workplace-supporturn:isomer:resource:406364The Government will enhance child-related leave, financial support, caregiving and housing measures, with legislative amendments and implementation details being worked out with tripartite partners.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-incentives-for-grandparents-as-caregiversurn:isomer:resource:406357Singapore provides support for grandparent caregivers through the Grandparent Caregiver Relief, Proximity Housing Grant, and concessionary levy for migrant domestic workers.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/helping-singaporeans-start-and-raise-families-with-confidenceurn:isomer:resource:405456Enhanced child-related leave, financial, preschool and housing support to help Singaporeans start and raise familiesTue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-computation-of-maternity-leave-benefitsurn:isomer:resource:406112The Government computes Government-Paid Leave Schemes based on gross rate of pay, excluding payments associated with additional work done or business outcomes, and will continue to work with Tripartite Partners to study feedback on better supporting working parents who take child-related leave.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-food---beverage-management-association-gala-dinnerurn:isomer:resource:404938Singapore's F&B industry - which employs 240,000 workers and hosts much of the nation's family and social life - has a unique dual role in the Marriage and Parenthood Reset: as an employer, by making rosters more predictable and supporting staff with family commitments, and as an industry, by creating more family-friendly dining spaces where Singaporeans can gather and thrive.Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-pasir-ris-changi-national-day-dinnerurn:isomer:resource:404944As Singapore marks its 61st National Day, the Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup is advancing interim policy recommendations to address a historic-low Total Fertility Rate of 0.87 and fewer than 30,000 live births in 2025 for the first time in 60 years, while calling on every Singaporean to play their part in building a nation where families can truly flourish.Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-structuring-singapore-for-flourishing-familiesurn:isomer:resource:404946Singapore's Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup is developing a long-term roadmap to address declining marriages and births — with 24,700 registered marriages and 26,100 citizen births in 2025 — by strengthening support across work-life balance, housing, healthcare, and caregiving as part of a whole-of-society effort.Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-differentiated-baby-bonus-supporturn:isomer:resource:405518One of the key policy objectives of the Baby Bonus Scheme is to encourage couples to have more children.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-the-launch-of-smu-lseiurn:isomer:resource:367220Singapore launches new longevity initiatives and SMU’s $10 million LSEI institute to adapt to a rapidly ageing population.Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-launch-of-gardens-by-the-bay-s-new-family-initiativesurn:isomer:resource:405531Gardens by the Bay's new family initiatives, including ticket giveaways and the Disney Garden of Wonder, exemplify the whole-of-society effort needed to support Singapore's Marriage and Parenthood Reset, as the Government works to make Singapore a truly family-friendly place amid a historic-low Total Fertility Rate of 0.87.Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-population-association-of-singapore-conference-2026urn:isomer:resource:405523Singapore's Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup is tackling the country's historic-low Total Fertility Rate of 0.87 through a whole-of-society effort to address shifting priorities, financial costs, educational stress, and time scarcity, recognising that policy measures alone cannot move the needle.Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-increasing-adoption-leaveurn:isomer:resource:405516Adoptive parents otherwise receive the same parental and childcare leave benefits as biological parents today. This includes the new 10-week Shared Parental Leave scheme, which was introduced last year to encourage shared parental responsibility, and provide more time for parents to care for and bond with their newborns.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-childcare-leave-for-parents-with-preterm-birthsurn:isomer:resource:405508Beyond leave provisions, it is equally important for employers to implement work-life friendly practices, such as flexible work arrangements, and demonstrate understanding towards parents who may require time away from work to care for their children.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-encouraging-uptake-of-parental-leaveurn:isomer:resource:405505The Workgroup on Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Reset will explore ways to further encourage employers to develop practices that support parental leave-taking.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-support-for-older-mothersurn:isomer:resource:405503As part of the effort of the Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Reset Workgroup, funding for fertility health services, and support for those undergoing fertility treatments are being reviewed.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/new-workgroup-to-review-policies-and-galvanise-societal-support-for-marriage-and-parenthood-reseturn:isomer:resource:406057To address Singapore’s declining fertility, 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.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-launch-of-smu-lseiurn:isomer:resource:405521Singapore is rethinking how societies can thrive across longer lives, launching the Longevity Societies and Economies Institute at SMU to translate research into practical solutions for work, policy and communities, as the country's population rapidly ages amid a historic-low fertility rate of 0.87.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-strengthening-support-for-marriage-and-parenthoodurn:isomer:resource:405450Singapore's Total Fertility Rate fell to an historic low of 0.87 last year, and the Government is setting up a Workgroup to drive a Marriage and Parenthood Reset, requiring a whole of society approach to address the significant impact on our society, our economy, and the future of Singapore.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-reviewing-childcare-leave-provisionsurn:isomer:resource:190328Parents with younger children are granted more childcare leave provisions as younger children are generally less independent. The Government will take into account the suggestion to review the current provisions as it remains committed to supporting working parents.Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-transport-support-measures-for-familiesurn:isomer:resource:190338The Government provides Child LifeSG Credits and Large Family LifeSG Credits that can be used to defray the cost of taxi and private hire transport services, alongside special privileges at partner merchants for families with three or more children. The Government will continue to review policies to strengthen support for families.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-deputy-prime-minister-gan-kim-yong-committee-of-supply-debate-2026urn:isomer:resource:190401Singapore's preliminary resident total fertility rate has fallen to a record low of 0.87 in 2025, posing an existential challenge to the nation's society, economy and security. The Government will redouble support for marriage and parenthood while carefully managing immigration, expecting to take in 25,000 to 30,000 new citizens and around 40,000 PRs annually over the next five years.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-population-at-the-committee-of-supply-debate-2026urn:isomer:resource:190466Singapore's preliminary TFR fell to a record low of 0.87 in 2025, prompting the Government to launch a whole-of-society Marriage and Parenthood Reset spanning enhanced financial support, mindset shifts on parenthood, family-friendly workplace cultures, and broader community engagement to arrest the decline.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-extending-benefits-to-unwed-parentsurn:isomer:resource:190302The Baby Bonus Cash Gift and Working Mother's Child Relief were designed to encourage parenthood within marriage.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-impact-study-of-bbs-and-leave-enhancementsurn:isomer:resource:190307Singapore's Marriage and Parenthood package measures, including the Baby Bonus Scheme and parental leave enhancements, have been positively received, with parents citing increased financial support and time with newborns as helpful.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-childraising-expenditure-and-baby-bonus-schemeurn:isomer:resource:190295The Government does not publish official child-raising expenditure estimates, but determines Baby Bonus quantum using household income and expenditure data and parent feedback. Ms Indranee Rajah outlined a suite of support for families, including the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, Child Development Account, preschool subsidies, and targeted schemes for lower-income households.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-practical-support-measures-for-parenthoodurn:isomer:resource:190321The Government provides a comprehensive Marriage & Parenthood package covering housing, healthcare, parental leave, and child caregiving, with support measures regularly reviewed.Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-childcare-leave-usage-and-adequacyurn:isomer:resource:190294In 2023, 58% of eligible working mothers and 53% of working fathers took more than three days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave, with the vast majority of this group taking all six days. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-long-term-population-projectionsurn:isomer:resource:190312Singapore's total population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, with 6.9 million remaining relevant as a planning parameter for the 2030s. The Government develops various scenarios for infrastructure planning based on demographic trends such as birth rates, life expectancies, and migration, rather than planning on the basis of any single population number.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-providing-childcare-leave-on-a-per-child-basisurn:isomer:resource:190325The Government is committed to supporting working parents and will take into account the suggestion to calibrate childcare leave entitlement to the number of children under seven when it next reviews current leave provisions.Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-permanently-introducing-a-baby-gift-initiativeurn:isomer:resource:190316The Government has no plans to make the SG60 Baby Gift permanent, as such gifts are meant to mark special milestones in Singapore's journey. Existing support includes the Baby Bonus Cash Gift of up to $13,000 and the new Large Families Scheme offering annual LifeSG Credits for eligible families.Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-more-2024-births-population-planning-parameterurn:isomer:resource:190314Citizen births rose 1.2% to 29,237 in 2024, primarily driven by an increase in Chinese births partly due to the Dragon Year effect, though this effect has diminished over time. Singapore's total population reached 6.11 million as of June 2025, but is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, which continues to remain relevant as a planning parameter for the 2030s.Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-immigration-intake-and-citizenship-reportingurn:isomer:resource:190306PR and citizen intake considers demographic indicators beyond total fertility rate, including life expectancy and age profile. Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-optimum-population-density-for-spatial-comforturn:isomer:resource:190315The Government does not plan around a single or optimum population density, instead taking a long-term approach to land use and infrastructure planning that considers changing demographic and socioeconomic trends. Urban design strategies such as varying building heights and creating well-connected and pedestrian-friendly public spaces are incorporated islandwide to ensure Singapore remains liveable for all.Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-cda-use-for-enrichment-and-cda-top-upsurn:isomer:resource:190290From May this year, CDA use was expanded to cover all preschool incidental charges including optional enrichment programmes offered in-school, though CDA funds will not be opened up for enrichment programmes outside of preschools.Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-dpm-gan-kim-yong-on-reasons-for-more-citizenships-and-prs-granted-in-2024urn:isomer:resource:190233The Government will continue to maintain a measured pace of immigration, regularly reviewing its policy to account for demographic trends such as total fertility rate.Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-dpm-gan-kim-yong-on-reasons-for-increase-in-nrs-between-2021-and-2025urn:isomer:resource:190232Work Permit Holders, about half from the Construction sector supporting public housing and major infrastructure projects, accounted for 60% of the non-resident population increase between 2021 and 2025. The 30% increase should also be interpreted against the context of COVID-19, as border restrictions and weaker economic conditions contributed to a lower base in 2021.Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-dpm-gan-kim-yong-on-transfer-of-unused-cda-balances-to-edusave-accountsurn:isomer:resource:190234The CDA and Edusave Account serve different purposes, with CDA monies usable for preschool, childcare, healthcare and developmental needs up till age 12, while unused CDA balances are automatically transferred to the child's Post-Secondary Education Account at the end of age 12. Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-dpm-gan-kim-yong-on-extended-childcare-leave-and-caregiving-leaveurn:isomer:resource:190231The Government will study how to better support parents needing time off beyond their children's early years, while balancing employee caregiving needs against employer costs, particularly as the new Shared Parental Leave scheme only took effect in April this year. Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests were also implemented in December 2024 to help working caregivers manage work and caregiving responsibilitiesTue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-singapore-s-imd-world-talent-ranking-2025urn:isomer:resource:190329Singapore's drop in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025 was driven largely by perception-based factors, including views on apprenticeships, employee training, and brain drain. The Government will analyse these findings while continuing to develop local talent and welcome complementary overseas talent to maintain Singapore's standing as a leading global talent hub.Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-large-family-lifesg-credits-for-older-childrenurn:isomer:resource:190311The Large Families Scheme provides $1,000 annually in Large Family LifeSG Credits for each third and subsequent Singapore Citizen child from age one to six, complemented by a wide range of financial support beyond the first six years, including Child Development Account co-matching, education and healthcare subsidies, and Child LifeSG Credits for children aged 0 to 12.Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-utilisation-of-parental-leave-benefitseurn:isomer:resource:190339Parental leave utilisation varies due to the nature of the job, workplace norms and attitudes, and societal perceptions of gender roles. The Government has made additional paternity and Shared Parental Leave mandatory and will work with Tripartite Partners to build a supportive workplace culture for families.Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/addendum-to-the-president-s-address-at-the-opening-of-the-first-session-of-the-15th-parliamenturn:isomer:resource:190137The Strategy Group outlines strategic priorities for the new term of Government, tackling long-term challenges including declining fertility, an ageing population, and climate action, with Singapore reaffirming its net zero emissions by 2050 target and new 2035 NDC to reduce emissions to between 45 and 50 MtCO2e.Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-fertility-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace-eventurn:isomer:resource:190452On World IVF Day, Fertility Support Singapore launches a Fertility Support Guide urging employers to normalise fertility conversations at work and adopt supportive HR policies, as about one in six couples in Singapore experience infertility.Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-launch-of-ywca-s-hopemaker-movementurn:isomer:resource:190458YWCA marks 150 years of empowering women in Singapore with the launch of the Hopemaker Movement and Women's Business Accelerator Programme, supporting women from low-income or marginalised backgrounds with training, mentorship and resources to build sustainable micro-businesses.Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-united-women-singapore-s-uws-stem-festival-2025urn:isomer:resource:190462United Women Singapore's fourth STEM festival draws over 930 attendees, celebrating four years of the STEMentorship programme that has matched over 500 young women to industry mentors, as the proportion of women in STEM occupations rises from 29% in 2014 to 35% in 2024.Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-enhancing-public-understanding-of-immigrationurn:isomer:resource:190299Ms Indranee Rajah outlined Singapore's three-pronged approach to immigration: keeping the pace "measured and stable," running integration programmes like the mandatory Singapore Citizenship Journey, and fostering understanding through public education. She noted that a 2021 IPS survey found over 75% of Singaporeans agreed immigrants are "generally good for Singapore's economy."Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-campaigns-to-address-declining-fertility-rateurn:isomer:resource:190289The Made For Families movement rallies employers, organisations and community groups to create a Singapore where families can thrive.Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-population-at-the-committee-of-supply-debate-2025urn:isomer:resource:190465Singapore's preliminary Total Fertility Rate remains at 0.97 in 2024, as the Government introduces the Large Families Scheme providing an additional $16,000 per third or subsequent child, alongside enhanced parental leave, flexible work arrangements and a special SG60 Baby Gift for all citizen babies born in 2025.Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/registration-for-sg60-baby-gift-starts-from-28-february-2025urn:isomer:resource:190372Parents of Singapore Citizen babies born in 2025 can register for the SG60 Baby Gift at go.gov.sg/SG60BabyGift from 28 February 2025.Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-reimbursement-of-government-paid-paternity-leaveurn:isomer:resource:190327Government-Paid Paternity Leave is reimbursed at the gross rate of pay, capped at $2,500 per week, which excludes variable components such as overtime pay, incentive payments, and work-related allowances as these are tied to work done rather than time away from work.Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/strengthening-support-for-large-familiesurn:isomer:resource:190488Parents with a third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child born on or after 18 February 2025 will receive up to $16,000 of additional support per child under the new Large Families Scheme, comprising an enhanced CDA First Step Grant, a new Large Family MediSave Grant, and annual Large Family LifeSG Credits until the child turns six.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-for-motion-on-supporting-singaporeans-in-starting-and-raising-familiesurn:isomer:resource:190448The Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting marriage and parenthood as a top national priority, outlining major moves on housing affordability, financial support for child-raising, parental leave, and work-life harmonyWed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-implementation-of-parental-leave-enhancementsurn:isomer:resource:190308Fathers can already take four weeks of Government Paid Paternity Leave on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2024, ahead of the mandatory implementation on 1 April 2025. The April date balances employer preparation time with the need for system and process changes, particularly for the new Shared Parental Leave scheme, which requires a centralised system to coordinate leave sharing arrangements.Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-on-addressing-the-needs-of-an-ageing-populationurn:isomer:resource:190283Rather than setting specific workforce targets, the Government focuses on keeping seniors healthy and productive through strategies such as SkillsFuture, age-friendly workplaces, and steadily raising retirement and re-employment ages.Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-projected-total-population-in-2030urn:isomer:resource:190323Based on current trends, Singapore's total population is expected to remain significantly below the 6.9 million infrastructure planning parameter stated in the 2013 Population White Paper by 2030.Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-projected-resident-population-in-2030urn:isomer:resource:190322Singapore's total population of 6.04 million as of June 2024 remains within the range of uncertainty outlined in the 2013 Population White Paper. The resident population is projected to range from 4.3 to 4.4 million by 2030, depending on fertility rates and immigration trends.Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-expected-population-growth-rates-in-next-5-yearsurn:isomer:resource:190301Singapore's total population grew 2% from June 2023 to June 2024, though the annualised growth rate over the last five years was lower at 1.1%. Ms Indranee Rajah confirmed this is "in line with our expectation" for total population to remain "significantly below 6.9 million by 2030."Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/population-in-briefurn:isomer:resource:190365Population in Brief is an annual publication that provides key updates and trends on Singapore's population landscape.Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800Publications https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-the-new-shared-parental-leave-schemeurn:isomer:resource:190334The new Shared Parental Leave scheme, providing ten additional weeks of paid leave to be shared between both parents, will commence on 1 April 2025 to give employers sufficient lead time to update processes and manage extended absences. Parents whose babies are born before this date remain eligible for comprehensive support under the Marriage and Parenthood package.Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-raising-the-age-ceiling-for-childcare-leaveurn:isomer:resource:190326In considering any further enhancement to leave provisions, including increasing childcare leave for parents with older children, we will need to strike a balance between supporting the needs of parents and the impact on employers’ manpower and operational requirements.Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-data-on-citizen-deathsurn:isomer:resource:190297Citizen deaths in Singapore have risen from 17,700 in 2014 to 24,700 in 2023. Based on current trends, citizen deaths could exceed citizen births "in the first half of the 2030s."Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/stronger-support-for-working-parents-with-enhanced-parental-leave-schemes-from-1-april-2025urn:isomer:resource:190489From 1 April 2026, eligible working parents of Singapore Citizen children will have a total of 30 weeks of paid parental leave, following enhancements to Government-Paid Paternity Leave and the introduction of a new 10-week Shared Parental Leave scheme shared between both parents.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-increasing-childcare-leaveurn:isomer:resource:190310The Government is studying how to strengthen parental leave support for parents with infants, balancing parents' needs against employers' manpower and operational requirements.Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-childcare-leave-for-parents-with-more-childrenurn:isomer:resource:190292Parental leave provisions have been progressively enhanced, most recently on 1 January 2024, with any further enhancements needing to balance parents' needs against employers' manpower and operational requirements. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-launch-of-the-transnational-family-care-programmeurn:isomer:resource:190454Pro Bono SG and South Central Community Family Service Centre launch the Transnational Family Care programme, deploying community lawyers to provide holistic socio-legal support for transnational families in need, as about one-third of citizen marriages involve a non-citizen spouse.Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/opening-remarks-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-voices-of-hope-navigating-infertility-togetherurn:isomer:resource:190223Fertility Support SG is recognised for creating a safe space for couples struggling with infertility, as the Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting those who wish to start families through financial co-funding for Assisted Conception Procedures and psychosocial counselling at AR centres.Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-focus-on-the-family-singapore-s-22nd-anniversary-dinnerurn:isomer:resource:190453Focus on the Family Singapore marks its 22nd anniversary and FamChamps' 10th year, having reached more than 44,000 youths through 80 schools and community organisations to build pro-family mindsets, as Singapore's total fertility rate hits a historic low of 0.97.Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-population-association-of-singapore-conference-2024urn:isomer:resource:190461Singapore faces twin demographic challenges of falling fertility rates and a rapidly ageing population, with the 2023 resident Total Fertility Rate dropping below 1.0 for the first time. The Government is partnering the academic community to better understand the underlying factors and develop evidence-based policies to support marriage, parenthood and active ageing.Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-daughters-of-tomorrow-mother-s-day-gala-dinnerurn:isomer:resource:190449Daughters of Tomorrow's decade-long work supporting lower-income mothers takes centre stage at this Mother's Day gala, highlighting employment breakthroughs, childcare innovations, and the shift from social assistance to social empowerment under Singapore's Forward Singapore social compact.Sat, 11 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-the-number-of-overseas-residentsurn:isomer:resource:190336Singapore's population estimates exclude Citizens and Permanent Residents overseas for 12 months or more, in line with international recommendations on usual residence. Over the past decade, this group has made up between 2-3% of the Citizen population and 8-9% of the PR population respectively.Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-nus-bia-echo-acrle-conferenceurn:isomer:resource:190455Singapore's resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0 for the first time, as the NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality convenes academics, clinicians and policymakers to advance research on women's reproductive health and longevity.Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-nus-high-school-of-mathematics-and-science-20th-speech-dayurn:isomer:resource:190456As NUS High School celebrates its 20th Speech Day, graduates are encouraged to make informed personal choices, find balance, and live with meaning and purpose as they navigate the world beyond school.Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-rajah-on-government-efforts-to-address-low-fertility-rateurn:isomer:resource:190305Singapore's low fertility reflects a global phenomenon where individual priorities and societal norms have shifted, and the Government will continue working with stakeholders to build a conducive environment supporting Singaporeans along their marriage and parenthood journey.Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-on-companies-providing-the-additional-voluntary-gpplurn:isomer:resource:190284Data on employer take-up of the additional two weeks of voluntary Government-Paid Paternity Leave, which came into effect on 1 January 2024, was unavailable at the time, as fathers have up to one year after their child's birth to use the leave and employers have three months after that to submit claims.Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-dbs-she-iwd-eventurn:isomer:resource:190450Minister Indranee Rajah calls on parents, employers, and co-workers to lift women higher at every stage through mentorship, family-friendly workplaces, shared parental responsibility, and personal health investment.Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/min-indranee-on-annual-births-by-age-of-motherurn:isomer:resource:190185In 2021 and 2022, around 33% of live births were from women aged 30 and below, 44% from women aged 31 to 35, and around 23% from women aged 36 and above.Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/sm-teo-at-cos-2024urn:isomer:resource:190395Read Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's speech on Singapore's progress towards a greener and more sustainable future.Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-at-the-cos-2024urn:isomer:resource:190447Singapore's resident TFR dropped to a record low of 0.97 in 2023, prompting the government to enhance parental leave, housing support, and childcare affordability while maintaining a measured immigration policy — granting 23,500 new citizenships and 34,500 new PRs — to moderate the impact of low birth rates and an ageing population.Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/min-indranee-on-implementing-additional-two-weeks-of-gpplurn:isomer:resource:190186The Government has doubled Government-Paid Paternity Leave to four weeks since January 2024, with the additional two weeks currently voluntary for employers but to be eventually made mandatory.Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/permalink-speech-by-minister-indranee-at-singapore-women-health-conferenceurn:isomer:resource:190361Investing in women's health at every stage of life is not just good for women — it is the foundation of healthy families and a thriving society.Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/permalink-speech-by-minister-indranee-at-supermom-seminarurn:isomer:resource:190362Singapore is pulling out all the stops to support families, from financial aid and parental leave to housing and flexible work, because raising the next generation is a shared responsibility that takes the whole of society.Sat, 04 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/min-indranee-on-review-of-pl-for-multiple-or-preterm-birthsurn:isomer:resource:190188Parents of multiple or pre-term births can tap on enhanced leave provisions, including doubled paternity leave of up to four weeks and doubled Unpaid Infant Care Leave of up to 12 days per year, from January 2024.Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-at-30th-exemplary-mother-awardurn:isomer:resource:190445Building a Singapore Made for Families takes more than government support — it takes mothers, fathers, employers and the whole community coming together to champion family life.Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-at-comsa-symposiumurn:isomer:resource:190446Tsao Foundation's 30 years of eldercare work exemplifies how community-driven initiatives are key to helping Singapore's seniors age well where they belong.Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parents-get-enhanced-baby-bonus-benefits-from-1-augurn:isomer:resource:190227Enhanced Baby Bonus benefits, including a higher cash gift and greater Child Development Account contributions, will be rolled out ahead of schedule on 1 August 2023 for eligible Singaporean children born on or after 14 February 2023.Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-reply-by-minister-indranee-on-impact-of-bsg-bbsurn:isomer:resource:190286The Government recognises that parenthood decisions are complex and influenced by many factors, and while measures like the Baby Bonus Scheme and Baby Support Grant have been helpful, a whole-of-society effort is needed to build a Singapore Made For Families.Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-duke-nus-graduation-ceremony-2023urn:isomer:resource:190451Minister Indranee Rajah challenges Duke-NUS' Class of 2023 to tackle healthcare's most pressing challenges — from future pandemics to an ageing population — with the same long-term thinking and adaptability that defines Singapore's approach to nation-building.Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-minister-indranee-rajah-at-the-pas-2023-annual-meetingurn:isomer:resource:190460Singapore's TFR hit a historic low of 1.04 in 2022, posing serious population challenges. The Government's key strategies include building a "Singapore Made For Families" through enhanced Marriage and Parenthood support, normalising Flexible Work Arrangements, and reframing ageing as "Going for Gold" to harness the longevity dividendThu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/minister-indranee-on-breakdown-of-non-resident-populationurn:isomer:resource:190190From 2000 to 2022, around 92% of non-residents in our population each year were aged between 15 and 64 years old, those aged 0 to 14 years old accounted for around 5%, while those aged 65 years old and over made up around 3%.Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/minister-indranee-on-ccl-for-those-with-three-or-more-childrenurn:isomer:resource:190191Any enhancements to childcare leave will need to balance parents' caregiving needs with employers' manpower and operational requirements.Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/addendum-to-the-president-s-address-2023urn:isomer:resource:190135The Strategy Group outlines its whole-of-government approach to Singapore's long-term priorities, including refreshing the social compact through Forward Singapore, strengthening population and family support measures, and accelerating Singapore's transition to a net-zero future.Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0800Press Releases https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/minister-indranee-on-children-born-to-women-with-uni-qualurn:isomer:resource:190193Data from the Census of Population 2020 shows the breakdown of children born to ever-married resident women by age group and highest qualification attained.Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speech-by-indranee-rajah-ppis-international-women-dayurn:isomer:resource:190429Read Minister Indranee Rajah's speech on supporting women's growth, equity, and well-being in Singapore at PPIS International Women's Day 2023.Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0800Speeches https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/min-indranee-on-reasons-women-have-fewer-children-than-preferredurn:isomer:resource:190187According to the 2021 Marriage and Parenthood Survey, Singaporean women want at least two children on average, but have fewer in practice, citing financial costs, stress, and difficulties balancing work and family.Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0800Parliamentary Replies