Singapore is launching a comprehensive inter-agency effort to mobilize society in supporting marriage and parenthood, following a decline in the Republic’s total fertility rate (TFR) to a record low of 0.87 in 2025.
A Strategic “Reset” for the Nation
The newly formed Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup, chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, aims to address what Rajah described as an “existential issue.” The group consists of eight other political office holders from ministries including Health, Education, and Manpower.
This initiative marks a departure from previous strategies that relied heavily on policy-driven financial measures, such as Child Development Account support and Baby Bonus payouts. Instead, the workgroup will focus on a “whole-of-Singapore” approach to shift societal mindsets.
The workgroup, which held its first meeting in March, will focus on three primary pillars: creating a long-term road map to reset societal perceptions, proposing policy changes to address key concerns, and mobilizing stakeholders to support family journeys.
Coordinated Agency Actions
The effort involves multiple government arms targeting specific barriers to parenthood. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Early Childhood Development Agency will review the affordability and accessibility of pre-schools.
To address the pressures of balancing career and family, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will engage with tripartite partners and employers to find practical support systems. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to strengthen support for couples by raising awareness of fertility health.
Education and youth engagement are too central to the plan. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will function to reduce the weight of academic expectations and “perfect parenting” ideals, even as the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council will create more spaces for young people to form meaningful connections.
Analyzing the Challenges Ahead
Experts suggest that changing a societal norm where small families have been the standard since the 1980s will be a “monumental challenge.” Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University noted that the term “reset” implies the need for bold, unconventional approaches.
Tan Ern Ser of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Social Lab emphasized that the workgroup should glance beyond “hygiene” factors like money and time, focusing instead on the motivating attraction of loving relationships.
Dr. Melvin Tay, also from the IPS Social Lab, noted that creating a family-friendly society could involve inevitable trade-offs in manpower planning. He argued that a successful nation must be more than economically productive; it must allow citizens the confidence to raise families.
Looking Toward 2027
The workgroup is supported by the National Population and Talent Division and will continue to gather feedback from businesses, religious organizations, and individual citizens.
While no specific numerical targets have been set, Minister Rajah expressed hope that progress would be seen through a higher TFR and increased opportunities for young people to form relationships. A full report on the findings is expected in early 2027, though the group may issue recommendations sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup?
The workgroup aims to mobilize broader society and shift mindsets to better support Singaporeans in marrying and having children, moving beyond a reliance on financial subsidies.
Which areas of concern will the workgroup examine?
The group will review financial costs, housing, healthcare, pre-school accessibility, education, and work-life support.
When will the workgroup release its findings?
A full report is scheduled for release in early 2027, although the workgroup may make recommendations before that date.
Do you believe a shift in societal mindset is more effective than financial incentives in encouraging parenthood?
