Singapore, Feb 28: Singapore’s total fertility rate remained at its record low of 0.97 in 2024, underscoring ongoing demographic challenges despite the government’s persistent efforts to boost birth rates. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Indranee Rajah, revealed in parliament on Friday that the fertility rate had dipped below 1.0 for the first time in 2023, and preliminary estimates indicate that it remained unchanged last year.
According to official data, the number of resident births increased slightly to 30,800 in 2024, compared to 30,500 in 2023. However, the persistently low birth rate continues to raise concerns about the long-term impact on economic growth and workforce sustainability.
A National Concern for Economic Stability
Indranee emphasized that tackling Singapore’s declining birth rate is a “national priority”, as a shrinking local workforce could pose significant challenges to sustaining economic momentum. The issue gains even more urgency as the country faces a rapidly ageing population, which may strain healthcare and social support systems in the coming decades.Despite 2024 marking the Year of the Dragon, a traditionally auspicious time for births among Singapore’s majority Chinese-ethnicity population, the expected spike in birth rates did not materialize. Indranee noted that the "Dragon year effect" has been weakening over time, reflecting evolving generational attitudes and shifting priorities among young couples.
Boosting Birth Rates Through Financial Incentives
To address the declining fertility rate, the Singaporean government has introduced several measures, including financial incentives for families. Under the latest national Budget, parents having their third child or more are eligible for additional support of up to SGD 16,000.Immigration as a Buffer for Demographic Challenges
Recognizing that birth rates alone may not be enough to sustain population growth, Singapore continues to carefully manage immigration to mitigate demographic pressures. In 2024, the country granted citizenship to 24,000 individuals, including 1,400 children born overseas to Singaporean parents. Additionally, 35,000 people were granted permanent residency.Singapore’s commitment to openness and multiculturalism has been a key factor in maintaining its economic and social stability over the past six decades. Over the last ten years, more than one-third of citizen marriages annually have been between a Singaporean and a foreigner, underscoring the country’s evolving demographic landscape.
Ongoing Review of Population Strategies
Indranee assured that Singapore will continue reviewing its population policies to ensure they align with the country's long-term needs. The government remains focused on finding a balance between encouraging higher birth rates and carefully calibrated immigration policies to sustain economic growth and social stability.With fertility rates stagnating at historic lows, Singapore’s challenge remains clear: finding sustainable solutions to counteract the economic and societal implications of an ageing and shrinking population.
