SEAToday.com, Singapore-On February 28, Indranee Rajah the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced that the country's fertility rate has hit a record low below 1 percent for the first time. According to the preliminary estimates, Singapore resident total fertility rate also known as the TFR fell to 0.97 in 2023, continuing the declining trend of 1,04 in 2022 and 1,12 in 2021.

Currently, Singapore places itself on the list of countries with the lowest birth rates globally with South Korea topping the list with a TFR of 0.72 in 2023. Among all the reasons, Indranee highlighted covid-19 pandemic as one of the culprits for disrupting Singaporean couples' marriage and baby plans.

In addition, she also stated that the shifting generational priorities and life goals in developed countries also become issues that the government needs to tackle. Like many other countries with low TFR, Singapore's falling TFR would create a serious implication for the country's development as it affects the local workforce.

Responding to the issue, Indranee promised Singapore’s government determination to address the issue. Starting from January 1 this year, the Singapore government has increased weeks of paid paternity leave up to four weeks.

The government is also actively exploring increasing paid paternal leave options to rampart the efforts. Furthermore, Singapore's 2023 legislation to allow elective egg freezing for non-medical reasons has also become more popular. (ALWI/ALVIN)