The changing demographics of Singapore will pose a significant hurdle for the nation. In 2010, the fertility rate was an all time low of 1.16, way below the replacement level of 2.1. A recent IPS study also warns that if fertility rates were to remain the same, there would be severe implications on Singapore’s ability to compete in the global world.
More needs to be done to address the declining TFR. Besides taking a microscopic analysis of the current procreation package, there is also a need to have a macroscopic review of the social support required to encourage Singaporeans to have more children, including childcare and preschool facilities as well as more family friendly workplace arrangements.
Taiwan, which has the lowest TFR in the world, has
seen a surge of 16% of babies born in the first 9 months of this year, after
the government offered incentives to couples in a bid to boost the dismal birth
rate. Are there lessons we can learn from the Taiwanese to help reverse this worrying trend in Singapore?
This problem will be exacerbated by a rapidly aging population or what is called the silver tsunami. With 20% of the population above the age of 65
come 2030, we need to prepare ourselves right now to ensure that those who need help are taken care of, medically and socially. With more elderly Singaporeans, the demand for healthcare services will inevitably increase and many will suffer from age-related chronic diseases. This dual pronged danger, if not met and addressed, will leave us with an elderly population supported by fewer and fewer working adults – a high dependency ratio.
Hopefully, the dragon year in 2012 will offer a ray of hope in chasing the elusive dragon babies.
Dear Mr Lam,
I am one of the supporters of boasting higher birth rate in this century where many stick to one only. However, I am not so blessed as I have difficulty in conceiving naturally. However, million thanks to the IVF subsidy launch few years back. I am blessed with a baby girl now who is at 2 years old now.
However, I have tried to make more babies thru IVF again but to much disappointment, it wasn’t sucessful for the consecutive 2 tries. Enduring pain and stress, not mentioning about the money spent, I still hope to try for the 4th time. But I no longer am able to enjoy the subsidy and its really a heavy burden to my family now that we have 1 child to raise.
Could the goverment in anyway try to subsidise the IVF procedure by lifting the limit of 3 times, based on case to case at least, so that people like me can have the chance to have more children?
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Pin Min’s Reply:
I will feedback to MOH on this issue. Thanks.
Dr Lam,
My son is 2 years old now but my wife & me are not consider having another one as the raising cost of one child is very high in spore. My son was not feeling well last week & the cost of bring him to see doctor cost about 270 just for last week. The baby bonus giving by govt is not enough. The 4K cash given by govt is pay in 4 installation on 1st ,6th,12th & 18 mth. Even the 6K matching by govt is not enough for the child to reach Primary school. when the child is sick or have HFMD, parent need to take leave as the child can not go CCC. Now Govt is asking sporean to work longer to 65 or 67. The grandparent could not help to take care of the child as they also need to work. To make spore TFR go higher, i think the govt need to do a lot more.
Dear mp sk west,
The issue you have raised is definitely a valid one and I too worry about the high dependency ratio that is projected to happen if the current situation do not improve. However I do not think that trying to produce more babies during the dragon year is a responsible statement. For one, this is a short term solution that occurs once in every 12 yrs. Secondly, if more babies are indeed born during this year, this will put undue stress on limited resources for children in that particular year. Imagine parents agony of finding child care, good primary schools, scholarships (for people who need the extra assistance), etc…
Thus I believe the right thing to do is to encourage potential parents to fulfill their parenthood dream irrespective of the lunar year. I do agree with the other posts that more help can be rendered given that the cost of living in Singapore is getting higher and higher.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Regards,
Sj
Dear Sir,
I am a resident of Fernvale Lane , the good news is I am expecting a Dragon baby in Mar’12.
I would like to feedback that our neighbour hood is really lack of Child care center. Many new resident had moved into Fernvale and there’s not enough of CCC to cater the demand. There’s only 2 new sparklet tots CCC and it full besides Fernvale area there’s no My First Skool which is operated by NTUC, where we can see many outlet in other SK neighbour hood.
My son who’s turning 3yrs old, I can’t find a CCC for him in SK and I have to send him to a private CCC in AMK and the fees is $550 after subsidise . Due to the arrival of No.2 my Domestic helper & I dont have the time to send him to sch and have to arrange for sch bus service which cost another $120. The cost of raising a child is indeed very expensive now I am worried what will happen to my daughter who’s born in year of Dragon will she have a sch to attend and can I afford it CCC Fees x 2 + Domestic helper which will cost $2000 per month.
Please look into this long term issue.
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Pin Min’s Reply:
Crystal,
I am aware of this issue and am working with MCYS and service providers to ramp up the number of CCC in Sengkang West. We are expecting a few new ones in the next couple of months and will consider more if required. The high demamnd is due to the young demographics and the growing population in Sengkang West.
Hi Dr Lam,
I have just moved to fernvale road in Jun, agreed with Crystal that there is really limited good ccc in Sengkang west, this goes along on Primary School as well. My girl is 5yrs old now, and I could not locate any good primary school around Sengkang west except nan chiau which is “tough” to get in, any upcoming new primary schools that i can look forward to? Further, the transport is really a issue as well, any plans to increase the bus routing for Sengkang West Residents since we have an increasing population?
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Pin Min’s Reply:
Pamela,
Thanks for the feedback. we will look into them.
As for primary schools, there will be 2 new schools – one in Anchorvale and another in Fernvale. They should be ready around 2013.
Dear Dr Lam,
I shared the same sentiment as Crystal. There is a real shortage of CCC in Sengkang West. From my understanding, both sparkletots & youngtalent are full with a long queue in waiting list for this year.
Are you able to share with us if the new CCC will be operational ready by this year and which estate will they be build at.
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Pin Min’s Reply:
Wai Tat,
We are in the planning stage. Will inform residents once these sites are confirmed.
Dear Dr Lam,
I am a resident of Fernvale Road. My son will be going Primary 1 in the year 2013.
Currently, there is no student care in Fernvale and the upcoming Sengkang Green primary school.
The nearest school that provide student care is Anchor Green Primary which is more than 1 km, thus it might be *tough* for my child to get in.
Are you able to provide student care services in Fernvale area so that working parents have no worries.
Please kindly look into this matter.
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Pin Min’s Reply:
I will work with the schools regarding your suggestion on student care. Thanks.