As Singapore faces a historically low fertility rate, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to unveil new measures aimed at reducing the strain on families during his National Day Rally speech on August 23. The Republic’s resident total fertility rate dropped to a record low of 0.87 in 2025, despite years of government efforts to support parenthood through financial incentives and childcare subsidies.
A recent survey highlights the challenges behind the declining birth rate. Nearly one in four Singaporeans aged 18 to 44 reported having no children and no plans to have them in the future. Concerns extend beyond financial cost to issues of time availability and work-life balance. Some respondents expressed doubts about the ability of government policies to change their decisions on parenthood, with 30% saying nothing the government could do would influence their choice.
Zahir Latif, a 42-year-old freelance content creator, and his fiancée, who is a writer, embody these concerns. They have repeatedly reconsidered having children but cite unstable income, lack of time, and fear of losing their current lifestyle as reasons against parenthood. Zahir noted that Singapore’s demanding work culture limits personal time, making family life difficult without significant changes to societal norms.
Experts point out that policies addressing fertility need to go beyond financial incentives. Vincent Chua, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, explained that modern economic demands often make raising a family and pursuing a career seem mutually exclusive. Meanwhile, senior research fellow Tan Poh Lin suggested the focus should shift toward improving family well-being and sustainability for those already with children or interested in parenthood, rather than relying solely on birth incentives.
The government acknowledges these multifaceted challenges. A work group chaired by Minister Indranee Rajah has been collecting public feedback on issues ranging from the cost of raising children to caregiving logistics and housing. A full report is expected early next year. Indranee emphasized that many Singaporeans do aspire to marriage and children but face significant barriers.
Prime Minister Wong has highlighted the pressures parents face in balancing work, caregiving for both children and aging parents, and societal expectations. Observers suggest the upcoming Rally will likely announce a broader review of family support measures across the life course, potentially rethinking childcare as ongoing social infrastructure rather than a private expense.
Analysts also see the Rally’s focus on family policy as part of a wider effort to adapt Singapore’s social contract amid technological disruption, an aging population, and geopolitical uncertainties. The government recognizes the need to maintain social cohesion while offering greater security for residents.
In addition to family issues, PM Wong is expected to address external developments such as regional security and Singapore’s role in upholding international norms, as well as preparations for the city-state’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
The National Day Rally will be held at VEL’DROME Central in Ang Mo Kio and broadcast live across multiple channels, marking a key moment for Singapore to outline its strategy for addressing demographic and social challenges.