SINGAPORE \u2013 A new inter-agency workgroup has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family, where action can be taken sooner.<\/p>\n
Ahead of its full report in early 2027, it has come up with a set of interim policy recommendations so as not to \u201close time in addressing this important issue\u201d, said Minister in the Prime Minister\u2019s Office Indranee Rajah, who chairs the Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup<\/span><\/a>, on Aug 15.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is clear is that many do aspire to get married and have children. But at the same time, they encounter challenges including the cost of raising children, the need for time with family, caregiving arrangements, and housing,\u201d she said in an opening address at the Pasir Ris-Changi National Day Dinner 2026 event held at Downtown East in Pasir Ris.<\/p>\n Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Indranee said that it was clear to the workgroup that certain topics like workplace culture and norms are some issues on people\u2019s minds.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we\u2019re really after is a win-win solution,\u201d she said, adding that there must be a balance between the interests and concerns of employers and employees.<\/p>\n \u201cIn order to be able to do that well, you need progressive, enlightened employers. You need good HR, not just HR policies, but good HR professionals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do have the ability to address these, so rather than wait… (we) might as well deal with this early and upfront,\u201d she said. The declining total fertility rate (TFR) and marriage numbers also added to the urgency, she noted.<\/p>\n Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Minister in the Prime Minister\u2019s Office Indranee Rajahsaid that it was clear to the workgroup that certain topics like workplace culture and norms are the issues on people\u2019s minds.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The workgroup was formed in April with the objective of supporting Singaporeans as they navigate marriage and parenthood. The nation\u2019s TFR fell to a new low of 0.87 in 2025<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n A collaboration between key ministries including health, manpower, education and social and family development, the workgroup is looking at issues including financial costs, work-life support, housing, healthcare, pre-school and education. Its members have been speaking to many Singaporeans over the past few months about their hopes, concerns and aspirations about marriage and parenthood.<\/p>\n Said Indranee: \u201cWe are not content to sit back and do nothing. We will do all we can to make marriage and parenthood more achievable, supported and valued in Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n She noted that the Government is taking a fresh look at the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other support for families, as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had said in his National Day message<\/span><\/a> on Aug 8.<\/p>\n More details are expected at the upcoming National Day Rally on Aug 23, she said, adding that these announcements will be \u201cthe first wave of things that we want to do\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>