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At close · Fri, Aug 14, 2026
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Singapore expands childcare leave and education support to boost fertility

The country’s total fertility rate fell to a historic low of 0.87 in 2025, prompting a new inter-agency Marriage and Parenthood Reset workgroup.

Singapore announced new pro-family measures aimed at making parenthood more appealing, as it confronts a sharp decline in births. During the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined steps that include increasing childcare leave based on how many children a family has.

According to SCMP Economy, Singapore will also top up funds in children’s post-secondary education accounts and reduce full-day childcare fees in government-supported schools. The government framed the package as part of a broader effort to address concerns that go beyond short-term cost relief.

The measures come as Singapore’s total fertility rate dropped to a historic low of 0.87 in 2025. The government has formed an inter-agency Marriage and Parenthood Reset workgroup, chaired by Indranee Rajah, and said the announcements represent the first set of recommendations accepted by Wong’s administration.

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