National Family Council seeks radical changes on perception of family

The National Family Council or NFC is seeking radical changes in the way Singaporeans perceive the importance of family within society. 

Speaking at the council's appreciation brunch, its Chairman Lim Soon Hock said this includes instilling a family first mindset that places family as a central aspect of life. 

To do this, the NFC has in its recommendation paper on marriage and parenthood policies proposed setting aside a public holiday to reinforce the importance of family. 

Mr Lim said the paper also called for reduced working hours, and the option for fathers to go on paternity leave. 

The Council also recommended subsidising young couples who are renting flats, while waiting for their new flats to be ready. 

This would help tackle some of the financial concerns of young, would-be parents. 

Speaking earlier, Acting Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, Chan Chun Sing described the family unit as a bedrock for Singapore's future development. 

He added that this explains the inclusion of the word "family" in the new Ministry of Social and Family Development, which begins work in November.