S’pore govt to review marriage and parenthood policies

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said the government’s National Population and Talent Division is reviewing the country’s policies and measures to support citizens in getting married and having children.

And he is looking forward to suggestions on how the government can enhance the pro—family environment in Singapore.

He added that the government division is releasing an occasional paper on Thursday that will highlight the trends in marriage and parenthood.

He said creating a supportive environment for Singaporeans to form families and raise children has been, and remains, a key government priority in addressing the population challenge.

And the government has put in place measures to support Singaporeans in getting married and having children.

The Marriage & Parenthood Package has improved over the years, and has helped many Singaporeans, DPM Teo said.

Addressing the conference participants at the NUS Global Asia Institute Signature Conference, Mr Teo said two key issues will shape the destiny of countries in Asia, and of Asia as a whole. These are demographics and good governance.

"While there is no universally applicable system that can work across the wide range of different national circumstances, some key principles of governance hold true regardless of the political system or structure in place.

"First, any government has to draw its legitimacy from the absence of corruption, or minimally to keep corruption in check.

"Second, it has to govern in the interest of the majority of the people, while protecting ethnic minorities.

"Third, there should be a system of succession that can take the country forward beyond one or two generations. Leadership is key to maintaining a sound system of governance.

"In the absence of one or more of these principles, a country will not be able, in the long term, to sustain its economic and social development."

Mr Teo added that globalisation and technology, especially the Internet and social media, have brought about new competitive pressures, and increased flows of people and information.

Thus, in Asia and around the world, countries will have to evolve their systems of governance in tandem with changing societal needs and demands.

— CNA/ck