Singapore government to review marriage and parenthood policies says DPM Teo

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean says 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. 

Speaking at the NUS Global Asia Institute Signature conference, Mr Teo says two key issues that will shape the destiny of countries are demographics and good governance. 

"Singapore too, faces the challenge of an ageing population. By 2030, the median age of our citizens will rise to 47 from 39 today. The number of elderly citizens will triple to 900,000, and they will be supported by a smaller base of working-age citizens. 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. We have 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." 

Since 2001, Singapore has put in place a marriage and parenthood package to boost the country's low fertility rate, which currently stands at 1.2 

These measures include helping singles find life partners through the Social Development Network, housing schemes to help couples set up home, to monetary incentives that help defray the cost of raising children. 

The package was last enhanced in 2008 to $1.6 billion a year.