Singapore offers parents more than $55,000 in battle to boost birth rates

Singapore is introducing new measures to boost its declining birth rate, offering over $55,000 per child to families. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced these changes during the National Day Rally, aiming to support parents in starting and raising families.

The country recently recorded a fertility rate of 0.87 children per woman, one of the lowest globally. To address this, the government will enhance financial support, including a S$10,000 gift at birth and additional payments for education. They will also expand parental leave, especially for larger families.

Wong emphasized that despite these efforts, the fertility rate is unlikely to reach replacement levels without immigration. He acknowledged public concerns about immigration's effects on jobs and property prices while aiming for a sustainable population growth strategy.