Singapore PM Encourages Parenthood Amid Falling Birth Rates
Posted by admin on 2024-02-09 |
Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has encouraged young couples to consider
expanding their families in light of the country's declining birth rate. With
Chinese New Year festivities scheduled for February 10-11, accompanied by an
additional holiday on Monday, the premier emphasized the auspicious timing for
welcoming new additions to families. Quoting him from his annual Lunar New Year
message, PTI reported, "Now is as good a time as any for young couples to
add a ‘little dragon’ to your family." Notably, the prime minister, born
on February 10, shares the zodiac sign of the Dragon, which symbolizes power,
strength, and good fortune.
Lee
emphasized the joys and fulfillment of parenthood, drawing from his own
experience and cultural beliefs. He expressed how grandparents, including
himself, find joy in supporting their children in raising grandchildren.
Acknowledging that the decision to have children is deeply personal, Lee
highlighted the declining birth rates globally, especially in developed
societies like Singapore. He noted Singapore's lowest-ever birth rate in 2022
and attributed part of it to the lunar calendar's Year of the Tiger,
traditionally associated with fewer Chinese births.
In
response to the demographic challenges, Singapore has implemented measures such
as relaxing regulations on egg freezing and increasing paternity leave. Lee
urged couples to weigh the decision carefully, recognizing the societal
benefits of a growing population. He expressed confidence that parenthood is a
rewarding journey and hoped that more couples would embrace it, despite the
global trend of declining fertility rates and aging populations observed in
countries like South Korea, China, and Japan.
