Friday, February 16, 2007

Low Fertility Rate of 1.2

Singapore has a low fertility rate of 1.2, one of the lowest in the world. At this rate, we will not be able to maintain our current population. There are insufficient Singaporean babies to replace those that will pass away.

How can we encourage a higher birth rate? We have tried various measures, including incentives and penalties, over the past twenty years. They failed.

We need to think of a new way. If we look at some of the countries that are successful, such as the Sandinavian countries, we may find some clues. We have to be prepared to try a new approach, instead of keeping to our old mindset.

I shall give my views in a few days time.

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