birth rate

THE LEVEL GROUND

Migrants key to Singapore private housing’s long-term health amid low births

More foreigners becoming PRs and citizens can support demand for private homes

For professionals, having children may involve high direct and indirect costs. But there are also unique rewards, says the writer.
SENSE & CENTS

Having a child can be a financial mistake, but that’s okay

The costs of raising kids are high, and parents’ employability may suffer

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi has pledged to introduce a national qualification for childcare workers, as well as improve their pay and working conditions.

Japan’s births fall for 10th year, adding to demographic strain

It is down by 2.1% to about 706,000 from a year earlier, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reports

The improvement comes as marriages show signs of recovery after a prolonged slump, supported by incentives designed to ease the financial burden of raising children.

South Korea’s baby bump extends into second year, offering hope

Birth rates are falling across much of East Asia and in advanced economies throughout Europe and North America

A2’s market value is still higher than it was before its Chinese investment.

China’s low birthrate isn’t doomsday for formula milk suppliers

Falling birthrates, a phenomenon across richer countries, are obviously a drag on firms that make products for children

China’s birth rates have been falling for decades as a result of the one-child policy China implemented from 1980 to 2015, and rapid urbanisation.

China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate

[HONG KONG] China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices from Jan 1 in new steps to spur a flagging birth rate.

When it comes to making life decisions, such as about marriage, we have become too used to weighing up the pros and cons, and looking at the dollars and cents, says the writer.
THINKING ALOUD

Is marriage just another high-risk investment?

The reason given for singledom is an eminently practical one: ‘together costs’ are spiralling

Flexible work arrangements, additional leave, enhanced parenthood benefits and comprehensive medical coverage can go a long way to better support working parents.
BRUNCH

How can corporate Singapore help large families thrive?

The Republic’s fertility rate has been on a steady decline. Observers and parents say support from the government and employers could be key to reversing that trend. But will it be enough?

After declaring 2025 Turkey’s “Year of the Family”, Erdogan last month announced 2026 would mark the start of the “Decade of the Family”.

As birthrates fall, Turkey's government steps in

Turkey’s birthrate has fallen from 2.38 children per woman in 2001 to 1.48 in 2025

The previous law allowed only one or two children per family, except in special cases.

Vietnam ends two-child policy to stem falling birth rates

Couples will now have the right to decide when to have children, how many to have, and the spacing between births, the official Vietnam News Agency reports