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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?

Ranamita Chakraborty
Published Fri, Jun 6, 2025 · 02:00 PM
    • Flexible work arrangements, additional leave, enhanced parenthood benefits and comprehensive medical coverage can go a long way to better support working parents.
    • Flexible work arrangements, additional leave, enhanced parenthood benefits and comprehensive medical coverage can go a long way to better support working parents. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [SINGAPORE] Despite much effort, Singapore’s fertility rate, which was declining in the previous seven years, fell to a record low of 0.97 in 2024.

    The country’s Budgets have introduced several measures in the recent past to arrest this trend, such as enhanced paternity leave, and this year was no different. One of the measures announced was the Large Families Scheme (LFS), which offers a comprehensive suite of financial incentives aimed at easing the rising costs of raising a family with three or more children.

    But financial support alone may not be enough to tip the scales and reverse the low rate.

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