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Amid a record-low fertility rate and more couples marrying and having children later, the Workgroup will review fertility support measures.
Singapore is taking a closer look at how to better support older mothers, as more couples marry and have children later in life.
In response to a parliamentary reply, and on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development said both men and women are marrying and starting families later — a shift that has implications for maternal health, fertility, and workforce participation.
Mothers above the age of 40 face a higher risk of maternal and foetal complications, she noted. As such, public hospitals have been equipped to manage such high-risk pregnancies, including through specialised care and neonatal intensive care units for newborns who require greater medical attention.
Later marriages and births have also resulted in couples facing difficulty in conceiving naturally. Minister Indranee shared that funding for fertility health services, as well as support for those undergoing fertility treatments, are being reviewed as part of the work of the newly formed Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Reset Workgroup.
The review comes against the backdrop of Singapore’s declining fertility rate, which in 2025, fell to a new low of 0.87, down from 0.97 the year before.
The Workgroup will focus on three areas aimed at a collaborative, whole-of-society M&P reset:
- Developing a long-term roadmap that sets out the shifts needed to bring about a societal reset on how M&P is perceived, supported and realised in Singapore,
- Proposing M&P policy enhancements to address key concerns and enable these shifts, and
- Mobilising the whole of society to collectively support Singaporeans in their M&P journeys, as a shared national endeavour.
The Workgroup will examine key factors that influence M&P decisions including financial costs, work-life support, caregiving, housing, healthcare, preschool and education, as well as work alongside stakeholders to promote societal norms and workplace practices that better support M&P aspirations.
Beyond healthcare and fertility treatment, the Government is also looking at the wider conditions that shape marriage and parenthood decisions — including workplace practices, social attitudes, family support and community norms.
Flexible work arrangements remain an important part of supporting working parents, Minister Indranee stated in her response. The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) set out how employees, employers and supervisors should consider such requests; read our coverage on the TG-FWAR here.
"The Government remains committed to supporting Singaporeans through every stage of marriage and parenthood," she added.
The Workgroup comprises cross-functional portfolio representation across relevant ministries and has a total of nine members, including Minister Indranee as its Chair; their thoughts on the formation of the Workgroup are shared below:
On caregiving and relationship formation
Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development: "Through this Workgroup, MSF and ECDA will strengthen that assurance through a full review of our preschool accessibility and affordability, and how we can better support parents in fulfilling their family commitments."
Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development: "We want to build a Singapore where marriage and parenthood are valued, desired and supported. MSF will work closely with partners such as Families for Life to foster positive mindsets and strengthen community support for families. This includes supporting singles to form meaningful relationships.”
On workplace practices and work-life norms
Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower: "MOM will engage tripartite partners and take in feedback from both workers and employers to find practicable approaches that support their needs.
"This is so that workers have the flexibility to balance their career aspirations and parenthood commitments, while we remain sensitive to the operational needs of businesses.”
Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Manpower: “Workplace culture plays a significant role in supporting employees to thrive both in their careers and in life beyond work.
"MOM will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners to support and foster work-life friendly workplaces and work culture in Singapore.”
On healthcare
Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health: "As couples marry and start families later, fertility challenges are becoming more common. We understand that the decision to seek fertility help is deeply personal and the process can be difficult.
"MOH will work with healthcare partners to raise awareness about fertility health, and strengthen support for couples at every stage of their fertility and maternity journey.”
On education
Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education: "MOE will work with parents, schools and the wider community to build a more supportive environment – one where families feel confident planning for their children’s future, where different pathways are valued, and where every child is given the space to grow and thrive in their own way.”
On community and youth engagement
Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment: "Our youths want a Singapore where friendships can form more naturally across different backgrounds, and where everyone has a chance to be part of a community.
"MCCY will continue working with our partners to create more opportunities and spaces for youths to meet and form meaningful connections, because these relationships give young people the support and confidence to take the next steps in life.”
On business community
Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth: "We need all hands on board to create a vibrant culture of support for families. Businesses can play an active role in supporting a pro-family environment and an enjoyable family life.
"From neighbourhood heartlands and shopping malls, to providers of products and services for young families, MTI will work with the business community to encourage more inclusive, family-friendly offerings.”
Lead image: National Population and Talent Division Singapore
First row, from L-R:
- Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Manpower,
- Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth,
- Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development,
- Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment,
- Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower.
Second row, from L-R:
- Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development,
- Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health,
- Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education
- Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development.
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