SINGAPORE: Getting Singaporeans to have more babies is not just about affordability, but may require a mindset change, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
The hot issue of Singapore's declining total fertility rate was a key focus at this year's National Youth Forum, where Mr Goh was a guest-of-honour.
Mr Goh said: "Those
who can't afford to have children never had problems over affordability.
They just have more children. And those who can afford, in fact, do not
have more than one or two or so. So there's that contradiction over
there, which suggests that having children in fact is a rather complex
issue."
Held annually, the forum gives participants a taste of policy making through case studies and learning journeys.
This year, it focused on creating a new set of 5Cs in Singapore - Career, Children, Charity, Comfort and Culture.
On
the issue of raising Singapore's low fertility rate, participants
suggested making childcare services more affordable, to help parents
juggle work and family.
Participants also discussed ways to get
more companies involved in Corporate Social Responsibility, and helping
the elderly build their retirement savings.
-CNA/ac