Changing times changing needs A case study of

Changing times, changing needs A case study of Singapore’s population policy

The need for family planning from 1966 to 1981 • Post-War Baby Boom – Return of peace and prosperity – Asian Tradition of having large families – 1. 02 million (1950) to 1. 64 million (1960) • Problems of Rapid Population Growth – Unemployment – Housing – Low Standard of Living

The need for family planning from 1966 to 1981 • Family Planning was encouraged – Singapore Family Planning and Population Board (1966) • Need for smaller families – Abortion legalised – Use of contraceptives • ‘Stop at Two’ • Maintain number of children born per woman = 2. 1 children – Disincentives given to families with 3 or more children

Results? • Birth Control measures highly successful – Government policies – Preference in smaller families by educated couples – Marriage and motherhood at a later age • Problems of Slow Population Growth – Shortage of manpower in the economy – Singapore less attractive to MNCs – Ageing population • Effects on economy? – Less soldiers to serve National Service

Population policies after 1980 s • Promoting Larger Families – Campaigns • Joy of having many children • Incentives to have more children – Use of Medisave for delivery charges for first 3 babies – Limited success • Increase only in Dragon Year (1988 & 2000) • Attracting Foreign Talent – Relaxation on immigration policy – Greater cosmopolitan – Boost Singapore’s economic competitiveness

Population policies after 1980 s • Graduates Mothers Scheme – Graduate women marrying later and having fewer children – Introduced in 1984 – Sparked debates and unhappiness

Population policies after 1980 s • Recent added incentives – Equal benefits for both fathers and mothers • Both can claim medical benefits – Grandparent caregiver relief – 5 day work week for Civil Service – Extended maternity leave – Childcare leave for male employees – Baby bonus

Population policies after 1980 s • Attract foreign talents – Good education system – ASEAN scholarships – Granting of citizenship to talented individuals

Preparing for an ageing population • Post-war baby boom – Reaching the age of 65 by 2030 • Fall in birth-rate – Proportion of young people decreased – Proportion of senior citizens increased • Longer Life-span of Singaporeans – Improvement in health care services, medical technology and standard of living

Senior Citizens as Assets to Society • Taking care of grandchildren • Mentors to young people • Advisers in government organisations and private companies • Healthy and experienced senior citizens to continue working – Extension of retirement age from 60 to 62. – ‘Back to Work’ programme • Boom to senior citizens’ products

Impact of an Ageing Population • Demand for Health Care & Social Services – Age-related health problems – Community-based services – Accommodation at Public Areas • Strain on Working People – More revenue on services • Higher taxes – Each working person to pay more taxes to help provide services & facilities

Preparing for an Ageing Population • ‘Many Helping Hands’ Approach – Individual Responsibility • Regular check-ups, maintain proper diet, pre-retirement plan, spending more time with family • Good financial planning, large savings – Family Care • Showing care and concern for the senior citizens • Senior Citizens Week & Grandparent’ Day – Community Help • Voluntary welfare organisations – Free health check – Recreational activities

Preparing for an Ageing Population – Government Support • Central Provident Fund (CPF) – – Special Account Medisave Account Ordinary Account Retirement Account (62 years old) • Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents – By law, children would have to support their parents if the parents could not themselves financially • Tax Relief – Less taxes for individuals taking care of elderly parents • Public Housing Scheme – Housing grant for choosing a place near to their parents