Wong sets Aug. 23 update on child costs and family support
What’s next: Singapore’s National Day Rally is set to detail aid on childcare, infant care and broader family support after a fertility slump.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he will use the Aug. 23 National Day Rally to lay out more details on government plans to help families cope with the cost of raising children. In his National Day message on Friday, Wong said an inter-ministry Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup is reviewing support across different life stages, not just at marriage or childbirth. He pointed to concerns over child-raising costs, affordable infant care and childcare, as well as pressure on parents balancing work and care for aging parents. The review comes after Singapore recorded a record-low total fertility rate. Wong also said the government will strengthen safeguards for children online and pursue artificial intelligence in ways meant to raise productivity and support jobs.