Singapore has announced a new family support package that will provide almost S$70,000 (US$55,153) in direct assistance for every Singaporean child up to the age of 17. The move comes after the country’s total fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.87, despite years of government incentives to encourage parenthood.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled the measures during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday. The package includes child credits, housing support, childcare subsidies, parental leave and a S$10,000 (US$7,879) baby gift.
