Assuming the total fertility rate stays at 0.87, every 100 residents today will have 44 children and 19 grandchildren, said Mr Gan.
Over time, it will be “practically impossible” to reverse the trend, as Singapore will have fewer women who can bear children, he added.
"We cannot give up," said Mr Gan.
Noting the significant drop in total fertility rate from 1.24 a decade ago, he said low birth rates and an ageing population will “profoundly reshape” Singapore, as well as its society and economy in the coming years.
Singapore saw about 27,500 resident births in 2025, the lowest number in its recorded history, said Mr Gan.
“The overall trend is also of grave concern. Marriage rates have come down, and those who are married have fewer children or no children,” he added.
Singapore’s population is also ageing faster than ever, said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.
In 2025, one in five citizens was aged 65 or older, compared with one in eight in 2015.
“This is an existential challenge,” he said.
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Over time, it will be “practically impossible” to reverse the trend, as Singapore will have fewer women who can bear children, he added.
"We cannot give up," said Mr Gan.
Noting the significant drop in total fertility rate from 1.24 a decade ago, he said low birth rates and an ageing population will “profoundly reshape” Singapore, as well as its society and economy in the coming years.
Singapore saw about 27,500 resident births in 2025, the lowest number in its recorded history, said Mr Gan.
“The overall trend is also of grave concern. Marriage rates have come down, and those who are married have fewer children or no children,” he added.
Singapore’s population is also ageing faster than ever, said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.
In 2025, one in five citizens was aged 65 or older, compared with one in eight in 2015.
“This is an existential challenge,” he said.
Continue reading...