SINGAPORE: From welcoming a newborn to entering one’s golden years, Singaporeans must be better supported no matter their evolving circumstances and needs, the Forward SG report released on Friday (Oct 27) said.
The report, which comprised findings from the Forward SG exercise held over the last 16 months, underscored the need to support families at every stage of life and empower seniors to age well.
These key shifts are required for Singapore in light of smaller family sizes amid an ageing population. The latter adds to the caregiving burden on individuals, particularly among the “sandwich” class who have to raise young children and care for their elderly parents at the same time.
Today, one in five Singaporeans are aged 65 and older, and it will be one in four by 2030, the report added, calling it a demographic shift that will be “the most significant social transformation of our generation”.
At the same time, young Singaporeans continue to aspire towards marriage and parenthood, but many are anxious about securing a flat or being able to afford starting a family while juggling work commitments, the report noted.
It outlined several measures to meet these varied needs across different life phases.
BETTER INFANT CARE, PARENTAL LEAVE, CAREGIVER SUPPORT
The report cited concerns from many parents that a child’s care needs are the greatest during their first 18 months, and they may struggle to find ideal caregiving options.
To provide parents more assurance that they can raise their children while fulfilling their aspirations, centre-based infant care places will be increased by about 70 per cent or 9,000 more places by 2030. This will be especially helpful for parents without “familial or alternative caregiving arrangements”.
“Affordable, safe and reliable” childminding services will also be introduced as an additional infant care option.
The government will study the feasibility of providing more parental leave so that parents, especially fathers, can be more involved raising their infant. It will also work with tripartite partners to consider the impact of added parental leave on employers.