Singapore - Govt encourages more singles to get married

SINGAPORE: The government would like to encourage more singles to get married, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Population Issues Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo was speaking to the media on Sunday at a Babies Day Out event at the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

The event was held at the Sengkang Community Club.

"I am very happy to see that when couples get married, they do want to have children," Mr Teo said.

"What we need is an environment which is supportive of families and also, we need everyone -- community, parents, grandparents, family and friends to support young families to have children.

"There are really many initiatives and the government can only do so much. A lot really depends on individuals."

Encouraging married couples to have babies is a top priority for the government -- especially as Singapore's total fertility rate kept falling in recent years.

Singapore's fertility rate hit a record low of 1.15 in 2010.

But it went up slightly last year, to 1.20.

More than a hundred babies took part in Sunday's event.

Advisors from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC were there to congratulate winners of the various contests held in conjunction with the baby show.

The event also celebrated family life and parenthood in the community.

- CNA/wk

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