Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday called on couples in the country to “add a little dragon” to their families this Year of the Dragon in his Lunar New Year message.
Mr Loon told X that he hoped more couples in the country would be encouraged to have children.
“Tonight, we gather with our loved ones to welcome the #Year of the Dragon. We hope more couples will be encouraged to add a ‘little dragon’ to their families this year,” Singapore’s Prime Minister said. wrote.
celebrate family
In his 2024 New Year message, Lung said: “As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, let us also celebrate the family. The family is the core of our society.”
“One of the key elements of family life is having and raising children. We bring them into this world and watch them learn, grow, reach milestone after milestone, grow year after year. It is a great joy for parents to see grandparents, “Let us share this joy, just as I do. , we are contributing our part to this journey full of love,” he added.
He said Chinese families consider children born in the year of the dragon to be “very auspicious” and that “now is the best time for young couples to add a ‘little dragon’ to their family.” Stated.
The Prime Minister said: “I know this decision is a very personal one, but I hope his encouragement will encourage more couples to try to have babies.” .
Declining birth rate
Birth rates are declining around the world. According to Loong, this is especially true in developed countries like Singapore.
“Each generation has different aspirations. Many young people prioritize advancing their careers, spending quality time with their partner, and pursuing other interests. They want to have children. Even married couples sometimes put off starting a family because they don’t realize that it’s rapidly becoming more difficult over the years.”
“This is all very understandable. But I still hope that more Singaporean couples decide to have more children and have them sooner,” he added.
In 2022, the total fertility rate for Singapore residents hit a record low of 1.05. This is down from previous records of 1.1 in 2020 and 1.12 in 2021.
He assured couples of continued government support, saying: “We will continue to support their marriage and parenting aspirations as we build a ‘Family Singapore’.”
(Information provided by agency)