Why Singaporeans Are Not Making Enough Babies
The government is very concerned about the birth rate.
Every year there are reports, incentives, baby bonuses, and romantic national advertisements showing happy couples walking under flowering trees.
The trees are flowering.
The couples are not.
Reason 1: No Space
In the kampong days, families had many children.
Today we live in optimised shoe boxes where the dining table is also the work desk, the ironing board, and the place where you question your marriage.
If a baby arrives, someone must move out.
Probably the husband – to the bomb shelter.
Reason 2: Korean Drama
The government encourages couples to spend more time together.
But in many homes the conversation goes like this.
“Honey, shall we go to bed early?”
“Cannot. I still need to finish my Korean drama.”
Next episode automatically starts.
Population growth postponed again.
Reason 3: The Spreadsheet Problem
Before a Singaporean couple even holds hands, they open Excel.
They calculate the cost of infant care, the price of salmon for brain development, and the tuition teacher who charges more than a lawyer. By row 450, they realize raising one child costs about the same as three Ferraris and a retirement in Tuscany. The conclusion is always the same:
"Maybe we start with a plant."
The plant does not need enrichment classes.
Reason 4: Too Tired
Singaporeans wake up early, work long hours, and squeeze into the MRT like very stressed dumplings.
By the time they reach home, they are too tired to produce the next generation.
The only thing they produce is sleep. Very deep sleep.
Reason 5: Phones
Couples now lie in bed side by side — one watching TikTok, one on Instagram, both laughing at different videos.
The birth rate has been replaced by screen time.
The algorithm is very effective. The birth rate is not.
Reason 6: Global Uncertainty
Some couples are worried about the future.
World War 3 might start.
Artificial intelligence might take everyone’s job.
Some couples worry the child will grow up, look around, and ask:
“Daddy, why is my BTO only coming when I'm 45?”
Nobody is ready for that conversation.
The government will keep trying.
More campaigns. More incentives. Perhaps a new national slogan:
"Make Love, Not Just CPF Contributions."
And if that fails, Singapore will do what it does best.
Launch a committee.
Form a taskforce.
Write a 120-page report.
And put up posters reminding couples:
"Please proceed to the bedroom. For the nation."
Failure to comply may result in importing more foreigners.
