Post-independence population planning and social development in Singapore

The unique and remarkable post-independence demographic transition of Singapore, from high to low growth, has been accompanied by an equally spectacular social transformation. Both population control and social change have a positive impact on the fertility trend. Singapore's population policy has been dictated much by the crisis consciousness of the leadership which has been able to create a high degree of awareness among its population with regard to fertility.Ironically, public response to the government's population control has been too successful, particularly so among the upper-income groups. This has recently prompted the government to examine the sustained low fertility rate which, if unchecked, will bear serious social, economic, political and defence consequences in 20 to 30 years time. The aim of the current fertility campaign is to reachieve the replacement level, first reached in 1975, through the correction of the lopsided procreation pattern. As such, some disincentives have remained or been removed, while several new incentives and measures have been introduced. Observations are made with regard to the future fertility trends.