Slowing growth can be 'good'

SINGAPORE - The slowing population growth can be a good thing, experts told The New Paper.

It means businesses have to focus on improving productivity rather than being overly reliant on cheap labour.

National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser said: "One downside is that some businesses would encounter hiring problems.

"But there's a benefit, (with) fewer people on the island to compete for space, amenities and sometimes jobs."

And they are cheered by the good news when it comes to baby-making.

The total fertility rate was 1.29 last year, up from the 1.2 registered in 2011.

Optimistic

Institute of Policy Studies research fellow Mathew Mathews said: "While we are still not anywhere near the replacement level (of 2.1), we can be optimistic since the fertility rate is not dipping further.

"It does suggest that more Singaporeans are feeling a little more confident embarking on parenthood, and that some measures the Government has in place are giving couples greater assurance."

However, a greying Singapore throws up challenges, such as having fewer working adults to support the elderly.

Dr Mathews said: "More people will be part of the sandwich generation, where they will be taking care of their parents and their children at the same time.

"This can be stressful for them, although the hope will be that newer generations of older persons will live independently for much longer periods and possibly contribute economically too."

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