PM Lee promotes double-paid paternity leave to lift fertility rates in CNY message

Add a 'little dragon' to your family, he said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Singaporeans, especially young couples, to consider starting families, underlining the government's commitment to supporting marriage and parenting.

"We have progressively strengthened support for infant caregiving and work-life harmony, to see parents through their children’s formative years," Lee said in his Chinese New Year message.

He highlighted the government's effort to double the Government-Paid Paternity Leave from two to four weeks, voluntarily.

"Measures like these will lighten the burden on parents, but they are merely enablers," he added.

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While recognising that family life decisions are deeply personal, he expressed concern over the declining fertility rates in developed nations, including Singapore.

He noted that couples wishing to have children often postpone parenthood to prioritise career progression, quality time with partners, and personal interests, not realising the escalating challenges with each passing year.

In the Year of the Dragon, a time when Chinese families consider children born to be particularly fortunate, symbolizing power, strength, and prosperity, Lee sees an opportune moment.