Singaporeans told to have more babies
Source: Agencies |
January 30, 2013, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE Singapore government's vision for the country includes citizens having more babies, a construction boom and more foreign workers as the crowded Asian city-state grows into a global center with 30 percent more people.
The vision was set out yesterday by the long-ruling government, just days after it lost a seat in parliament in a by-election defeat that reflected rising discontent over soaring costs and an influx of immigrants.
The white paper on population, released after months of public consultation, seeks to address concerns about affordable housing, good jobs and quality of life.
Singapore is also trying to boost a chronically low birthrate as the workforce ages rapidly in the wealthy country of 5.3 million people.
By 2030, the population could grow to between 6.5 million and 6.9 million, the government said, stressing the importance of keeping Singaporeans as "the core of our society," supporting a dynamic economy and meeting infrastructure needs.
"Many Asian cities are modernizing rapidly, and catching up on us," it said. "Singapore must continue to develop and upgrade to remain a key node in the network of global cities, a vibrant place where jobs and opportunities are created."
With a stern, technocratic approach, the People's Action Party has built up Singapore from a post-colonial outpost into a major business hub during its five decades in power.
Since suffering its worst election showing in history in 2011, the government has sought more input from citizens and has ramped up social spending, restricted lower-skilled foreign workers and taken steps to cool property prices.
The vision was set out yesterday by the long-ruling government, just days after it lost a seat in parliament in a by-election defeat that reflected rising discontent over soaring costs and an influx of immigrants.
The white paper on population, released after months of public consultation, seeks to address concerns about affordable housing, good jobs and quality of life.
Singapore is also trying to boost a chronically low birthrate as the workforce ages rapidly in the wealthy country of 5.3 million people.
By 2030, the population could grow to between 6.5 million and 6.9 million, the government said, stressing the importance of keeping Singaporeans as "the core of our society," supporting a dynamic economy and meeting infrastructure needs.
"Many Asian cities are modernizing rapidly, and catching up on us," it said. "Singapore must continue to develop and upgrade to remain a key node in the network of global cities, a vibrant place where jobs and opportunities are created."
With a stern, technocratic approach, the People's Action Party has built up Singapore from a post-colonial outpost into a major business hub during its five decades in power.
Since suffering its worst election showing in history in 2011, the government has sought more input from citizens and has ramped up social spending, restricted lower-skilled foreign workers and taken steps to cool property prices.
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