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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024
SINGAPORE – The much hoped for baby boom did not materialise in the Year of the Dragon, but there was a slight rise in births in 2024. In total, 33,703 babies were born in 2024, up by 0.5 per cent from the 33,541 born in 2023, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024. The report was released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on July 18. Singapore's birth rate is among the world's lowest, and the Government has been trying for years to get Singaporeans to have more babies. Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell from 26,888 in 2023 to 26,442 in 2024, a drop of 1.7 per cent. This is the first time the number of deaths fell from the previous year in almost a decade, a check by The Straits Times found. With Singapore's rapidly ageing society, the number of deaths has been steadily rising over the decades. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have also contributed to the higher number of deaths between 2020 and 2022. The two leading causes of death in 2024 were cancer and heart and hypertensive diseases, which accounted for over half of all deaths here. In February, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples. Ms Rajah, whose ministry oversees population issues, said the preliminary total fertility rate (TFR), which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained at 0.97 in 2024. This is the same figure as 2023, when Singapore's TFR fell below 1 for the first time. In February, the total number of babies born in 2024 was not made public yet. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Dragon Year has traditionally been considered an auspicious time to have children, as the dragon is associated with good fortune, success and leadership, among other desirable traits. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. For example, there were 36,178 babies born in 2011 but 38,641 in 2012, which was Year of the Dragon – an increase of 6.8 per cent. The increase in births in the dragon year before that was even higher. In the 2000 dragon year, a total of 44,765 babies were born - an 8.3 per cent jump from the 41,327 babies born in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Government has introduced a slew of measures and benefits to boost the country's birth rate. The Large Families scheme, where families with three or more young children will get more financial benefits and support, was announced in February. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. SINGAPORE – The much hoped for baby boom did not materialise in the Year of the Dragon, but there was a slight rise in births in 2024. In total, 33,703 babies were born in 2024, up by 0.5 per cent from the 33,541 born in 2023, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024. The report was released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on July 18. Singapore's birth rate is among the world's lowest, and the Government has been trying for years to get Singaporeans to have more babies. Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell from 26,888 in 2023 to 26,442 in 2024, a drop of 1.7 per cent. This is the first time the number of deaths fell from the previous year in almost a decade, a check by The Straits Times found. With Singapore's rapidly ageing society, the number of deaths has been steadily rising over the decades. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Asia Cool photo spots, viral food videos: Malaysia plans to woo Chinese tourists via social media Asia From propaganda to passion: N. Korean TV show mimics K-drama to fend off banned media from the South Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but firm stands by its safety Singapore 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths Asia 'Guardian angels': Taiwan's dementia-friendly village promotes ageing in place Life US tech firm launches probe into Coldplay 'kiss cam' couple after clip goes viral The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have also contributed to the higher number of deaths between 2020 and 2022. The two leading causes of death in 2024 were cancer and heart and hypertensive diseases, which accounted for over half of all deaths here. In February, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples. Ms Rajah, whose ministry oversees population issues, said the preliminary total fertility rate (TFR), which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained at 0.97 in 2024. This is the same figure as 2023, when Singapore's TFR fell below 1 for the first time. In February, the total number of babies born in 2024 was not made public yet. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Dragon Year has traditionally been considered an auspicious time to have children, as the dragon is associated with good fortune, success and leadership, among other desirable traits. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. For example, there were 36,178 babies born in 2011 but 38,641 in 2012, which was Year of the Dragon – an increase of 6.8 per cent. The increase in births in the dragon year before that was even higher. In the 2000 dragon year, a total of 44,765 babies were born - an 8.3 per cent jump from the 41,327 babies born in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Government has introduced a slew of measures and benefits to boost the country's birth rate.
Independent Singapore
14-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Woman gets injured after PMD hit-and-run; has a message for the rider
FB screengrab/ COMPLAINT SINGAPORE SINGAPORE: A woman wrote in a popular local Facebook group that she was hit by a PMD (Personal Mobility Device) on Sunday morning (Jul 13) while walking down the 'slope from a bridge at Pasir Ris Block 124.' The incident occurred at around 7:15 a.m. After she got hit, the rider made a run for it and quickly disappeared. She posted photos of the bright red skin abrasions she sustained on her right knee, the lower part of the palm of her right hand, and the area near the elbow of her left arm. Screenshot Despite her injuries, she had a message for the person on the PMD. 'If the rider comes forward and apologises and compensates my bills (with receipt), I won't pursue further,' she wrote. Many people have shared her post. Some of the commenters on her post have urged her to report to the authorities. 'Hit and run, sure cannot find the PMD on your own. Lodge a police report ASAP,' one wrote. See also Inter-agency task force aims to reduce PMD fire risks 'Make a police report. What if he hits children instead?' another agreed. 'Just lodge a report. Usually, there's a camera on the bridge. Leaving you injured is already unacceptable,' a Facebook user chimed in. 'Just make a police report, and let the police do the job. Irresponsible behaviour from the PMD,' wrote another. A commenter urged her to reach out to the Pasir Ris Member of Parliament to ask for assistance. At present, the MPs from Pasir Ris–Changi GRC are In dranee Rajah , Desmond Tan, Sharael Taha, and Valerie Lee, all from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). One commenter said she should report the incident to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as well, although they admitted that this would be a bit of a challenge, since the PMD driver left the scene. Another seemed to agree, appealing to the LTA to 'Please wake up before more innocent will get hurt, maybe next time it might be kids or someone elderly.' One admitted that they were afraid of such an incident, writing, ' This is the worst thing I am worried about every day, that one day I might also be caught in such a situation.' Another appealed to the rider: 'Come out, PMD rider… Don't be a coward… just apologise… and settle.' The post author wrote in a comment that she has already lodged a police report. The Independent Singapore has reached out to her for further comments or updates. /TISG Read also: Netizens call out passenger for taking video of woman on PMD whom she said is just pretending to be disabled () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Outlining her priorities for her second term as Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah said it continues to be about upholding the quality of debate in the House. SINGAPORE – The role of the Leader of the House in maintaining order and upholding parliamentary privilege might have come to the fore in the previous term of Parliament, but to Ms Indranee Rajah a good part of the job can be distilled into one word: sequencing. This is as proper sequencing – whether of parliamentary questions (PQs), Bills, or motions – is crucial to the work of Parliament, which in a nutshell is about public accountability, she said in an interview with The Straits Times on July 4. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on June 20 that he had designated Ms Indranee as Leader of the House . This means Ms Indranee will be in her second term as Leader when the 15th Parliament convenes for its first sitting on Sept 5 . Ms Indranee noted that events may occur which spark public concern and require an urgent explanation from the authorities the next time Parliament is in session. Parliament typically sits once a month, for two or three days. Given that the first 90 minutes of each sitting are reserved for answering PQs and there may be close to 100 such questions filed by MPs, more pressing questions have to be prioritised, so that ministers can answer them and MPs can seek further clarifications, said Ms Indranee, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch World Tariffs will kick in on Aug 1 barring trade deals: US Treasury Secretary Singapore Woman on SMRT's 190 bus injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Business Great Eastern says Takeover Code not breached when it shared IFA valuation with OCBC Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Asia Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan Asia Two women fatally stabbed at bar in Japan by man Life Star Awards 2025: Christopher Lee wins big, including Special Achievement Award and Best Actor The same is true for Parliament's legislative function of deciding policies and making law, where the Leader's role is to determine which Bills should be debated and passed ahead of others, she added. 'Prioritising is a key thing (as Leader) because it enables the public to understand issues that may be on the public's mind,' she said. 'If it's a Bill, prioritising makes sure that a policy gets done by a certain deadline so that the policy can take effect.' On how her role differs from that of the PAP party whip, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Education Janil Puthucheary, Ms Indranee noted that the whip deals with party matters such as discipline and which MPs are intending to speak on each day. Meanwhile, the Leader coordinates between government ministries and the House on the scheduling of parliamentary business. While she proposes the first cut of Parliament's agenda, Ms Indranee noted that the Speaker makes the final call, and has discretion to change the sequencing. The aim is to make sure Parliament's work is well-fitted and can be completed in the allotted number of days, said Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and for National Development. 'You don't want to end super early one day, and then make everybody stay back past midnight the next day,' she said, while noting that her role is to extend the sitting time as needed. 'It doesn't always work out that way, but we try our best.' During the 14th Parliament, Ms Indranee's role as Leader attracted public attention, as it fell to her to file a formal complaint against former Workers' Party MP Raeesah Khan for lying to the House . On multiple occasions, she also rebuked Progress Singapore Party's Mr Leong Mun Wai, including for failing to substantiate certain allegations and for his comments outside the Chamber on parliamentary proceedings. Ms Indranee noted that while the Speaker makes the final decision on whether or not an MP's behaviour has contravened the rules, somebody has to raise the issue in order for him to do so. Where there is a need, it is important for the Leader to intervene, she added. 'When there is no need, and everything is going along swimmingly as it should, then there's no reason for me to insert myself into the process,' she added. Sometimes, mistakes are made unintentionally but must still be dealt with in the public eye, so that the rules are observed and Parliament continues to run smoothly, she said. Being an MP is a privilege, and the law confers certain immunities on MPs so they can speak freely in Parliament without being prosecuted or sued for their statements. But such privilege has to be exercised responsibly, Ms Indranee stressed. 'It is very important not to mislead, not to lie in Parliament, that what you say can be substantiated,' she said. 'And if that is not followed, then it is necessary to call that into question and have that dealt with.' Outlining her priorities for her second term as Leader, Ms Indranee said it continues to be about upholding the quality of debate in the House, such that Parliament's work is efficient, substantive and impactful, and conducted with decorum and propriety. This requires MPs to identify issues clearly and crystallise what is at stake and the implications of the outcome of a Bill or a motion, she added. 'Good, substantive debate does not always make good theatre, and I think we have to be mindful of that,' she said. 'We have to keep our eyes firmly on the substance, and make sure that we are addressing the things that are of importance to Singaporeans, and how we can take Singapore forward.'
CNA
20-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Seah Kian Peng to be appointed Speaker of Parliament, Indranee Rajah will remain House Leader
SINGAPORE: Mr Seah Kian Peng will be nominated for re-election as Speaker of Parliament when the House convenes on Sep 5 in the first sitting since the May General Election. Mr Seah, who is Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, has served as Speaker since 2023. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah will remain Leader of the House, while Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad will continue as Deputy Leader, the Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday (Jun 20). All three positions were nominated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, but the Speaker will be elected by MPs at the start of a new parliament. The Speaker presides over the sittings of the House and enforces the rules prescribed in the Standing Orders of Parliament for the orderly conduct of parliamentary business. Although the Speaker need not be an MP, he or she must possess the qualifications to stand for election as an MP. In carrying out his or her duties, the Speaker must remain impartial and fair to all MPs. The Speaker regulates and enforces the rules of debate, deciding who has the right to speak and putting the questions for the House to debate and vote on. The Speaker does not take part in the debates of the House, but can abstain or vote for or against a motion if he or she has an original vote as an elected member. He or she has no casting vote. The Speaker is overall in charge of the administration of parliament and acts as the representative of the House. In order duties, the Speaker also welcomes visiting dignitaries and represents parliament at national events and during official visits abroad. Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development, has been House Leader since 2020. Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad has also been Deputy Leader since 2020. The Leader of the House is responsible for the arrangement of government business and the legislative programme of parliament. He or she also proposes appropriate actions to be taken on any procedural matters arising in parliament. House Leaders also move procedural motions relating to the business of the House during sittings, such as to extend the times of sittings beyond the usual time as set out in the Standing Orders. The 15th parliament will have 97 elected MPs and two non-constituency MPs. The new session will kick off with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of MPs at 5pm on Sep 5.
