Family & gender — Topics

1 Aug 2017

Use of CPF Funds for Children's Tuition Fees

About 30,000 CPF members used the CPF Education Scheme for children's tuition fees from 2014 to 2016, with 98% of outstanding loans fully repaid.
The Minister explained that children cannot use their own CPF savings to repay education loans, as these funds are reserved for housing, healthcare, and retirement.
Repayment starts one year after graduation, with options for deferment or monthly instalments over up to 12 years for those facing difficulties.

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1 Aug 2017

Percentage of Pro-family and Pro-breast-feeding Companies

Minister Lim Swee Say highlighted a significant rise in companies offering formal flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and noted that 60% of working mothers now have access to private lactation rooms, supported by government grants like the WorkPro Work-Life Grant.
The Health Promotion Board conducts training to help managers recognize mental health issues, including depression in new mothers, to enable better emotive support in the workplace.
Tripartite partners are learning from international best practices, exemplified by initiatives like the Returner Work Trial and the development of a Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements to help employees identify supportive companies.

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1 Aug 2017

Extension of Child Development Account Government Dollar-for-dollar Matching Benefit

Kok Heng Leun proposed extending the Child Development Account dollar-for-dollar matching benefit to children of unwed parents born between 1 January 2005 and 2016 to support their families and reduce disadvantages from birth.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that the CDA benefits were already extended last year to children of unwed parents born or with an estimated delivery date from 1 September 2016, noting that policy enhancements typically have a prospective start date.
He added that unwed parents requiring further support can seek financial assistance from Social Service Offices or socio-emotional support from Family Service Centres.

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1 Aug 2017

Extending Parental Leave

Mr. Louis Ng shared his personal experience with preterm twins, highlighting the extreme stress and need for more parental leave to care for babies in the NICU and for multiple births, noting that existing leave is insufficient and many parents struggle without extended support.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by parents of preterm or multiple babies, recognized the emotional and practical difficulties, and noted the government is testing extended unpaid leave for public sector employees while balancing employer concerns and manpower needs.
The Minister emphasized current support measures like paid parental leave, Baby Bonus, and healthcare grants, encouraged employers to offer flexible work arrangements and additional unpaid leave, and committed to studying Mr. Ng’s suggestions for future policy enhancements.

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1 Aug 2017

Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill

The Minister introduced amendments to strengthen Muslim families by requiring minor couples to attend a marriage preparation programme and obtain parental consent, and by mandating divorcing couples to attend counselling to focus on child welfare.
The Bill reinforces Muslim institutions by clarifying jurisdiction rules for the Syariah Court, encouraging divorce applications before pronouncing talak, and mandating the presence of a Kadi or Naib Kadi at marriage solemnisations.
Amendments enhance the management of Muslim assets by expanding MUIS's powers to remove wakaf trustees for mismanagement, allowing the creation of sinking funds for wakaf upkeep, and clarifying the use of the Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund for mosque and madrasah development.

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4 Jul 2017

Protection and Rehabilitation of Women of Domestic Abuse

The Ministry for Social and Family Development collaborates with agencies like the Police, Prisons, Courts, and NGOs through the National Family Violence Networking System to protect victims of domestic abuse.
Victims can access support services including counselling, therapy, safety planning, temporary shelter, financial or housing assistance, and legal protection orders.
A public campaign, "Break the Silence | Against Family Violence," was launched to raise awareness and empower bystanders to safely intervene.
Rehabilitation efforts aim to help victims re-integrate into society, school, and work through coordinated community and NGO support.
Domestic violence is treated as a public issue, with all community members encouraged to report abuse and assist affected individuals.

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4 Jul 2017

Measures to Identify and Help Women with Ante- and Postnatal Depression

Hospitals like KKH and NUH, which handle 90% of public deliveries, have funded programmes under the National Mental Health Blueprint to screen women for antenatal and postnatal depression and provide early intervention, while SGH offers referrals to a psychiatry clinic for the remaining 10%.
Screening occurs at specific postnatal weeks at specialist clinics, with antenatal screening at multiple trimesters at NUH; positive cases are managed by multi-disciplinary teams, and families receive information and contacts.
Both KKH and NUH offer antenatal talks and classes for women and spouses on maternal depression, and awareness is raised through public media, forums, and materials in waiting areas.
All clinicians are encouraged to use the 2010 clinical practice guideline to ask about and refer for maternal depression, and the Health Promotion Board provides resources like the Healthy Pregnancy Plan and Healthy Start guide to all mothers.
There are efforts to educate the public, employers, and families through workshops, videos, and brochures, with acknowledgments that further outreach to spouses, extended family, and the general public is needed.

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4 Jul 2017

Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates at Public and Private Centres

The Ministry of Health provided ART success rates for public and private centres, showing a decline with maternal age, with higher rates in public centres overall.
The Ministry stated it will review ART subsidies if average bill sizes rise significantly, noting that co-funding was last enhanced in 2013.
The Ministry indicated no current decision to extend ART co-funding age limits, citing evidence that success rates drop sharply after age 35 and are low for women above 40.

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3 Jul 2017

Help for Women with Post-natal Depression

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked about the percentage of women developing post-natal depression, available subsidised resources, and whether free post-partum mental health screening and follow-up care will be made available for all Singaporean women.
A local study found about 12% of pregnant women experience depression antenatally and 7% postnatally, with obstetricians in both public and private sectors playing a key role in identifying symptoms.
Since 2007, NUH and KKH have provided free postnatal depression screening and early intervention, with multidisciplinary teams managing cases and offering antenatal talks and public awareness campaigns.
Women diagnosed with depression can receive subsidies for outpatient treatment at public institutions, use MediSave under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, and seek financial assistance from medical social workers if needed.

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3 Jul 2017

Incidence of Single Unwed Moms Who Adopt Biological Children

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about unwed mothers adopting their biological children, including the number of cases, rejections, and whether the Ministry would review policies to ensure equal rights for their children.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin reported that from 2012 to 2016, five applications were assessed, with four approved and one withdrawn.
He clarified that unwed mothers do not need to adopt their children to access most government benefits, as Singaporean children receive support regardless of marital status, and recent policy extensions include Child Development Account benefits and maternity leave for unwed parents.
However, benefits like Baby Bonus and housing support are reserved for married couples to encourage parenthood within marriage, as per Singapore's social norms.
The Minister emphasized that adoption by an unwed mother terminates the biological father's legal obligations and the child's right to seek maintenance, advising legal consultation before proceeding.

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3 Jul 2017

Trend and Impact of Singaporeans Marrying Foreigners

The proportion of marriages between Singaporean citizens and non-residents declined slightly from 30% in 2011 to 27% in 2015, with Singaporean men marrying foreigners decreasing from 80% to 75% and women increasing from 20% to 25% in the same period.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development regularly studies these marriages and has introduced support measures since December 2014, including marriage preparation and support programmes, to help couples manage cross-cultural differences and adapt to life in Singapore.
These marriages are recognised as part of Singaporean society, and the government provides community resources and activities to strengthen such families, acknowledging the unique challenges they may face.

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8 May 2017

Singaporeans Below 35 on Social Welfare in 2016

Sitoh Yih Pin asked about the number and trends of Singaporeans below 35 on social welfare in 2016 and the government's plans to address underlying issues.
Tan Chuan-Jin reported that households with main applicants under 35 receiving ComCare SMTA increased from 4,016 in FY2012 to 5,644 in FY2015, with a slight dip in proportion, attributed to revised income criteria and expanded access through Social Service Offices.
The government partners with agencies like Workforce Singapore and community organizations to provide employment assistance, family support, and preventive programs, including marriage preparation and financial literacy.
Upstream efforts are being expanded, such as the KidSTART pilot program for young children from low-income families to ensure they have a good start in life.
The response emphasizes a multi-faceted approach combining financial aid, employment support, family resilience programs, and preventive measures to address the needs of younger Singaporeans on welfare.

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8 May 2017

Plans for Adequate Childcare and Kindergarten Facilities in Bidadari Estate

The Ministry works with HDB to plan preschools in new BTO developments, including Bidadari, aiming for larger capacities and earlier completion.
New preschools are designed to be integrated into precincts for better accessibility for young families moving in.
Centres may access common greens and community facilities to support children’s outdoor activities and development.

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8 May 2017

Long-term Plan to Help Lower-income Singaporean Families Defray High Cost of Infant Formula

Sitoh Yih Pin and Low Thia Khiang asked if the Ministry plans to provide permanent or long-term assistance to lower-income families to manage the high cost of infant formula, potentially expanding existing schemes like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund.
Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that families can use the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, which provides up to $10,000 per child, disbursed over 18 months, to help cover child-raising costs including infant formula.
The Ministry directs low-income families facing difficulties to Social Service Offices for ComCare assistance, which includes monthly cash grants that can cover infant formula costs after a needs assessment.
The government acknowledges community efforts like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund and will continue monitoring infant formula costs and reviewing social assistance schemes as needed.

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8 May 2017

Gender Budgeting to Determine Effect of Policies on Women

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether the Government practises gender budgeting to assess policies' impact on women, particularly regarding fertility and labour participation, and for which policies this applies.
Heng Swee Keat stated that Singapore does not use formal gender budgeting but integrates gender considerations in policy design and resource allocation to advance women's advancement and equality.
The Minister highlighted policy measures such as affordable preschool, Work-Life Grants, enhanced parental leave, and legal protections like the Women's Charter to support women and families.
Statistics show progress: higher tertiary education and employment rates for women, steady wage growth, and increased flexible work arrangements benefiting workers overall.
Singapore's efforts are detailed in reports to the United Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, demonstrating ongoing commitment to gender equality.

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8 May 2017

Affordability of Infant Formula

The Minister highlighted that while breastfeeding is encouraged, infant formula sold in Singapore meets nutritional standards, and the government will promote public awareness to help parents make informed choices and reduce reliance on marketing claims.
Measures include supporting Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative certification, facilitating more formula options in hospitals, and simplifying import requirements to increase competition, with the Competition Commission investigating any anti-competitive pricing behavior.
Regulatory bodies will tighten labelling and advertising rules and review ethics codes, while the government, along with consumer associations, will monitor pricing fairness and address potential profiteering.

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8 May 2017

Mandatory Maternity Leave for Female Employees

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Government about plans to review and increase the length of mandatory maternity leave for female employees.
Teo Chee Hean, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that the Government is committed to supporting families and has progressively enhanced leave provisions, including increasing maternity leave to 16 weeks and introducing paternity and shared parental leave.
The Government announced a three-year pilot scheme in the public sector to test the viability of longer parental leave, providing an additional four weeks of unpaid infant care leave per parent, but has no plans to increase legislated maternity leave at this time to allow employers to adjust to recent changes.
Employers are encouraged to support work-life balance through resources like the WorkPro Work-Life Grant and the Tripartite Advisory on Flexible Work Arrangements.

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8 May 2017

Extension of Childcare Centres' Operating Hours

Ms Sun Xueling asked about the percentage of childcare centres operating beyond 7:00 pm without penalising parents and whether the Ministry could encourage more centres to extend hours to 8:00 pm without penalties.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin stated that only about 4% of childcare centres operate beyond 7:00 pm on weekdays, and the Ministry does not regulate late-pickup fees, as these are commercial arrangements between centres and parents.
The Minister explained that requiring centres to extend hours could increase staffing and costs, and noted that many parents rely on other caregivers for late pickups.
The Government supports affordable childcare and encourages parents to find arrangements to balance work and family responsibilities, while noting that more employers are adopting flexible work arrangements.

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8 May 2017

Plans for Human Milk Bank

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for Health to provide more details about the planned human milk bank.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed the milk bank is still in the planning stages.
The initiative is a partnership between Temasek Foundation Cares and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The milk bank is funded by Temasek Foundation Cares.
Further details will be shared later this year once plans are finalised.

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8 May 2017

Lease Extension under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Leon Perera asked about extending leases for families under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) when their new BTO flats are due within three to six months of the lease expiry.
Lawrence Wong explained that PPHS provides interim rental housing and HDB can extend tenancies if the site is not due for immediate clearance, but extensions beyond the site expiry date are not possible due to redevelopment plans.
Families are informed of site availability periods and advised to choose flats aligning with their new flat timelines, with HDB sending reminders ahead of expiry.
HDB assists affected families by helping them transfer to other available PPHS flats when their current site expires.

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