Singapore’s total fertility rate dropped to a new low of 0.87 in 2025, and while our citizen population expanded 0.7 per cent, growth has slowed in the past 10 years… But, in an AI-driven future, could low population growth remain low? A smaller, but highly skilled population could be equally productive? Daniel Martin finds out from Professor Paulin Tay Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director of the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, SMU.

Singapore&rsquo;s total fertility rate dropped to a new low of 0.87 in 2025, and while our citizen population expanded 0.7 per cent, growth has slowed in the past 10 years&hellip; But,&nbsp;in an AI-driven future, could low population growth remain low? A smaller, but highly skilled population could be equally productive? Daniel Martin finds out from Professor Paulin Tay Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director of the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, SMU.

The best interviews from CNA938 on Singapore news, current affairs, health, entertainment and money.

The best interviews from CNA938 on Singapore news, current affairs, health, entertainment and money.

CNA938 Rewind

Daniel Martin break down the biggest stories of the day — with your voice. Call or text in, hear what others think, and get expert takes on the issues that matter. Whether you're fired up, curious, or just want to be part of the national conversation, Talkback gives you a seat at the table.

Daniel Martin break down the biggest stories of the day &mdash; with your voice. Call or text in, hear what others think, and get expert takes on the issues that matter. Whether you're fired up, curious, or just want to be part of the national conversation, Talkback gives you a seat at the table.

Talkback

The best interviews from CNA938 on Singapore news, business updates, entertainment and food.

The best interviews from CNA938 on Singapore news, business updates, entertainment and food.

#TalkBack: TFR at 0.87, but can we succeed with a smaller population in an AI-transformed world?

Simbian Chua made headlines when her bak-kwa shop was engulfed in flames just before Chinese New Year. But with grit and hustle, the founder of Century Bakkwa managed to fulfil all her orders. Simbian, who has run several businesses since dropping out of polytechnic, shares with trademark candour how her entrepreneurial grit has been fuelled by a desire to prove her naysayers wrong, why despite her success without tertiary education, she'd still tell her younger self to stay in school, and more.

Simbian Chua made headlines when her bak-kwa shop was engulfed in flames just before Chinese New Year. But with grit and hustle, the founder of Century Bakkwa managed to fulfil all her orders. Simbian, who has run several businesses since dropping out of polytechnic, shares with trademark candour how her entrepreneurial grit has been fuelled by a desire to prove her naysayers wrong, why despite her success without tertiary education, she'd still tell her younger self to stay in school, and more.

A Letter to Myself: "Reputation is more important than money" — Simbian Chua on business, bouncing back... and bak-kwa

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Lang Leav the bestselling Australian novelist and poet about her newly released poetry collection, “Soon It Will Be Sunday”. Described as deeply personal and beautifully composed, “Soon It Will Be Sunday” dwells on love, loss, time, and the spaces between endings and beginnings. Leav talks about how the life and death of her beloved dog Whiskey paved the way for poems about grief, remembrance, and healing. She’ll also talk about growing up as a minority in Australia via the piece “Second Migration”.

In &lsquo;Culture Club&rsquo;, Melanie Oliveiro speaks&nbsp;with&nbsp;Lang Leav the bestselling Australian novelist and poet about her newly released poetry collection, &ldquo;Soon It Will Be Sunday&rdquo;. Described as deeply personal and beautifully composed, &ldquo;Soon It Will Be Sunday&rdquo; dwells on love, loss, time, and the spaces between endings and beginnings. Leav talks about how the life and death of her&nbsp;beloved&nbsp;dog Whiskey paved the way for poems about grief, remembrance, and healing. She&rsquo;ll also talk about growing up as a minority in Australia via the piece &ldquo;Second Migration&rdquo;.

#TalkBack: TFR at 0.87, but can we succeed with a smaller population in an AI-transformed world?

CNA938 Rewind

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips