For the first time ever, Singapore’s resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0. Preliminary estimates show that the total fertility rate fell to 0.97 in 2023, declining further from the previous record of 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021.

What are the factors leading to the new low? And should we be worried? 

Dr Mathew Mathews, Head, Social Lab, and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore shares his views. 

For the first time ever, Singapore’s resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0. Preliminary estimates show that the total fertility rate fell to 0.97 in 2023, declining further from the previous record of 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021.
What are the factors leading to the new low? And should we be worried? 
Dr Mathew Mathews, Head, Social Lab, and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore shares his views.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

A recap of the biggest news stories so you do not miss a thing, even while you were busy working.

A recap of the biggest news stories so you do not miss a thing, even while you were busy working.

The Weekly Wrap-Up

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Weekly Wrap Up: Singapore's fertility rate hits record low, should we be worried?

Comedy has always been a major part of Singapore's culture.

But beyond entertainment, comedy may be serving a much bigger purpose. At a time when conversations about generational divides are becoming more common — whether it's over technology, workplace expectations or social values — humour appears to be creating moments of connection between young and old.

In some cases, comedy can even help us navigate sensitive topics, challenge stereotypes and better understand perspectives that differ from our own.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Singapore's veteran comedian, Kumar, to learn how local humour have evolved over the years, and how is comedy is one of Singapore's most effective tools for bridging the generational gap.

Comedy has always been a major part of Singapore's culture.
But beyond entertainment, comedy may be serving a much bigger purpose. At a time when conversations about generational divides are becoming more common &mdash; whether it's over technology, workplace expectations or social values &mdash; humour appears to be creating moments of connection between young and old.
In some cases, comedy can even help us navigate sensitive topics, challenge stereotypes and better understand perspectives that differ from our own.
On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Singapore's veteran comedian, Kumar, to learn how local humour have evolved over the years, and how is comedy is one of Singapore's most effective tools for bridging the generational gap.

The Agenda: How comedy bridges the generational gap in Singapore

No topic is off-limits... well, almost. In this special Ask Kumar segment, Singapore's beloved comedian and entertainer Kumar takes on questions from listeners, offering his unique blend of wit, wisdom and unfiltered observations. From life's biggest dilemmas to the most random curiosities, expect plenty of laughs, surprising insights and classic Kumar honesty.

No topic is off-limits... well, almost. In this special Ask Kumar segment, Singapore's beloved comedian and entertainer Kumar takes on questions from listeners, offering his unique blend of wit, wisdom and unfiltered observations. From life's biggest dilemmas to the most random curiosities, expect plenty of laughs, surprising insights and classic Kumar honesty.

Ask Kumar: The unfiltered answers Singapore wants

The wait is over — the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here. But as fans turn their attention to the action on the field, a different contest is already playing out off it.

Visa restrictions, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical tensions have all cast a shadow over football's biggest tournament, raising questions about whether the World Cup can still be considered a truly global event.

As the United States, Mexico and Canada welcome the world, we ask: Has the World Cup become a stage for global politics as much as sport?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, to find out more. 

The wait is over &mdash; the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here.&nbsp;But as fans turn their attention to the action on the field, a different contest is already playing out off it. Visa restrictions, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical tensions have all cast a shadow over football's biggest tournament, raising questions about whether the World Cup can still be considered a truly global event.
As the United States, Mexico and Canada welcome the world, we ask: Has the World Cup become a stage for global politics as much as sport?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, to find out more.&nbsp;

Weekly Wrap Up: Singapore's fertility rate hits record low, should we be worried?

The Weekly Wrap-Up

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