Budget 2026 continues to expand support for families through measures such as Child LifeSG credits and enhanced preschool and student-care subsidies, continuing efforts to ease the financial burden of raising children. But some argue that while these schemes reduce upfront costs, they may not address the longer-term income and career penalties associated with caregiving. 

So, are current family policies targeting the right constraints? And could more structural forms of support, including experimentation with caregiving compensation, influence decisions around family formation? 

Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what a deeper rethink of family policy might look like amid mounting demographic pressures.

For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Budget 2026 continues to expand support for families through measures such as Child LifeSG credits and enhanced preschool and student-care subsidies, continuing efforts to ease the financial burden of raising children. But some argue that while these schemes reduce upfront costs, they may not address the longer-term income and career penalties associated with caregiving.&nbsp;
So, are current family policies targeting the right constraints? And could more structural forms of support, including experimentation with caregiving compensation, influence decisions around family formation?&nbsp;
Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what a deeper rethink of family policy might look like amid mounting demographic pressures.
For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore — and your place in it.

Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just talk — it’s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let’s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore &mdash; and your place in it.
Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; and what&rsquo;s worth your attention.
And it&rsquo;s not just talk &mdash; it&rsquo;s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let&rsquo;s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.