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A survey by youth non-profit Heartware Network found that although many young Singaporeans are aware of the country’s falling birth rate, 40 per cent are in no hurry to marry, while about a quarter remain undecided. The survey also highlighted growing difficulties in forming meaningful social connections, with nearly 58 per cent saying it is not easy to build close relationships today. The issue appears to worsen with age. While around 42 per cent of respondents under 16 found it relatively easy to form social connections, this dropped to about 21 per cent among those aged 26 to 35. The findings were discussed during a youth dialogue attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Ms Indranee Rajah and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Goh Hanyan. Participants raised concerns about the psychological, social, and financial pressures of marriage and parenthood in Singapore’s competitive environment. A student from SP asked what role youths can play in adapting to Singapore’s demographic challenges. In response, Ms Goh encouraged young people to strengthen personal relationships and community bonds, saying meaningful human connections remain important beyond career success.

[The Straits Times]