articles catalogue

“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 2 of 2): How this 1971 speech suggests solutions to fertility rates today

“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 1 of 2): This 1971 speech explains why our fertility rates are so low (and hints at how we can raise it) 

Achievement-oriented Values in 1971 speech
Singapore’s total fertility rate hit a new record low at 0.87 in 2025, a long consequence of the overwhelming success of the “Stop at Two” population control campaign launched in 1972. Just a year prior, Parliamentary Secretary Inche Sha’ari Bin Tadin gave a speech capturing the heart and motivation of the campaign. Could this speech also contain hints of how we can reverse our low birth rates?

Stay-At-Home Mothers are Becoming Rarer: Gain or Loss? 

Illustrated stay-at-home mom and working mom

Sandwiched Families: A Cultivate Commune (May) update

With delayed marriages and parenthood, low fertility rates and a rapidly ageing population, the number of sandwiched couples who have to care for both young and old is projected to increase. At our Commune on 16 May, we had a candid and uplifting discussion with two speakers in these circumstances, who left us with much encouragement and food for thought.

More For You

Childcare in Singapore

The Childcare Conundrum: Who to care for baby?  

Welcoming a newborn into the family is a joyous and life-changing experience, but who will take care of baby when Mum and Dad have to go back to work? In this article, we explore some options for childcare.

Update from Cultivate Commune: Singlehood, Marriage, and Friendships  

Cultivate Commune is a breakfast conversation where we explore how big ideas are planted in real community experiences. In this third Commune on 6 July 2024, we heard from two long-time friends, one married with children and one single. What can we do to sustain our friendships through different life stages of marriage or having children?

On Social Media and Touching Grass

Social media has enabled us to connect with others like never before, but why are people feeling lonelier? Research shows that we all need social contact with other people to keep mentally fit, and to feel connected and appreciated.

What we are reading

Articles here are for perspective and may not represent our views