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Large Families II: A Cultivate Commune (July) update
In a society with one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, large families stand as a quiet counter‑statement to the Singaporean mainstream. At our Commune on 25 July, we returned to this provocative topic, hearing from two couples who are living it out: Michael and Karen See, with eight children, and Linus and Anne Marie Koh, with six.
- 18 August 2026
Building an (Un)anxious Generation
The move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has led to the rise in anxiety across the world. Social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt made this case in his 2024 book “The Anxious Generation”. Drawing from his findings, our research and policy lead Daniel Lim spoke at The Helping Hand “Ride and Run to Restore” on 18 April 2026, on the topic “Building an (Un)anxious Generation”. Here is an edited extract from the talk.
- July 10 2026
How Delayed Marriage and Parenthood Result in Sandwiched Families
Singaporeans are marrying later and having children later. Demographically, this increases the risk of acute sandwiched family struggles, especially with two or more generations of delayed marriage and parenthood. While it is important to support families in such situations, it is also important to encourage earlier marriage and parenthood planning. A version of this article was presented at our Commune on 16 May.
- June 30 2026
“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 2 of 2): How this 1971 speech suggests solutions to fertility rates today
The 1971 speech by Parliamentary Secretary Inche Sha’ari Bin Tadin captured the heart and motivation of Singapore’s population control campaign. To pursue achievement and a high standard of living, “adaptations” had to be made to family life and childbearing, education and our value systems. To improve our fertility rates, we should perhaps do the opposite what he was calling for at the time.
- June 22 2026
More For You
Human Rights of the Family (Part 2): Family as the Basic Building Block of Society
Consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Singapore Government has affirmed and emphasised the foundational importance of the family unit in its laws and policies. This is even in the midst of debates over the meaning and definition of “family”.
- 14 February 2024
Human Rights of the Family (Part 1): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
10 December 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. One provision declares that “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.” How did this come about?
- 7 February 2024
Words make conversation
Words make conversation, and clarity breeds communication. We can grow the good, one conversation at a time because interpersonal dialogue humanises us.
- 6 July 2023
