Full Q&A with Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong at IPS’ Singapore Perspectives 2026

Summary of Discussion on Singapore’s Demographic Challenges and Social Cohesion

Key Concepts:

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. Currently at 0.97 in Singapore, significantly below the replacement rate.
• Replacement Rate: The TFR needed to maintain a stable population size (approximately 2.1).
• Social Integration: The process of newcomers becoming accepted and participating fully in the existing society.
• Horizontal Trust: Trust among citizens within a society.
• Vertical Trust: Trust between citizens and the government.
• SkillsFuture: A national movement to provide Singaporeans with opportunities for lifelong learning and skills upgrading.
• Medishield Life: A basic health insurance scheme in Singapore.
• Medifund: An endowment fund to help Singaporeans with financial difficulties pay for healthcare.

I. Demographic Situation & Immigration Necessity

The discussion centered on Singapore’s declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which stood at 0.97 in 2024, a figure that didn’t experience the typical “blip” seen in Dragon years. This indicates a continuing downward trend, despite stabilization appearing on the surface. Even at 0.97, the TFR is below 50% of the replacement rate, meaning the Singaporean citizen core will eventually shrink without intervention. While longevity currently buffers population decline, proactive measures are needed to maintain a dynamic population and avoid losing opportunities. Citizenship growth has also slowed, from 0.87% per annum in the first five years to 0.76% in the last five, and 0.7% in the most recent year. Therefore, immigration is deemed necessary to supplement the population, but the critical question is how to integrate newcomers effectively.

II. Integrating New Citizens & Foreign Workers

The speaker emphasized the importance of social integration, particularly for new citizens (Permanent Residents becoming citizens). Different types of foreign workers (construction, marine, domestic, retail, manufacturing) require tailored management approaches. Programs like the “Singapore Citizen Journey” and a piloted “PR Journey” aim to familiarize newcomers with Singaporean culture, values, and practices. The core challenge lies in recognizing differences while expanding common ground between new citizens and existing Singaporeans. A Chinese concept of acknowledging differences while fostering commonality was invoked. Assimilation is easier for those with cultural similarities (e.g., from neighboring countries). Integration efforts include community programs and volunteer opportunities. The speaker acknowledged this is an ongoing, evolving process.

III. Addressing Concerns about Competition & Social Cohesion

A significant portion of the discussion addressed anxieties surrounding immigration, specifically the fear that immigrants will outperform Singaporeans. This concern was linked to burnout among younger Singaporeans, who may lack the same work ethic as previous generations due to different priorities and expectations. The speaker stressed the need to maintain competitiveness in a globalized world, where low-cost countries are improving quality and high-quality countries are reducing costs through automation. However, this pursuit of excellence must be balanced with work-life balance and a focus on family and relationships. The speaker highlighted the importance of both vertical (trust in government) and horizontal (trust among citizens) trust, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of strong horizontal trust in action (mask-wearing for collective protection).

IV. Healthcare Inequality & Social Safety Nets

A question raised concerns about health inequalities, citing data showing lower socio-economic groups are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The speaker acknowledged the “war on diabetes” and other health initiatives, but also addressed concerns about recent changes to healthcare financing policies (raising deductibles for those with insurance riders). The speaker affirmed the commitment to providing affordable healthcare, particularly for low-income individuals, through the public healthcare system and Medifund subsidies.

V. Evolving National Narratives & Future Challenges

The discussion touched upon the need to evolve Singapore’s national narrative, traditionally focused on survival and competition. The speaker acknowledged the increasing fragmentation of the global landscape and the shrinking space for international cooperation. The “we first” concept, championed by Prime Minister Wong, was presented as a way to foster community and inclusivity. The speaker emphasized the importance of investing in relationships and community development to address the declining TFR. A final question highlighted the tension between prioritizing economic competitiveness and fostering a supportive environment for families.

Notable Quotes:

• “We first doesn’t mean that we first you later or we first they later. Actually we first means we before I.” – DPM Gan Kim Yong, explaining the “we first” concept.
• “Competition doesn’t come from within, comes from outside. We are competing with many many countries in the world.” – DPM Gan Kim Yong, emphasizing the need for continued competitiveness.
• “Relationship is something you have to spend time and spend effort and spend resources in managing in growing. You cannot expect to have high TFR without spending effort in investing in the relationship.” – DPM Gan Kim Yong, on the importance of family and community.

Data & Statistics:

• TFR 2024: 0.97
• Citizenship Growth (First 5 years): 0.87% per annum
• Citizenship Growth (Last 5 years): 0.76% per annum
• Citizenship Growth (2024): 0.7% per annum
• Lower Socio-Economic Groups (vs. others): 70% more likely to have diabetes, 20% more likely to have hypertension, 20% more likely to have high cholesterol.

Conclusion:

The discussion underscored the complex challenges facing Singapore regarding demographic decline and social cohesion. While immigration is deemed necessary, successful integration requires proactive measures to foster common ground and address anxieties about competition. Balancing economic competitiveness with social well-being, promoting horizontal trust, and evolving national narratives to prioritize community are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for Singapore. The speaker repeatedly emphasized the need for a holistic approach, acknowledging that there are no easy solutions and that ongoing effort and adaptation are essential.