Latest news with #IndraneeRajah
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Career setbacks cited in S'pore survey of people seeking fertility help
SINGAPORE – Some 41 per cent of respondents who struggled to conceive said in a poll that fertility treatment affected their work, with 13 per cent saying they quit their jobs to undergo such treatment. Top workplace challenges cited were seeking approval for time off (34 per cent), career progression setbacks (31 per cent) and getting their colleagues' understanding (15 per cent). These findings come from a sensing poll in June by non-profit initiative Fertility Support Singapore, which surveyed 504 of its members – 80 per cent women and 20 per cent men – who have faced fertility struggles. The poll aims to shed light on the workplace experiences of those facing infertility, defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of trying. Results were released on July 25 at an event hosted by Fertility Support Singapore to mark World IVF Day. The demand for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in Singapore has grown, with more couples delaying marriage and childbirth, and seeking medical help to have a baby. Giving a speech at the event, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, called for more companies to provide fertility benefits such as paid time off and training for managers, so that employees can pursue both personal and work commitments. 'You have the power to create workplaces where employees feel seen, heard and supported, and where talent feel cherished and stand ready to give their all in return to support your business needs. That is a win-win outcome,' she said. Ms Indranee, who assists in overseeing the National Population and Talent Division, including the marriage and parenthood portfolio, said the Government has provided 75 per cent co-funding for eligible couples to receive assisted reproduction technology treatments for up to three fresh and three frozen cycles at public healthcare institutions. Fertility Support Singapore was started in 2020 by a group of women facing infertility, to advocate for better support for individuals navigating challenges here. On July 25, the group launched a Workplace Fertility Support Guide to help companies better support employees. The guide provides practical tools such as an e-mail template for those going through fertility treatments to raise the matter to bosses, the typical IVF timeline and medical leave required, and tips on how to talk to colleagues undergoing treatment. The guide can be found at To understand the barriers to fertility support in the workplace, Fertility Support Singapore partnered with market research firm Milieu Insight to conduct a study in March with 400 Singaporeans aged 25 to 55. The survey found public awareness to be lacking, with 62 per cent not knowing what fertility support is. Some 77 per cent of respondents perceive a trade-off between work and pursuing such treatments. Nearly 60 per cent of people would be interested in joining a new employer that offers fertility benefits, results showed. Only 27 per cent said their companies provided some form of fertility benefits, such as flexible work hours to attend appointments, and paid or unpaid leave for treatment. Ms Rosalyn Wee and her husband sought help from a fertility specialist after a year of trying to conceive. The educational therapist and project lead, who underwent IVF, did not tell her boss as she felt fertility treatments were personal. 'It doesn't really occur to you how painful emotionally and physically discomfiting it is, until you actually go through it,' she said. Her first embryo transfer ended in failure. The news came while she was in an important meeting. 'That really broke me,' she said. She decided to open up to her bosses, who offered both paid and unpaid leave for treatment. After taking 10 weeks of no-pay leave for another IVF cycle, Ms Wee successfully conceived in August 2023. Another mum, Mrs Rafidah Jalil, 39, had just been promoted and was managing a team at a bank when she decided to start a family at 31. Her first IVF cycle was successful. At 34, she tried IVF again but felt more stress due to greater work responsibilities and a lower egg count. But her bosses were supportive, and she could work flexibly, which helped her through the process. She is now a proud mum of a seven-year-old son and four-year-old boy-girl twins. Global healthcare company Merck, which sponsored the Fertility Support Singapore study, offers a lifetime cap of €100,000 (S$150,234) for fertility treatments, including IVF, elective egg freezing and male infertility treatments. Employees can get 90 per cent of their eligible fertility expenses reimbursed by the company. Ms Pixie Yee, general manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore, said the company has seen 79 claims amounting to $160,000 since the benefit was introduced in March 2024. Merck has 429 employees in Singapore. Ms Yee said she hopes to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable to tell their bosses about their fertility journey, to avoid any misunderstandings. 'Most people, when they have a very supportive manager, they will share,' she added. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024
SINGAPORE – The much hoped for baby boom did not materialise in the Year of the Dragon, but there was a slight rise in births in 2024. In total, 33,703 babies were born in 2024, up by 0.5 per cent from the 33,541 born in 2023, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024. The report was released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on July 18. Singapore's birth rate is among the world's lowest, and the Government has been trying for years to get Singaporeans to have more babies. Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell from 26,888 in 2023 to 26,442 in 2024, a drop of 1.7 per cent. This is the first time the number of deaths fell from the previous year in almost a decade, a check by The Straits Times found. With Singapore's rapidly ageing society, the number of deaths has been steadily rising over the decades. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have also contributed to the higher number of deaths between 2020 and 2022. The two leading causes of death in 2024 were cancer and heart and hypertensive diseases, which accounted for over half of all deaths here. In February, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples. Ms Rajah, whose ministry oversees population issues, said the preliminary total fertility rate (TFR), which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained at 0.97 in 2024. This is the same figure as 2023, when Singapore's TFR fell below 1 for the first time. In February, the total number of babies born in 2024 was not made public yet. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Dragon Year has traditionally been considered an auspicious time to have children, as the dragon is associated with good fortune, success and leadership, among other desirable traits. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. For example, there were 36,178 babies born in 2011 but 38,641 in 2012, which was Year of the Dragon – an increase of 6.8 per cent. The increase in births in the dragon year before that was even higher. In the 2000 dragon year, a total of 44,765 babies were born - an 8.3 per cent jump from the 41,327 babies born in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Government has introduced a slew of measures and benefits to boost the country's birth rate. The Large Families scheme, where families with three or more young children will get more financial benefits and support, was announced in February. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. SINGAPORE – The much hoped for baby boom did not materialise in the Year of the Dragon, but there was a slight rise in births in 2024. In total, 33,703 babies were born in 2024, up by 0.5 per cent from the 33,541 born in 2023, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024. The report was released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on July 18. Singapore's birth rate is among the world's lowest, and the Government has been trying for years to get Singaporeans to have more babies. Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell from 26,888 in 2023 to 26,442 in 2024, a drop of 1.7 per cent. This is the first time the number of deaths fell from the previous year in almost a decade, a check by The Straits Times found. With Singapore's rapidly ageing society, the number of deaths has been steadily rising over the decades. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Asia Cool photo spots, viral food videos: Malaysia plans to woo Chinese tourists via social media Asia From propaganda to passion: N. Korean TV show mimics K-drama to fend off banned media from the South Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but firm stands by its safety Singapore 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths Asia 'Guardian angels': Taiwan's dementia-friendly village promotes ageing in place Life US tech firm launches probe into Coldplay 'kiss cam' couple after clip goes viral The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have also contributed to the higher number of deaths between 2020 and 2022. The two leading causes of death in 2024 were cancer and heart and hypertensive diseases, which accounted for over half of all deaths here. In February, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples. Ms Rajah, whose ministry oversees population issues, said the preliminary total fertility rate (TFR), which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained at 0.97 in 2024. This is the same figure as 2023, when Singapore's TFR fell below 1 for the first time. In February, the total number of babies born in 2024 was not made public yet. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Dragon Year has traditionally been considered an auspicious time to have children, as the dragon is associated with good fortune, success and leadership, among other desirable traits. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. For example, there were 36,178 babies born in 2011 but 38,641 in 2012, which was Year of the Dragon – an increase of 6.8 per cent. The increase in births in the dragon year before that was even higher. In the 2000 dragon year, a total of 44,765 babies were born - an 8.3 per cent jump from the 41,327 babies born in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Government has introduced a slew of measures and benefits to boost the country's birth rate.
Independent Singapore
14-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Woman gets injured after PMD hit-and-run; has a message for the rider
FB screengrab/ COMPLAINT SINGAPORE SINGAPORE: A woman wrote in a popular local Facebook group that she was hit by a PMD (Personal Mobility Device) on Sunday morning (Jul 13) while walking down the 'slope from a bridge at Pasir Ris Block 124.' The incident occurred at around 7:15 a.m. After she got hit, the rider made a run for it and quickly disappeared. She posted photos of the bright red skin abrasions she sustained on her right knee, the lower part of the palm of her right hand, and the area near the elbow of her left arm. Screenshot Despite her injuries, she had a message for the person on the PMD. 'If the rider comes forward and apologises and compensates my bills (with receipt), I won't pursue further,' she wrote. Many people have shared her post. Some of the commenters on her post have urged her to report to the authorities. 'Hit and run, sure cannot find the PMD on your own. Lodge a police report ASAP,' one wrote. See also Inter-agency task force aims to reduce PMD fire risks 'Make a police report. What if he hits children instead?' another agreed. 'Just lodge a report. Usually, there's a camera on the bridge. Leaving you injured is already unacceptable,' a Facebook user chimed in. 'Just make a police report, and let the police do the job. Irresponsible behaviour from the PMD,' wrote another. A commenter urged her to reach out to the Pasir Ris Member of Parliament to ask for assistance. At present, the MPs from Pasir Ris–Changi GRC are In dranee Rajah , Desmond Tan, Sharael Taha, and Valerie Lee, all from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). One commenter said she should report the incident to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as well, although they admitted that this would be a bit of a challenge, since the PMD driver left the scene. Another seemed to agree, appealing to the LTA to 'Please wake up before more innocent will get hurt, maybe next time it might be kids or someone elderly.' One admitted that they were afraid of such an incident, writing, ' This is the worst thing I am worried about every day, that one day I might also be caught in such a situation.' Another appealed to the rider: 'Come out, PMD rider… Don't be a coward… just apologise… and settle.' The post author wrote in a comment that she has already lodged a police report. The Independent Singapore has reached out to her for further comments or updates. /TISG Read also: Netizens call out passenger for taking video of woman on PMD whom she said is just pretending to be disabled () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Outlining her priorities for her second term as Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah said it continues to be about upholding the quality of debate in the House. SINGAPORE – The role of the Leader of the House in maintaining order and upholding parliamentary privilege might have come to the fore in the previous term of Parliament, but to Ms Indranee Rajah a good part of the job can be distilled into one word: sequencing. This is as proper sequencing – whether of parliamentary questions (PQs), Bills, or motions – is crucial to the work of Parliament, which in a nutshell is about public accountability, she said in an interview with The Straits Times on July 4. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on June 20 that he had designated Ms Indranee as Leader of the House . This means Ms Indranee will be in her second term as Leader when the 15th Parliament convenes for its first sitting on Sept 5 . Ms Indranee noted that events may occur which spark public concern and require an urgent explanation from the authorities the next time Parliament is in session. Parliament typically sits once a month, for two or three days. Given that the first 90 minutes of each sitting are reserved for answering PQs and there may be close to 100 such questions filed by MPs, more pressing questions have to be prioritised, so that ministers can answer them and MPs can seek further clarifications, said Ms Indranee, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch World Tariffs will kick in on Aug 1 barring trade deals: US Treasury Secretary Singapore Woman on SMRT's 190 bus injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Business Great Eastern says Takeover Code not breached when it shared IFA valuation with OCBC Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Asia Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan Asia Two women fatally stabbed at bar in Japan by man Life Star Awards 2025: Christopher Lee wins big, including Special Achievement Award and Best Actor The same is true for Parliament's legislative function of deciding policies and making law, where the Leader's role is to determine which Bills should be debated and passed ahead of others, she added. 'Prioritising is a key thing (as Leader) because it enables the public to understand issues that may be on the public's mind,' she said. 'If it's a Bill, prioritising makes sure that a policy gets done by a certain deadline so that the policy can take effect.' On how her role differs from that of the PAP party whip, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Education Janil Puthucheary, Ms Indranee noted that the whip deals with party matters such as discipline and which MPs are intending to speak on each day. Meanwhile, the Leader coordinates between government ministries and the House on the scheduling of parliamentary business. While she proposes the first cut of Parliament's agenda, Ms Indranee noted that the Speaker makes the final call, and has discretion to change the sequencing. The aim is to make sure Parliament's work is well-fitted and can be completed in the allotted number of days, said Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and for National Development. 'You don't want to end super early one day, and then make everybody stay back past midnight the next day,' she said, while noting that her role is to extend the sitting time as needed. 'It doesn't always work out that way, but we try our best.' During the 14th Parliament, Ms Indranee's role as Leader attracted public attention, as it fell to her to file a formal complaint against former Workers' Party MP Raeesah Khan for lying to the House . On multiple occasions, she also rebuked Progress Singapore Party's Mr Leong Mun Wai, including for failing to substantiate certain allegations and for his comments outside the Chamber on parliamentary proceedings. Ms Indranee noted that while the Speaker makes the final decision on whether or not an MP's behaviour has contravened the rules, somebody has to raise the issue in order for him to do so. Where there is a need, it is important for the Leader to intervene, she added. 'When there is no need, and everything is going along swimmingly as it should, then there's no reason for me to insert myself into the process,' she added. Sometimes, mistakes are made unintentionally but must still be dealt with in the public eye, so that the rules are observed and Parliament continues to run smoothly, she said. Being an MP is a privilege, and the law confers certain immunities on MPs so they can speak freely in Parliament without being prosecuted or sued for their statements. But such privilege has to be exercised responsibly, Ms Indranee stressed. 'It is very important not to mislead, not to lie in Parliament, that what you say can be substantiated,' she said. 'And if that is not followed, then it is necessary to call that into question and have that dealt with.' Outlining her priorities for her second term as Leader, Ms Indranee said it continues to be about upholding the quality of debate in the House, such that Parliament's work is efficient, substantive and impactful, and conducted with decorum and propriety. This requires MPs to identify issues clearly and crystallise what is at stake and the implications of the outcome of a Bill or a motion, she added. 'Good, substantive debate does not always make good theatre, and I think we have to be mindful of that,' she said. 'We have to keep our eyes firmly on the substance, and make sure that we are addressing the things that are of importance to Singaporeans, and how we can take Singapore forward.'
