Singapore is expanding support for families after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced new measures during the National Day Rally 2026 on August 23, covering childcare leave, financial assistance, housing access, and future land development plans.
Working parents will receive more childcare leave based on the number of children aged 12 and below. Parents with one child will receive eight days, those with two children will receive 10 days, while those with three or more children will receive 12 days.
“The more children you have, the more leave you will get,” Wong said.
He said a working couple with three primary school children currently receives four days of childcare leave. Under the new arrangement, they will receive 24 days combined.
The government will also provide larger financial support for newborns. Each baby will receive a Baby Gift worth S$10,000 or around ₱430,000, a MediSave grant of S$5,000 or around ₱215,000, and a Child Development Account with an initial grant of S$5,000 or around ₱215,000. The account will also receive a matching grant of up to S$5,000 or around ₱215,000.
Support will continue as children grow, with annual Child Credits worth S$2,000 or around ₱86,000 from ages one to 16, Edusave top-ups during primary and secondary school, and another S$10,000 or around ₱430,000 contribution into the Post-Secondary Education Account at age 17.
For housing, first-time families applying for new flats will receive one additional ballot chance for every child they have or are expecting. Wong said the measure will improve their chances of securing a flat.
Singapore will also raise housing income ceilings. The Build-To-Order flat ceiling will increase from S$14,000 to S$16,000, while the Executive Condominium ceiling will rise from S$16,000 to S$18,000.
Beyond family measures, Wong outlined plans to merge several offshore islands south of Jurong Island into a larger island over the coming decades. The areas include Semakau, Bukom, Pulau Sudong, and smaller islands.
He also highlighted Pulau Brani near Sentosa as an area with future development potential once port operations move out, allowing new attractions and experiences to be created.
