Singapore, Japan partner on family, child development

SINGAPORE - Faced with the problems of plunging birth rates and rapidly ageing populations, Singapore and Japan are set to collaborate in the field of family and children’s development.

On Tuesday, a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) was signed between Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Japan's Children and Families Agency.

The signing ceremony took place during a working visit to Tokyo by Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli.

In a statement, MSF said the partnership will see both agencies undertake cooperative activities such as sharing best practices, exchanging information, and conducting research, studies, and statistical data related to the holistic development of families and children.

Masagos, who is in Japan until July 24, said the collaboration signals a commitment by both countries to building strong families and helping children thrive.

"As Singapore and Japan navigate similar demographic challenges, including ageing populations and low birth rates, there is much value in exchanging ideas and learning from each other's experiences in supporting families and children," he said. - BERNAMA