The Dragon year is as good a time as any to try for a baby, he said in his Chinese New Year message.
SINGAPORE - As the Year of the Dragon beckons, it is as good a time as any for young couples to try for babies, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as he once again took the opportunity to urge people to have children in his annual Chinese New Year message.
“Many Chinese families consider a child born in the Year of the Dragon to be especially auspicious, the dragon being a symbol of power, strength and good fortune,” he said.Singapore’s crude birth rate – the number of births per 1,000 people – has been steadily declining since the 1960s, but increases were recorded in the years that fell under the Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon – in 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012.
“All this is quite understandable. But I still hope that more Singaporean couples will decide to have more children, and to have them earlier,” he said. PM Lee, who has four children and is a grandfather, said bringing up children is an important element of family life, and there is great joy in watching the young ones learn, grow and reach milestones year by year.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PM Lee Hsien Loong Reminds Singaporeans to Protect Reserves for Future GenerationsPrime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reminds Singaporeans to view themselves as trustees of the country's reserves and to protect them for future generations. He emphasizes the importance of saving, resisting pressures to use the reserves, and unlocking them only when necessary.
Read more »
Singaporeans heading to Malaysia for cheaper medicationSome Singaporeans have been regularly heading over to Johor Bahru for cheaper medication, according to an episode of Talking Point by CNA. They are able to purchase medicine from pharmacies in Malaysia without a doctor's prescription.
Read more »
Chinese couples eager to have 'dragon babies' as auspicious year approachesChinese actress Ma Qian, who is six months pregnant, and her husband are among many couples trying to conceive 'dragon babies' as the auspicious year approaches. Despite government efforts to encourage more births, the Year of the Dragon has traditionally seen an increase in pregnancies in China.
Read more »
East Asian Couple Expecting a Dragon BabyA couple in East Asia is expecting a baby born in the Year of the Dragon, which is considered auspicious. The couple shared the news through a video and received congratulations from friends and celebrities. The baby is due in February next year.
Read more »