IIASA population researchers in Singapore

Population issues are currently a topic of intense public discussions in Singapore. In January, the government of Singapore released a population white paper, suggesting that significant immigration of non-resident workers should result in an increase of the total population from currently 5.3 million to 6.5 to 6.9 million by 2030.

While immigration into the country proceeds quickly, the fertility rates of Singaporeans have declined to a record low, to even lower levels than any country in Europe. The government is very interested in policies that would help to increase the birth rate. IIASA’s comparative population analysis on low fertility countries in Europe can provide relevant insights into the correct measurement of fertility decline and the reasons behind it, as well as its potential impacts.

For several weeks in February, Lutz is meeting and working with colleagues and government officials in Singapore and giving several lectures for academics, students, and the general public. In addition, IIASA demographer Bilal Barakat is spending a period of four months at the National University of Singapore to further strengthen collaboration on the analysis of education trends in India, China and Indonesia.

On 13 February, Lutz will speak at the National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, addressing the question, “Is Singapore’s Birth Rate too low?” That seemingly simple question is actually quite complex, depending on migration, life expectancy, and education levels, as well as economic factors. Event information.

On 18 February Lutz will give the prestigious NUSS Professorship Lecture on the topic “Singapore: Population and Human Capital”. This public lecture has been widely announced and given the current heated debates about population in Singapore has already drawn significant media attention. Event information.

On 19 February, Lutz will give a third invited lecture at the Institute of Policy Studies . In this lecture he will discuss fertility decline around the world, as well as the positive and negative impacts of this trend. In particular, Lutz will discuss how education and other factors can impact society, and how to determine what level of fertility is desirable from an economic point of view. Event information.

Last edited: 18 February 2013