Marriages in Singapore hit a 50-year high last year, but will this result in a "baby boom"?

Unlikely, sociologists and experts told The Straits Times, though they remain hopeful that there could be a slight increase in the number of babies in the future.

There were 27,936 marriages last year, the most since records began in 1961.

Sociologist Tan Ern Ser, referring to the figures released by the Department of Statistics on Wednesday, said more people are marrying later, "a fact which may not be helpful to enhancing fertility rates".

Singapore's total fertility rate (TFR) last year was 1.29 births per woman, far below the replacement rate of 2.1.

Other experts agreed with Associate Professor Tan, but added that Singapore may still see a few more babies.

Said Mr Jonathan Siew, centre manager at Care Corner Counselling Centre: "I don't think the percentage rise in number of babies would match that of marriages, but there may still be a slight increase."

But to see a more significant increase in the birth rate here, more should be done to encourage singles below the age of 30 to tie the knot, said sociologist Paulin Straughan.

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