Population Projection of 6.9 Million People and Steps to Reconcile or Revise Figure Given Lower Actual Number

34 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) in view that Singapore’s total population is now expected to be significantly below the 6.9 million projected in the 2013 Population White Paper, how does the Government reconcile the 2013 projection with the current outlook; and (b) what is the revised projected resident population, consisting of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, for 2030.

Ms Indranee Rajah (for the Prime Minister): The 2013 Population White Paper had stated that Singapore’s total population could range between 6.5 million and 6.9 million by 2030. However, the White Paper also stated that there is a wider band of uncertainty and that the actual population would depend on factors, such as fertility and life expectancy trends, the global and regional environment, our economic structure and social needs. The current figure of 6.04 million as of June 2024 is congruous with the qualifications in the White Paper.

Our resident population, consisting of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, could range from 4.3 million to 4.4 million by 2030 but, again, the actual figures will depend on various factors, such as actual fertility rates and immigration trends.

We update our population projections based on the latest assessment of relevant factors, to develop a range of possible outcomes, instead of planning based on a single number.