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101 East
Asia's birth rates: A rising crisis
Birth rates are at an all-time low across Asia's economic powerhouses.
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009 15:00 GMT

Low fertility rates are
putting pressure on Asian societies
Across Asia, birth rates are at crisis point - Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan - all have fertility rates at all-time lows.

 

With populations not replacing themselves, pressure is being put on nations' military strengths, future economies, and on pension schemes to support the elderly.

 

But despite years of pro-family government policies, baby bonuses, and even government-supported dating agencies, nothing seems to be turning the tide.

 

This week, 101 East asks: How can Asia’s economic powerhouses survive without more babies?

 

Joining host Teymoor Nabili to discuss the issue is Paulin Straughan, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, Journalist Philip Bowring and Tan Joo Hymn of Singapore’s Association of Women for Action and Research.


Watch Part one of the show
 

Part two
Source:
Al Jazeera
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