Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sparked discussions on global demographics by claiming that Singapore and other nations are on a path to “extinction” due to declining fertility rates. Musk made the statement in response to a tweet highlighting Singapore’s historically low birthrate, which is now just 0.97 children per woman—far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain a population.
The conversation originated from a tweet by Mario Nawfal, an influencer on X (formerly Twitter), who cited Newsweek’s analysis of Singapore’s “baby crisis.” Nawfal described the country’s demographic struggles, noting that its aging population and shrinking workforce are pushing the government toward robotics and other technological solutions.
“By 2030, nearly 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be over 65, with the support ratio plummeting to 4 working adults per senior compared to 6 in 2014,” Nawfal wrote. He added that Singapore’s high robot density—second only to South Korea globally—underscores its reliance on automation as the workforce diminishes.
Musk, a vocal advocate for addressing declining fertility rates globally, replied succinctly, “Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct.”
A Growing Concern
Musk’s remark aligns with his ongoing commentary about the dangers of declining birthrates worldwide, which he considers a more pressing issue than overpopulation. Singapore, known for its rapid economic development and urban density, faces unique challenges as its population ages. Efforts to boost fertility through financial incentives and family-friendly policies have had limited success.
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Global Implications
The issue is not limited to Singapore. Many developed nations, including Japan, South Korea, and several European countries, face similar demographic crises, characterized by aging populations, declining workforces, and economic strain. Musk’s comments have reignited debates about the role of immigration, technology, and policy interventions in mitigating these challenges.
As nations grapple with their demographic futures, the question remains: Can technology, like robotics and AI, offset the economic and social impacts of declining fertility rates? Or will bold policy reforms be necessary to avert Musk’s prediction of “extinction”?
(Becky)
