In an interview, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan discussed the latest annual Population in Brief report and whether Singapore's downward trend for both citizen marriages and births might persist. On the positive side, she noted that Singapore's population has not yet started shrinking, though this could become a concern if non-residents are excluded from the count. Prof Straughan also pointed out that society might be shifting towards new trends, such as DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) households and later marriages, especially in cosmopolitan settings. She emphasised the need to re-prioritise life goals, shifting from a career-focused approach to one that balances courtship and family planning for a more varied and fulfilling life.