Academics and students welcomed Singapore University of Social Sciences’ (SUSS) introduction of its Marriage and Baby Bonus scheme for its part-time adult students. SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan said the SUSS move is an innovative way to encourage young adults to integrate lifelong learning with family responsibilities. "We tend to look at our life aspirations in linear segments – first we complete our formal education, then we get a job and build our careers, and then we get married and grow our families," she said. This mindset results in a delay in people getting married and having their first child, she added, as investment in formal education and careers now take longer.