Elon Musk Says Singapore is “Going Extinct” – What’s Going On?

Elon Musk’s Stark Warning Sparks Debate Over Singapore’s Demographic Future

Elon Musk’s recent social media comment declaring that Singapore is “going extinct” has ignited heated discussions, reflecting growing concerns about the city-state’s economic future and demographic trends.

The statement, part of a retweet on X (formerly Twitter), has sent ripples across social media platforms and among Singaporean policymakers, as the nation grapples with challenges related to ageing populations and low birth rates.

Why Did Musk’s Comment Strike a Chord?

Musk’s tweet came in response to a post by Mario Nawfal, a prominent social media influencer, discussing Singapore’s reliance on robotics to counter manpower shortages and its “baby crisis” linked to declining fertility rates.

Nawfal’s tweet highlighted that by 2030, nearly 25% of Singapore’s population will be over 65, citing data that paints a troubling picture of the nation’s demographic shifts.

Musk’s simple addition to the retweet—stating, “Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct”—has since gone viral, amassing over 44.3 million views as of early December.

The remark has spurred a vigorous debate online.

Some social media users dismissed it as hyperbolic, while others took his point seriously, noting the alarming statistics and challenges the country faces.

A Reddit user shared his thoughts, which has garnered over 1,900 upvotes:

“In 200 years the Singaporeans today will be all new immigrants of today. Like we are from immigrants 200 years ago.. Singaporeans will always be here.

The national identity will evolve. Just hopefully still remain as a independent Singapore and not under another country as a vassal or puppet state.”

These perspectives suggest that "extinction" might not mean a literal disappearance but could instead refer to shifts in identity and changes in population demographics caused by migration patterns.

What’s Behind the ‘Extinction’ Warning?

Musk’s comment highlights a very real issue: Singapore’s fertility rate has hit historic lows.

In 2023, the nation recorded a total fertility rate of just 0.97 children per woman, the lowest in its history and below the replacement rate needed to maintain population stability.

This represents a significant societal shift driven by a mix of economic uncertainty, changing societal attitudes, and financial pressures.

The effects of these trends are already visible.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) noted in its latest report that the labour force participation rate among Singaporeans aged 15 and older has dipped slightly from 68.6% in 2023 to 68.2% in 2024.

This trend is attributed primarily to the growing number of seniors, whose workforce participation rates are lower.

Furthermore, the country’s elderly support ratio is declining rapidly, falling from six working-age adults supporting each elderly person in 2014 to under four by 2024.

MOM has signalled that these trends could lead to tighter labour market constraints unless addressed.

These demographic challenges are expected to place a strain on the economy, particularly as the ageing population demands greater healthcare and social support.

With fewer younger workers entering the labour force and a shrinking number of births each year, Singapore is racing against time to find ways to maintain economic stability and secure sufficient support systems.

Could Robots Replace Singapore’s Shrinking Workforce?

One area of focus is technology.

Singapore already ranks second in the world for robot density, with 770 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, as per the International Federation of Robotics.

Musk’s retweet highlights this trend, which suggests that robotics could potentially fill the labour gaps created by falling fertility rates and an ageing population.

Tech advocates, including Musk himself, have pointed to humanoid robots as solutions.

Musk’s company, Tesla, is heavily invested in robotics, with plans to roll out humanoid machines capable of handling repetitive and hazardous jobs.

For a country like Singapore, with high labour costs and a small manufacturing base, the adoption of robotics could offset some of these workforce shortages.

However, not everyone agrees on relying solely on machines.

Discussions on social media have brought attention to other solutions, particularly immigration.

While many believe Singapore’s immigration policies could help counteract declining numbers, concerns remain over how this might affect national identity in the long term.

Considering the delicate balance between sustaining a stable labour market and addressing concerns about population demographics and identity, a Reddit user noted:

“Most of Singapore’s so-called ‘original locals’ are themselves descended from immigrants.”

How Economic Pressures Contribute to Singapore’s Low Birth Rates

Economic hardship has played a major role in the dramatic drop in the fertility rate.

Rising living costs, particularly in housing, are making it financially challenging for younger Singaporeans to consider starting families.

Singapore’s local news media The Straits Times reported that housing costs have surged to record levels, contributing to the strain.

With many families struggling to maintain a secure financial footing, the choice to delay parenthood—or forego it altogether—has become an increasing reality.

Financial instability, combined with lifestyle changes and shifting priorities, has led to a notable drop in birth rates.

The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues by introducing economic uncertainty and disrupting plans related to marriage and parenthood, as highlighted in MOM’s annual population trends reports.

One Reddit user commented on this:

“The skyrocketing cost of living forces many to rethink having children, as basic necessities like shelter and groceries become unaffordable.”

This financial pressure continues to weigh on families, adding a new layer of complexity to already challenging demographic shifts.

Could Immigration Be a Solution to Population Woes?

While technological innovation offers one approach, many netizens on social platforms point to immigration as another potential solution.

Some argue that Singapore’s openness to foreign talent and workers can ease the demographic burden, allowing the nation to maintain its workforce by welcoming new arrivals.

However, others are wary of the long-term effects this could have on Singapore’s unique national identity and culture.

The debate comes amid government statistics that suggest labour market pressures will only grow in the coming years.

With fertility rates continuing to dwindle and the elderly population continuing to expand, the discussion of workforce sustainability will remain critical.

The Ministry of Manpower acknowledges that the combination of a shrinking labour force and an ageing population will likely pose medium-term challenges.

Their response has focused on two key strategies: improving local workers’ skills and maintaining policies that keep the nation accessible to migrant workers.

A Global Issue, A Local Challenge

Musk’s comment, while brief, taps into a larger global discussion on demographic decline and its potential economic fallout.

Many developed nations are struggling with similar patterns of declining fertility rates and an ageing population, with the labour market, healthcare systems, and social services all under pressure.

Singapore’s reliance on robotics and immigration policies could provide a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.

However, the questions raised by Musk’s viral comment and the ensuing debate remain pivotal.

How far can technology and immigration help reverse these trends?

And will they come at a cost to the identity and social fabric of nations like Singapore?

The discussion surrounding Musk’s post, now a global conversation, offers much food for thought as societies attempt to balance technological innovation, demographic change, and economic challenges.