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Ministry of Social and Family Development Signs Memorandum of Cooperation on Family and Children's Development with Japan's Children and Families Agency

Type: Press Releases,

Topic(s): Children & Families,

Published on 21 July 2026

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli is on a working visit to Japan from 20 to 24 July 2026. While in Tokyo, Minister Masagos met with his counterpart, Minister of State for Policies Related to Children, Declining Birthrate, Youth Empowerment, and Gender Equality Hitoshi Kikawada.

 

2  Minister Masagos and Minister Kikawada signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between MSF and Japan’s Children and Families Agency on Family and Children's Development. The MOU will pave the way for collaboration on issues of mutual interest. During their meeting, Minister Masagos and Minister Kikawada discussed the opportunities and challenges related to family and children's development.

3  The MOC reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in the field of family and children's development. This is in view of the longstanding and excellent bilateral relations between Singapore and Japan as both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

4  Under the MOC, both agencies will undertake cooperative activities in the areas related to family and children’s development based on mutual interest. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Sharing of best practices and exchange of information, study visits, participation in events and other opportunities to be hosted and conducted by both agencies; and
  • Sharing of research, studies, and statistical data related to the holistic development of families and children.

5  "As Singapore and Japan navigate similar demographic challenges, including ageing populations and low birth rates, there is much value in exchanging ideas and learning from each other's experiences in supporting families and children. This Memorandum of Cooperation reflects the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to building strong families and helping children thrive. Through exchanges of best practices, research and policy dialogues, we look forward to deepening our cooperation with Japan's Children and Families Agency. I am also encouraged by the innovative ways Japan is leveraging technology to strengthen social service delivery and have gained valuable insights into its efforts to support families.” said Minister Masagos.

6  Minister Masagos also called on the Governor of Tokyo Koike Yuriko during his visit. Minister Masagos will also visit family support and childcare facilities, technology firms and Institutes of Higher Learning working on social care technology in Tokyo.