Elon Musk's 'big warning': Singapore and many other countries are going extinct

In a recent social media exchange, Elon Musk spotlighted Singapore’s steep decline in fertility rates, a trend he described as an existential challenge. Responding to a post by Mario Nawfal—a prominent personality on X (formerly Twitter)—about the nation’s "baby crisis" and the potential role of robotics in addressing the issue, Musk remarked, “Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct.”
This statement has reignited global discussions on the demographic struggles of developed nations, where falling birth rates pose long-term economic and social challenges. Musk, a vocal advocate for population growth, has frequently warned of the adverse consequences of shrinking populations, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for global sustainability. The post highlights concerns about aging societies and their impact on labor markets, innovation, and healthcare systems, while underscoring the rising interest in technologies like robotics to compensate for declining human workforce numbers.


Singapore has been grappling with a steady decline in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) over the last three decades. In 2023, the TFR reached a historic low of 0.97, marking the first time it has dipped below 1.0. This figure signifies that, on average, each woman in Singapore is having fewer than one child—far below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population.
The primary drivers of Singapore’s fertility decline stem from evolving societal trends. Data from the Singapore government reveals that a growing number of women aged 25–34, considered prime childbearing years, are choosing to remain single. Additionally, the marital fertility rate among women in their 20s has seen a substantial decline, accounting for approximately 32% of the overall drop in TFR.
Between 1990 and 2005, marital fertility rates among women aged 25–34 experienced a sharp decrease. While there was a slight recovery in 2023, the long-term trend remains concerning.

Despite its demographic challenges, Singapore’s advancements in robotics and automation could help address labor shortages caused by a declining workforce. According to the International Federation of Robotics, Singapore ranks second globally in robot density, with 770 industrial robots per 10,000 workers. This technological prowess allows the country to sustain industries despite high labor costs and a relatively small manufacturing base.

Musk’s interest in robotics is well-documented through Tesla’s investment in humanoid robots designed to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks. While he has not directly suggested robots as a replacement for human populations, his remarks hint at the potential for technology to mitigate the economic and social impacts of declining birth rates.

Musk’s statement sparked widespread debate on social media, with opinions ranging from support to criticism.
Some users highlighted Singapore’s strong immigration policies as a mechanism to counteract its population decline. The city-state has long relied on foreign talent and workers to supplement its labor force and sustain economic growth.
Others pointed to deeper issues contributing to the reluctance to have children. Rising living costs, financial instability, and paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyles were frequently cited as barriers to family planning.
Notably, many individuals expressed concerns about the affordability of raising children in an increasingly competitive and expensive environment.

Singapore’s struggle with low fertility rates mirrors challenges faced by many developed nations, including Japan, South Korea, and certain European countries. Declining birth rates have far-reaching consequences, including:

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