To: National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore

We, the undersigned, are writing with deep respect and appreciation for the National Environment Agency’s foresight in planning and completing the new Mandai North Crematorium and Garden of Serenity. The facilities are beautifully designed, modern, and thoughtfully developed to meet the evolving needs of our ageing population. The seamless integration of automated systems, serene garden spaces, and family-friendly accessibility reflect a compassionate and forward-thinking approach to end-of-life services.

However, we would like to raise a gentle but heartfelt concern regarding the choice of 9 August – Singapore’s National Day – as the opening date for online registration for cremation bookings.

National Day is a moment of great significance for our country. It is a day to honour our nation’s journey, to celebrate our identity, and to renew our hopes for a brighter future. Symbolically and spiritually, it is a day of life, unity, and renewal, not one typically associated with death, grief, or farewell. Opening registration for cremation services on this day may unintentionally send a sombre or even inauspicious message to the public.

In many cultures, especially within Asia, dates carry symbolic meaning. Aligning the launch of funeral-related registrations with National Day could be perceived as ill-omened or insensitive by some segments of our society. Instead, might we humbly suggest that National Day be celebrated with initiatives that encourage new life — such as birth-related campaigns, fertility incentives, or community events that support the family unit and boost our birth rate?

As we are all aware, Singapore’s birth rate has been steadily declining. Even tech visionary Elon Musk has repeatedly warned that population collapse is a far more pressing risk than many realise.

If we are to remain a vibrant and sustainable nation, the preservation and nurturing of life must take centre stage in our national priorities. It would be far more fitting to dedicate National Day to announcements or programmes that celebrate babies, support young families, and reverse this worrisome trend — rather than reminders of our rising death rates.

Hence, we respectfully appeal to the NEA to reschedule the opening of the cremation slot bookings to another date, preferably after National Day, to preserve the spirit of celebration, unity, and national hope.

Thank you once again for your service, your dedication, and the dignity with which you help Singaporeans honour their loved ones. I trust that this request will be received in the same spirit of nation-building and reverence with which it is offered.

Let us honour our nation’s birthday with the dignity it deserves — by celebrating beginnings / births , not endings/ deaths. 

✍️ Sign now. Share. Thank You. 

Iris Koh
Concerned Singaporean & Advocate for Life

Related Links: 
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/new-mandai-north-crematorium-ash-scattering-garden-to-open-on-aug-15

https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/mandai-north-crematorium-and-garden-of-serenity-will-commence-operations-on-15-august-2025