It is customary in Singapore to prepare and publish population projections after the results of the latest decennial census of population are made available. Following the completion of the 1980 Census of Population, three different projections were eventually published in 1983. The first set by sex, age group, and ethnic group for intervals of five years from 1980 to 2030 was prepared and published by the Department of Statistics in Singapore Census of Population 1980: Administrative Report. The second set by sex and age group for every five years up to 2030 was prepared and published by the then Singapore Family Planning and Population Board as Population Projections for Singapore, 1980–2030. The third set by sex and age group for every five years up to 2070 was prepared by Saw Swee-Hock and published by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies as Population Projections for Singapore, 1980–2070.

The above population projections are somewhat dated now because they are all based on population figures obtained from the census conducted in June 1980 and fertility indices derived from births occurring in 1980. The availability of mid-1985 population estimates by sex and age as well as fertility indices for 1985 enables us to compute a more up-to-date set of population projections. Furthermore, the availability of the relevant data collected in the annual labour-force survey conducted in 1985 makes it possible to proceed a stage further to compute a new set of labour force projections.

There are good reasons for preparing the new population and labour force projections now rather than years later when the figures from the next decennial census to be held in 1990 become available. The results of the projections have been used in conjunction with the current review of population trends and policies to ensure that the demographic goal of stabilizing the population in the future can be attained. The new projections will also provide more up-to-date figures to users who may wish to utilize them for a variety of reasons, such as the forecasting of future demand for housing, water, electricity, and other goods and services that are dependent on the size of the population.