Not a dying trade: S'pore's funeral industry thrives as population ages

Demand rising for garlands, engraved tombstones, other funeral services

- Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

Death is brisk business for garland maker R. Jayaselvam these days. Out of every 100 garlands he crafts, 60 are for funerals, while the rest are for weddings.

Over the past five to six years, he has seen a 10 to 15 per cent rise in demand for funeral garlands.

"Many people are ageing, and the number of departed souls is also increasing," said the 59-year-old owner of Anushia Flower Shop in Little India.

"For the Indian community, the garland is deeply symbolic as it becomes part of the ashes and accompanies the deceased on their final journey."

The self-taught garland maker with 40 years of experience now works alongside his two sons to meet this growing demand.

The change in Mr Jayaselvam's client base is reflective of a wider trend: Singapore's ageing population is driving the funeral industry here.

In September, The Straits Times reported that the number of citizen deaths could exceed the number of citizen births in 10 years or so.

There were 24,726 citizen deaths in 2023. This is a 40 per cent jump from 17,691 deaths in 2014.

The rise comes on the back of Singapore's rapidly ageing population. In 2010, about one in 10 Singaporeans was aged 65 or older. By 2030, that figure is expected to rise to about one in four.

The end-of-life journey is the inspiration behind an upcoming festival organised by non-profit organisation My Community, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Lee Foundation and Ang Chin Moh Foundation.

Themed My Last Journey, the festival from Nov 1 to 17 will feature events, tours and behind-the-scenes experiences that offer an insight into end-of-life traditions and practices.

These include funeral services and processions, hospice care, and traditional crafts such as Mr Jayaselvam's garlands.

For some, the death trade has become a side hustle.