Singapore names 25 points for planning in the event of death
In Singapore, Channel NewsAsia published a list of 25 things that people are advised to organize in advance to reduce the practical burden on loved ones after a person's death. It includes funeral wishes, a will, information on assets and debts, digital accounts, documents, and the needs of dependents.
According to a 2025 survey by the Singapore Management University, more than half of Singaporeans had not discussed or recorded their final wishes. Janice Cheong, a clinical psychologist at Bright Psych of Life, noted that topics of death and grief are often seen as taboo in Asian society, although relatives may find it difficult to cope with a loss and address practical matters at the same time.
Funeral wishes
The authors advise recording funeral details separately: a preferred portrait and clothing, religious rites, the person responsible for organizing the funeral, a speaker for the farewell speech, and a list of contact details for relatives, friends, and the employer.
Will, property and debts
The will is suggested to provide for guardianship of minor children, the appointment of people to manage property left to them, the distribution of items with sentimental value, and care for pets. Lawyer Jonathan Lee also advises informing the executor of the will where the document is kept. A separate letter explaining decisions on inheritance, guardians, and funeral wishes may clarify the reasons for such distribution to the family.
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The list should include bank and investment accounts, insurance policies, cryptocurrency accounts or wallets, safe deposit boxes, storage facilities, and cash. It is also recommended to record information about mortgages, car loans, credit cards, personal loans, and money that a person owes or is owed.
Medical decisions and digital data
Important points include decisions for cases when a person loses the ability to make decisions independently due to dementia or a brain injury. In Singapore, a Lasting Power of Attorney is provided for this purpose, giving a designated person the right to make decisions regarding personal welfare, property, and finances. The article also mentions advance care planning and an Advance Medical Directive, a legal directive to refuse extraordinary life-sustaining measures under specified conditions.
It is also advised to leave instructions regarding utility bills, internet, cloud storage, streaming services, mobile communications, club memberships, and other automatically renewed subscriptions. A trusted person should know how to access the phone, devices, email, and social media accounts. Password, PIN, and recovery code details are recommended to be stored separately from the main document.
The list may also include the locations where passports, certificates, contracts, keys, and property documents are stored, as well as instructions for caring for children, elderly relatives, or animals. As a personal legacy, experts suggest leaving letters, video messages, or audio messages for loved ones.
