Singapore's first baby of 2014, a boy, was born at the stroke of midnight at Thomson Medical Centre. His name is Averett Sim.

"We chose the name because it stands for bravery and courage," said his father Dr Adrian Sim, 35, a general practitioner at Healthway Medical Group.

At least 10 excited family members were gathered in the waiting room to welcome Averett into the world. "The grandparents are very happy, especially my husband's parents because he is their first grandchild," said mother Jacqueline Tan, 28, a housewife.

She said that they had expected Averett to be delivered at about 2 am but were surprised that he came early.

Less than a minute after Averett's birth, Mr Iswardy Ithnain, 27, and Ms Nur Asilah Ali, 25, welcomed their yet-to-be-named daughter at the Singapore General Hospital.