Does a child born in Singapore automatically take father's surname?

[Here's the thing...]

But the Muslim countries you referred to earlier are something we should all aspire to?

Not at all.
Many are the mirror image of the West.

Mirror image of the West? Where church and state are separated, where there is generally democracy, and where laws are equal for men and women? (To mention just a few differences).

I don't know what you're drinking, Old Mike, but you should probably lay off that sauce for a while.

[Wonderingy]

OP, are you Singaporean? Is your child Singaporean? If not, there is no reason that Singapore rules should dictate what you call your child just because you give birth here. As already said, it is possible for you to call your child a different name to the father, it just isn't the official rules. I highly doubt anyone working at ICA is going to tell you anything other than what is on the rule sheet either...

If your register the child's birth yourself, just tell them that is what you are calling your child and tell them you are not willing to go into the reasons for it. Let them think what they want!  You shouldn't have to justify it to anyone anyway, unless of course you call him/her something truly offensive, which I am assuming your last name is not. 

Don't worry, OP. It will be fine. And if it truly isn't possible because someone at ICA is on a power trip that day, as a worst case scenario, you and your husband can very easily go together and change your child's name by deed poll the following day. Then you can chalk it up to a silly story to people about how Singapore cannot shake off its Victorian hangover. 

Thanks....I hope so - it seems pretty crazy if they don't allow us to call the child what we want.

No, neither of us are Singaporeans.   It's just that the ICA is being adamant about this (3 separate employees there have told me the same over the phone).  Hence I'm waiting now for a proper written reply.  It'll take them 5 days to revert.

Don't want to go the deed poll route if possible - wish to avoid the hassle.

Hi expecting,how is the outcome from ICA?

[my name]

our child has my (mum's) surname and her parents (we) are married. NOBODY in her 21 years have questioned if she's legitimate because of her not having her father's surname. My husband will be taking my surname once we returned to scandinavia. for the same reason as expecting. he prefers mine. expecting, try your embassy. your consulate might be able to help you if it is a common practice in your country to have a child take his/her mother's name. as it was in our case in scandinavia. good luck.