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Theresa Tan

Senior Social Affairs Correspondent

Theresa is a senior correspondent at The Straits Times and a veteran at reporting on social issues. She covers matters that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups, including the last, the least and the lost. After more than 20 years in journalism, Theresa still gets excited about telling stories about Singaporeans’ trials and triumphs. She believes everyone has a story to tell.

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More S’pore youth caught for offences in 2025, largely due to rise in cheating cases

A total of 3,117 youth aged between 10 and under 21 were arrested in 2025, up from 2,627 in 2024.
A total of 3,117 youth aged between 10 and under 21 were arrested in 2025, up from 2,627 in 2024.

Can big data save the next Megan Khung? It’s definitely worth a try to keep children safer

Megan’s mother and her ex-partner horrifically abused the four-year-old girl to death, and the couple burnt her corpse to avoid detection.
Megan’s mother and her ex-partner horrifically abused the four-year-old girl to death, and the couple burnt her corpse to avoid detection.

MSF’s new SAFER unit alerted social workers to protect young child who was harshly punished

On Sept 22, the new unit, called SAFER (Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response), was launched to strengthen the child protection system.
On Sept 22, the new unit, called SAFER (Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response), was launched to strengthen the child protection system.

New MSF unit analyses data from police, CNB and other agencies to flag child abuse earlier

Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said the new unit, SAFER, would reinforce the ministry’s ability to identify high-risk cases.
Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said the new unit, SAFER, would reinforce the ministry’s ability to identify high-risk cases.

An average of 539 child neglect cases a year in Singapore required authorities to step in

An overhead view of the stall in Circuit Road Market and Food Centre where a 15-year-old girl, under the order of the father, stayed for at least 11 months. Foldable mattresses, two soft toys and a fan were in one of the units rented by the girl’s father, who sells vegetables at one of the other two units. The third unit, a stall owner said, is for storage.
An overhead view of the stall in Circuit Road Market and Food Centre where a 15-year-old girl, under the order of the father, stayed for at least 11 months. Foldable mattresses, two soft toys and a fan were in one of the units rented by the girl’s father, who sells vegetables at one of the other two units. The third unit, a stall owner said, is for storage.

What ‘begging’ for $2 taught me about surviving on Singapore’s streets

Participants sharing what they learnt or felt after the poverty simulation session.
Participants sharing what they learnt or felt after the poverty simulation session.

Social service veteran Gerard Ee steps down as chairperson of Agency for Integrated Care

Gerard Ee has chaired the AIC since 2018.
Gerard Ee has chaired the AIC since 2018.

How one woman gives children from low-income families a space to be themselves

3Pumpkins founder and executive director Lin Shi Yun at the Tak Takut Kids Club branch at Lengkok Bahru.
3Pumpkins founder and executive director Lin Shi Yun at the Tak Takut Kids Club branch at Lengkok Bahru.

Children of unwed parents to receive cash benefits under SG Child Support Package

Observers said the move sends a broader signal that a child’s access to support should not depend on the circumstances of their birth.
Observers said the move sends a broader signal that a child’s access to support should not depend on the circumstances of their birth.

Why the key shift in Singapore’s baby policy: From incentivising births to supporting parenthood

By providing more support in areas parents say they need, raising children may be seen as less daunting.
By providing more support in areas parents say they need, raising children may be seen as less daunting.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.