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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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Latest articles

Meet Lengkok Bahru’s young neighbourhood patrol: 4 primary school boys on a mission

(From left) Didie Andiqa Muhaimin, 14, Rafieq Sahin Rafizal, 12, Al-Mirza Danish, 12, and Aaron Sarandev, 11, make up the Emergency Response Team LB (Lengkok Bahru), patrolling their neighbourhood every day to keep it safe.
(From left) Didie Andiqa Muhaimin, 14, Rafieq Sahin Rafizal, 12, Al-Mirza Danish, 12, and Aaron Sarandev, 11, make up the Emergency Response Team LB (Lengkok Bahru), patrolling their neighbourhood every day to keep it safe.

MSF explores using tech to keep closer watch on abused children after they return home

An independent review into the death of four-year-old Megan Khung had identified multiple lapses across agencies and prompted a series of reforms to strengthen Singapore’s child protection system.
An independent review into the death of four-year-old Megan Khung had identified multiple lapses across agencies and prompted a series of reforms to strengthen Singapore’s child protection system.

Nearly 1 in 5 civil divorces in S’pore granted by mutual agreement, without assigning blame

Figures on marriages and divorces in 2025 showed that some 18.8 per cent of civil divorces cited divorce by mutual agreement.
Figures on marriages and divorces in 2025 showed that some 18.8 per cent of civil divorces cited divorce by mutual agreement.

S’pore wants more babies, so why do stereotypes about big families persist?

Teacher Clement Chua and freelance writer Kelly Ang, who is expecting their sixth child, with their children.
Teacher Clement Chua and freelance writer Kelly Ang, who is expecting their sixth child, with their children.

About 1 in 7 S’pore families has income of at least $30k a month; share almost doubled in 5 years

In 2025, 13.4 per cent of resident households have a monthly market income of $30,000 or more, up from 7.4 per cent in 2020.
In 2025, 13.4 per cent of resident households have a monthly market income of $30,000 or more, up from 7.4 per cent in 2020.

Why hitting doesn’t teach, and what parents can do to discipline children instead

While many still rely on physical discipline, experts say such methods may stop unwanted behaviour in the moment, but often fail to teach children why their actions were wrong.
While many still rely on physical discipline, experts say such methods may stop unwanted behaviour in the moment, but often fail to teach children why their actions were wrong.

Study finds that teenage boys in S’pore get physically punished twice as often as girls

The study also found that mothers who were physically punished as children were more likely to view such punishment favourably.
The study also found that mothers who were physically punished as children were more likely to view such punishment favourably.

‘Are they all yours?’ Couple with six kids are asked this wherever the family goes

Amirudin Mohd Zain, 39, and his wife, Aszafirah Abu, 37, and their children on May 21.
Amirudin Mohd Zain, 39, and his wife, Aszafirah Abu, 37, and their children on May 21.

‘Every life is precious’: How miscarriage shaped one mum’s journey to having baby No. 6

(From left) Teacher Clement Chua and freelance writer Kelly Ang, who is expecting yheir sixth child, with their children Tobias, Isabella, Lily Beth, Gabriel and Christabel.
(From left) Teacher Clement Chua and freelance writer Kelly Ang, who is expecting yheir sixth child, with their children Tobias, Isabella, Lily Beth, Gabriel and Christabel.

Going big: Why some Singaporeans choose to have 5 or more kids

Gerald Ng (third from left) and Debbie Leung (centre) together with their children, (from left) Kate, Jane, Luke, Rose, and Sophie.
Gerald Ng (third from left) and Debbie Leung (centre) together with their children, (from left) Kate, Jane, Luke, Rose, and Sophie.

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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.