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Syarafana Shafeeq

Syarafana, or Fana for short, joined The Straits Times in 2021. As a journalist on the social affairs team, she covers issues such as family violence, mental health and disability. She is particularly interested in topics concerning women and children, and hopes to shed light on the struggles of vulnerable groups.

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Latest articles

Young and on the streets: Number of under-35s rough sleeping on the rise in Singapore

Community groups and volunteers say they have seen an increase in the number of rough sleepers aged below 35.
Community groups and volunteers say they have seen an increase in the number of rough sleepers aged below 35.

1 in 3 pre-school educators in S’pore has no formal training to handle child abuse cases: Survey

Close to 19.3 per cent of educators said they were just aware of but not familiar with their centre’s SOPs.
Close to 19.3 per cent of educators said they were just aware of but not familiar with their centre’s SOPs.

More reports of suspected child abuse in pre-schools in 2024, with CCTVs aiding investigations

CCTV cameras have been made mandatory in all pre-schools here since July 2024.
CCTV cameras have been made mandatory in all pre-schools here since July 2024.

Local charity, MOE to get CEOs and high-net-worth individuals on neighbourhood school committees

CMG20251120-WooFL01/GiveFest Asia [University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent] -- Minister Desmond Lee tour of the exhibition of GiveFest Asia and talked the students who in their project
CMG20251120-WooFL01/GiveFest Asia [University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent] -- Minister Desmond Lee tour of the exhibition of GiveFest Asia and talked the students who in their project

Most children have secured places elsewhere ahead of pre-school closure by Beyond Social Services

Beyond Social Services had earlier announced that Healthy Start Child Development Centre will shut down operations at the end of 2025 due to declining enrolment.
Beyond Social Services had earlier announced that Healthy Start Child Development Centre will shut down operations at the end of 2025 due to declining enrolment.

Youth hub *Scape refreshed with more space for classes and creation in music and arts

Singapore Book of Records for the Largest Graffiti Art on a building facade at the *SCAPE relaunch on Nov 9, 2025.
Singapore Book of Records for the Largest Graffiti Art on a building facade at the *SCAPE relaunch on Nov 9, 2025.

Beyond Social Services to close Bukit Merah pre-school by end-2025 due to falling enrolment

The exterior of Beyond Social Services showing its logo, at Jalan Klinik, Oct 23, 2025.
The exterior of Beyond Social Services showing its logo, at Jalan Klinik, Oct 23, 2025.

MSF apologised to Beyond Social Services for ‘finger-pointing’ in initial response: Desmond Lee

Mr Cai Yinzhou (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said earlier reports of MSF’s statement in April seemed to pin blame on Beyond Social Services (BSS), the agency that runs Megan’s pre-school.
Mr Cai Yinzhou (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said earlier reports of MSF’s statement in April seemed to pin blame on Beyond Social Services (BSS), the agency that runs Megan’s pre-school.

Framework, one-stop hub among new initiatives to help charities strengthen governance, leadership

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo speaking at the annual Charity Governance Conference on Oct 29.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo speaking at the annual Charity Governance Conference on Oct 29.

Megan Khung’s death: Social workers say clearer agency roles will help in child abuse cases

The pre-school that Megan Khung had attended. An independent review panel has found a series of breaches by agencies in the handling of Megan's case.
The pre-school that Megan Khung had attended. An independent review panel has found a series of breaches by agencies in the handling of Megan's case.

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