Straitstimes.com header logo

Choose edition

Search

singapore

asia

world

opinion

life

business

sport

Visual

Podcasts

SPH Rewards

STClassifieds

Paid press releases

Advertise with us

FAQs

Contact us

 
author-image
author-image

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. 

Email

Latest articles

Life expectancy of Singapore’s population rose in 2025 to 83.9 years, higher than pre-pandemic peak

ST20260602_202669200873 Kua Chee Siong/ pixgeneric/ Generic pix of elderly residents engaging in a community exercise programme at a sheltered space in Toa Payoh Lorong 1, on June 2, 2026.
ST20260602_202669200873 Kua Chee Siong/ pixgeneric/ Generic pix of elderly residents engaging in a community exercise programme at a sheltered space in Toa Payoh Lorong 1, on June 2, 2026.

Adaptive switches, rewired circuits allow children with special needs to play with toys like others

70 modified toys were presented to children aged seven to 18 from Rainbow Centre on May 29.
70 modified toys were presented to children aged seven to 18 from Rainbow Centre on May 29.

Charity to release new index to measure gaps in social capital in S’pore

A social mobility survey in 2023 found that about half of Singaporeans felt that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the last decade.
A social mobility survey in 2023 found that about half of Singaporeans felt that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the last decade.

Study finds that over half of 8-year-olds in S’pore have used AI; most popular tool is ChatGPT

Close to 16 per cent of children aged eight to nine used AI mainly for gaming, while another 17 per cent used it for both schoolwork and gaming.
Close to 16 per cent of children aged eight to nine used AI mainly for gaming, while another 17 per cent used it for both schoolwork and gaming.

Study finds paternity leave has no impact on Singapore couples’ decisions to have more children

The findings differ from those of other countries like the Nordic, where taking paternity leave has been linked to having more children.
The findings differ from those of other countries like the Nordic, where taking paternity leave has been linked to having more children.

Beyond the nuclear family: Families for Life chair urges wider support networks for children

Families for Life council chairman Keith Magnus called Singapore's record low total fertility rate an existential issue.
Families for Life council chairman Keith Magnus called Singapore's record low total fertility rate an existential issue.

Corporate volunteering push aims to engage 600 S’pore companies and 6,000 employees by 2030

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo officially launched VolunteerInc. on the second day of SBF’s annual Future Economy Conference at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, on May 14.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo officially launched VolunteerInc. on the second day of SBF’s annual Future Economy Conference at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, on May 14.

PAP Women’s Wing to gather women’s views, submit recommendations to marriage, parenthood workgroup

Ms Sim Ann, who chairs the PAP Women’s Wing, speaking at a Mother’s Day celebration event on May 9.
Ms Sim Ann, who chairs the PAP Women’s Wing, speaking at a Mother’s Day celebration event on May 9.

LPA fees for customised powers lowered from $185 to $30 for Singaporeans

The Ministry of Social and Family Development said the fee revisions reflect its commitment to make LPA applications more accessible.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said the fee revisions reflect its commitment to make LPA applications more accessible.

More than 9 in 10 parents satisfied with standard of safety in pre-schools: ECDA survey

Picture of preschool children at the playground at Heartbeat@Bedok, on May 5, 2026.
Picture of preschool children at the playground at Heartbeat@Bedok, on May 5, 2026.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Personal Data Protection Notice

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

Download the app

Get unlimited access to exclusive stories and incisive insights from the ST newsroom
Subscribe Placeholder
MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.