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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

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.

‘Megan Khung was a child of Beyond, this incident cannot ever happen again’: Beyond Social Services

Beyond Social Services is the social service agency that runs the Healthy Start Child Development Centre, the pre-school that Megan Khung attended.
Beyond Social Services is the social service agency that runs the Healthy Start Child Development Centre, the pre-school that Megan Khung attended.

Child protection agencies should handle all cases of child abuse: Panel reviewing Megan Khung case

Professor Kenneth Poon (second from left), chairman of the panel reviewing the Megan Khung case, speaking at a press conference on the panel's report. With him are panel members (from left) Zuraidah Abdullah, Corinne Ghoh and Vincent Ng.
Professor Kenneth Poon (second from left), chairman of the panel reviewing the Megan Khung case, speaking at a press conference on the panel's report. With him are panel members (from left) Zuraidah Abdullah, Corinne Ghoh and Vincent Ng.

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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.