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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

Know an inspiring Singaporean? Make a nomination for ST Singaporean of the Year 2026

Chen Shiling, founder of Happee Hearts Movement, was winner of the award in 2025.
Chen Shiling, founder of Happee Hearts Movement, was winner of the award in 2025.

$1.8 million benchmark for MR4 ministers a reference point, not an entitlement: Chan Chun Sing

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing speaking in Parliament on Sept 10 after MPs debated the ministerial statements on the Government’s response to the 2026 review of salaries for political appointment holders and MPs.
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing speaking in Parliament on Sept 10 after MPs debated the ministerial statements on the Government’s response to the 2026 review of salaries for political appointment holders and MPs.

New movement to get S’poreans to read 15 minutes a day through tracking platform, virtual rewards

The ReadSG Challenge includes features such as personal goal-setting, reading streaks, experience points and redeemable virtual coins.
The ReadSG Challenge includes features such as personal goal-setting, reading streaks, experience points and redeemable virtual coins.

Racist, hateful comments towards Indians are deeply troubling; S’poreans must reject hatred: SM Lee

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore must continue to work on cohesion and its racial harmony.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore must continue to work on cohesion and its racial harmony.

Private pre-schools weigh future as govt-supported fees fall, new grant offers potential lifeline

Community manager Shahrin Iskandar (right) with his wife and daughter. The family welcomed the news of upcoming fee reductions for government-supported pre-schools.
Community manager Shahrin Iskandar (right) with his wife and daughter. The family welcomed the news of upcoming fee reductions for government-supported pre-schools.

New childcare leave scheme will take some time to implement, at least several months: Indranee

The new scheme will give a working parent with one child aged 12 and below eight days of childcare leave a year.
The new scheme will give a working parent with one child aged 12 and below eight days of childcare leave a year.

A mother lost her son to suicide. Now she fears what being 30 and unemployed means for her other

In 2024, suicide deaths among people aged 30 to 39 rose 50 per cent to 99, up from 66 the year before.
In 2024, suicide deaths among people aged 30 to 39 rose 50 per cent to 99, up from 66 the year before.

Monthly childcare fees to fall by more than half to $150 by 2030, infant care fees to drop to $300

Fees for a full day of childcare at government-supported pre-schools will be cut to $150 a month, while infant care fees will fall to $300 a month.
Fees for a full day of childcare at government-supported pre-schools will be cut to $150 a month, while infant care fees will fall to $300 a month.

Each S’porean child to get almost $70,000 from birth to age 17

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the new $62,000 SG Child Support Package during his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the new $62,000 SG Child Support Package during his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23.

Housing, jobs, rebuilding family ties: 17 projects to be piloted to help rough sleepers in S’pore

Eleven of the projects supported by PATH will pilot new approaches to supporting rough sleepers.
Eleven of the projects supported by PATH will pilot new approaches to supporting rough sleepers.

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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.