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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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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.

Friends are often first responders to bullying victims, says Edwin Tong

Law Minister Edwin Tong taking a group picture with attendees at the launch of the Take a Stand movement held at The Foundry on Oct 10.
Law Minister Edwin Tong taking a group picture with attendees at the launch of the Take a Stand movement held at The Foundry on Oct 10.

Community Chest gave out more than $74m in 2024; over $13m went to mental health support

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua speaking at the Community Chest’s annual award ceremony on Oct 8.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua speaking at the Community Chest’s annual award ceremony on Oct 8.

SkillsFuture training providers barred from using third-party promoters from Dec 1

The move comes after an increase in public feedback on undesirable marketing practices involving third parties over the past year.
The move comes after an increase in public feedback on undesirable marketing practices involving third parties over the past year.

Singapore Pools generated $12.7 billion in turnover in FY 2024/2025

Singapore Pools has contributed more than 2.4 million in support to the community, benefiting 230 charities and community initiatives during this period.
Singapore Pools has contributed more than 2.4 million in support to the community, benefiting 230 charities and community initiatives during this period.

Temasek Poly students raise awareness of hidden disabilities

ST20251005_202541300219/ssdisability05/Jason Quah/

Temasek Polytechnic students Yong Hui Xin (left), 17, and Bryan Teo, 23, manning at an activity booth featuring well-known people with invisible disabilities, in The Hidden Stories: Unveiling Invisible disAbilities - a community engagement initiative by SENvocates, TP's student-led advocacy group that champions inclusivity and raises awareness of invisible Special Educational Needs (SEN), at Punggol Regional Library on Oct 5, 2025. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

About the booth:
Stories of Strengths: Guess Who?
Individuals with invisible disabilities may face challenges, but with appropriate support, they can reach their potential and thrive in their own unique ways.
Activity Objective:
• Participants will play the 'Guess Who' game to discover some notable individuals with invisible disabilities, learn about their achievements and strengths, and foster appreciation for diverse abilities and perspectives.
ST20251005_202541300219/ssdisability05/Jason Quah/

Temasek Polytechnic students Yong Hui Xin (left), 17, and Bryan Teo, 23, manning at an activity booth featuring well-known people with invisible disabilities, in The Hidden Stories: Unveiling Invisible disAbilities - a community engagement initiative by SENvocates, TP's student-led advocacy group that champions inclusivity and raises awareness of invisible Special Educational Needs (SEN), at Punggol Regional Library on Oct 5, 2025. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

About the booth:
Stories of Strengths: Guess Who?
Individuals with invisible disabilities may face challenges, but with appropriate support, they can reach their potential and thrive in their own unique ways.
Activity Objective:
• Participants will play the 'Guess Who' game to discover some notable individuals with invisible disabilities, learn about their achievements and strengths, and foster appreciation for diverse abilities and perspectives.

Picking up crafts, volunteering: How ST School Pocket Money Fund helps students

Nor Adeleia Noorhakim from Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Islamiah sharing on stage at the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund annual appreciation lunch.
Nor Adeleia Noorhakim from Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Islamiah sharing on stage at the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund annual appreciation lunch.

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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.