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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

‘My family should not have to leave’: New shelter aims to help S’pore men in crisis

A new crisis shelter hopes to give men like Emi the option to remove themselves from a situation where they may hurt their loved ones.
A new crisis shelter hopes to give men like Emi the option to remove themselves from a situation where they may hurt their loved ones.

Funding for Singapore’s first Islamic college will not come at expense of other needs: Zaqy

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said MUIS will continue to balance its support for Singapore’s first Islamic college against the needs of mosques, madrasahs, religious education and lower-income families.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said MUIS will continue to balance its support for Singapore’s first Islamic college against the needs of mosques, madrasahs, religious education and lower-income families.

As more pre-school owners in S’pore look to sell, buyers give centres a new life

More pre-school operators are mulling over potentially selling their centres according to business brokers, with some buyers seeing this as an opportunity to expand.
More pre-school operators are mulling over potentially selling their centres according to business brokers, with some buyers seeing this as an opportunity to expand.

Singapore needs 3,000 more volunteers by 2030 as roles expand

The need for more regular volunteers comes as the Ministry of Social and Family Development expands the role they play in helping individuals and families.
The need for more regular volunteers comes as the Ministry of Social and Family Development expands the role they play in helping individuals and families.

New mentoring initiative to help charity leaders; Charities Act under review

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo announced these moves on Oct 15 at the annual Charity Governance Conference.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo announced these moves on Oct 15 at the annual Charity Governance Conference.

NEA to offer ferry services for scattering of cremated remains at sea from second half of 2027

Nicky Teo of Funeral Solutions, a private operator for sea burials, with items used in the process.
Nicky Teo of Funeral Solutions, a private operator for sea burials, with items used in the process.

1 in 3 middle-aged women in S’pore had anxiety symptoms; more distressed less likely to seek help: Survey

Around 33.5% of middle-aged women surveyed showed symptoms consistent with anxiety, and 21.8% showed symptoms consistent with depression.
Around 33.5% of middle-aged women surveyed showed symptoms consistent with anxiety, and 21.8% showed symptoms consistent with depression.

Proposed changes to Muslim law include simpler divorce process, strengthened welfare of children

The number of Muslim marriages fell in 2025, from 5,184 in 2024 to 5,006 in 2025, while the number of divorces rose from 1,440 in 2024 to 1,658 in 2025.
The number of Muslim marriages fell in 2025, from 5,184 in 2024 to 5,006 in 2025, while the number of divorces rose from 1,440 in 2024 to 1,658 in 2025.

PAP Seniors Group pilots training for branch volunteers to identify and support isolated seniors

The one-year pilot will build on existing house visits and Meet-the-People Sessions.
The one-year pilot will build on existing house visits and Meet-the-People Sessions.

Most young adults in S’pore surveyed want to have children, but many lack fertility knowledge: Study

About 84 per cent of young adults surveyed said they ideally wanted at least one child.
About 84 per cent of young adults surveyed said they ideally wanted at least one child.

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