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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

S’pore needs to reset views on marriage, parenthood; new work group to study issues: Indranee

Singapore’s preliminary resident TFR dropped from 0.97 in 2024 to 0.87 in 2025, a historic low for the country.
Singapore’s preliminary resident TFR dropped from 0.97 in 2024 to 0.87 in 2025, a historic low for the country.

50% drop in pre-schools offering care after 7pm since 2021; may signal lower demand: MSF

Pre-schools providing full-day services are required to operate from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, but have the flexibility to extend their services beyond that timeframe.
Pre-schools providing full-day services are required to operate from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, but have the flexibility to extend their services beyond that timeframe.

10,500 to benefit from $4.3 million in MUIS assistance during Ramadan

Guest of Honour, President of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at Muis buka puasa held at Al-Mawaddah Mosque, on Feb 20, 2026.
Guest of Honour, President of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at Muis buka puasa held at Al-Mawaddah Mosque, on Feb 20, 2026.

Halfway houses help prevent inmates with drug history from reoffending: Prison service

Selarang Halfway House is one of the 11 such houses in Singapore that works with the Singapore Prison Service to help drug offenders during the tail end of their sentence.
Selarang Halfway House is one of the 11 such houses in Singapore that works with the Singapore Prison Service to help drug offenders during the tail end of their sentence.

New initiative lets wealthy fund organisations helping unemployed youth in S’pore, Thailand

The ImpactCollab Outcomes Marketplace was launched by social investor network AVPN in January.
The ImpactCollab Outcomes Marketplace was launched by social investor network AVPN in January.

New $500 payout for ComLink+ families, more cash support in current packages

One family who has benefited from the ComLink+ scheme is Madam Hurul Ain Abdul Rahman, Mr Muhammad Hafiz Hassan and their five children.
One family who has benefited from the ComLink+ scheme is Madam Hurul Ain Abdul Rahman, Mr Muhammad Hafiz Hassan and their five children.

MUIS defends policy of charging market-rate rent for wakaf properties

The facade of the Sultan Mosque is lit up during a light show at the official opening of Gemilang Kampong Gelam on Feb 21, 2025.
The facade of the Sultan Mosque is lit up during a light show at the official opening of Gemilang Kampong Gelam on Feb 21, 2025.

Early help for kids and youth exposed to abuse reduces risk of delays and mental illness: KKH, IMH

Generic picture of a victim of domestic violence/abuse.
Generic picture of a victim of domestic violence/abuse.

130 persons with autism on wait list for day activity centre spots, up from 80 in 2024

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said the Government is ramping up the capacity of Day Activity Centres here to meet demand.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said the Government is ramping up the capacity of Day Activity Centres here to meet demand.

Quantedge Foundation aims to do more for social mobility through philanthropy, says CEO Xie Yao Quan

ssxyq31 ST20260128_202680000382 Ong Wee Jin / Syarafana / 

Interview with MP Xie Yao Quan, in his capacity as Quantedge Foundation's CEO.
ssxyq31 ST20260128_202680000382 Ong Wee Jin / Syarafana / 

Interview with MP Xie Yao Quan, in his capacity as Quantedge Foundation's CEO.

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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.