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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

70 pre-schools in S’pore closed each year from 2023 to 2025. What’s driving the closures?

The total number of pre-school operators fell from 408 in 2023 to 296 in 2026.
The total number of pre-school operators fell from 408 in 2023 to 296 in 2026.

More pre-school choices, higher expectations: What do parents want from childcare now?

With more government-supported pre-school places and more affordable options, operators and experts say that parents are looking beyond basic access and cost.
With more government-supported pre-school places and more affordable options, operators and experts say that parents are looking beyond basic access and cost.

Childcare subsidies for stay-home mums, more maternity leave among proposals to support families

MP Elysa Chen said Singapore needs to move beyond financial incentives to tackle structural challenges that young couples and parents face.
MP Elysa Chen said Singapore needs to move beyond financial incentives to tackle structural challenges that young couples and parents face.

System to boost chances for those unsuccessful in past NDP ticket ballots in place since 2025

The number of audience members who can attend depends on the capacity of each venue.
The number of audience members who can attend depends on the capacity of each venue.

‘People thought I was taking extra breaks’: The hidden pressures breastfeeding mothers face at work

A survey found that close to nine in 10 mothers who had breastfed within the past five years encountered at least one practical work-related barrier.
A survey found that close to nine in 10 mothers who had breastfed within the past five years encountered at least one practical work-related barrier.

Lower-income families to get temporarily higher payouts under two ComCare schemes

The enhanced support for ComCare Interim Assistance was announced by Second Minister for Finance Jeffrey Siow at a press conference on July 29.
The enhanced support for ComCare Interim Assistance was announced by Second Minister for Finance Jeffrey Siow at a press conference on July 29.

Rise in number of suicides among adults in their 30s; median age highest since 2017

A total of 441 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2024.
A total of 441 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2024.

Heritage firm My Community winding up; founder says it cannot continue business due to liabilities

A heritage walking tour in the historical Queenstown and Dawson areas in Singapore, run by volunteer group My Community.
A heritage walking tour in the historical Queenstown and Dawson areas in Singapore, run by volunteer group My Community.

481 firms lauded for doing good in 2026; businesses donated nearly $384 million over past 3 years

NCS CEO Sam Liew (left) and Go!Mama CEO Vivian Lee at the Company Of Good Conference and Conferment on July 20.
NCS CEO Sam Liew (left) and Go!Mama CEO Vivian Lee at the Company Of Good Conference and Conferment on July 20.

Supportive workplaces key to fathers taking full paternity leave, as uptake in Singapore rises

38-year-old Imdadulla Syed Shahid, a father, took nearly two months off work to be there for his wife and newborn daughter when she was born in January.
38-year-old Imdadulla Syed Shahid, a father, took nearly two months off work to be there for his wife and newborn daughter when she was born in January.

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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.