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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

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.

Committee formed to strengthen safeguards for children in religious settings, report due end-2026

The Committee to Strengthen Safeguards in Religious Settings will report to Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad.
The Committee to Strengthen Safeguards in Religious Settings will report to Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad.

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.

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