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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

Young people who faced childhood adversities like abuse more likely to struggle at work: Study

Young Singaporean workers who experienced childhood abuse, substance exposure or poverty may have a poorer sense of job security and less optimism, a study shows.
Young Singaporean workers who experienced childhood abuse, substance exposure or poverty may have a poorer sense of job security and less optimism, a study shows.

NDP 2026: 3 NDP songs to cater to different tastes, create ‘a show for every Singaporean’

NDP music director Bang Wenfu said that multiple songs cater to different ideas, viewpoints and tastes among the different brackets of society.
NDP music director Bang Wenfu said that multiple songs cater to different ideas, viewpoints and tastes among the different brackets of society.

Over 6,000 people from north-west district join fitness festival to keep active

Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam greeting participants during the brisk walk at the annual Healthy Living Festival @ North West on June 7.
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam greeting participants during the brisk walk at the annual Healthy Living Festival @ North West on June 7.

Boys and girls show different depressive symptoms tied to early brain development: A*STAR-led study

The finding suggests that researchers may need to examine mental vulnerabilities earlier in childhood.
The finding suggests that researchers may need to examine mental vulnerabilities earlier in childhood.

Life expectancy of Singapore’s population rose in 2025 to 83.9 years, higher than pre-pandemic peak

ST20260602_202669200873 Kua Chee Siong/ pixgeneric/ Generic pix of elderly residents engaging in a community exercise programme at a sheltered space in Toa Payoh Lorong 1, on June 2, 2026.
ST20260602_202669200873 Kua Chee Siong/ pixgeneric/ Generic pix of elderly residents engaging in a community exercise programme at a sheltered space in Toa Payoh Lorong 1, on June 2, 2026.

Adaptive switches, rewired circuits allow children with special needs to play with toys like others

70 modified toys were presented to children aged seven to 18 from Rainbow Centre on May 29.
70 modified toys were presented to children aged seven to 18 from Rainbow Centre on May 29.

Charity to release new index to measure gaps in social capital in S’pore

A social mobility survey in 2023 found that about half of Singaporeans felt that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the last decade.
A social mobility survey in 2023 found that about half of Singaporeans felt that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the last decade.

Study finds that over half of 8-year-olds in S’pore have used AI; most popular tool is ChatGPT

Close to 16 per cent of children aged eight to nine used AI mainly for gaming, while another 17 per cent used it for both schoolwork and gaming.
Close to 16 per cent of children aged eight to nine used AI mainly for gaming, while another 17 per cent used it for both schoolwork and gaming.

Study finds paternity leave has no impact on Singapore couples’ decisions to have more children

The findings differ from those of other countries like the Nordic, where taking paternity leave has been linked to having more children.
The findings differ from those of other countries like the Nordic, where taking paternity leave has been linked to having more children.

Beyond the nuclear family: Families for Life chair urges wider support networks for children

Families for Life council chairman Keith Magnus called Singapore's record low total fertility rate an existential issue.
Families for Life council chairman Keith Magnus called Singapore's record low total fertility rate an existential issue.

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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.