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Theresa Tan

Senior Social Affairs Correspondent

Theresa is a senior correspondent at The Straits Times and a veteran at reporting on social issues. She covers matters that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups, including the last, the least and the lost. After more than 20 years in journalism, Theresa still gets excited about telling stories about Singaporeans’ trials and triumphs. She believes everyone has a story to tell.

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Independent reviews of abused child deaths bring more accountability and insights: Social workers

Mr Desmond Lee, Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, announced in Parliament various measures to improve safeguards in the child protection system in the wake of the death of Megan Khung.
Mr Desmond Lee, Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, announced in Parliament various measures to improve safeguards in the child protection system in the wake of the death of Megan Khung.

All abused-child deaths known to social services will be independently reviewed: Desmond Lee

Four-year-old Megan Khung suffered more than a year of abuse at the hands of her mother and the woman's then boyfriend.
Four-year-old Megan Khung suffered more than a year of abuse at the hands of her mother and the woman's then boyfriend.

Unwed mother adopts her own daughter, so toddler doesn’t grow up as an illegitimate child

An average of 745 children a year were born out of wedlock to Singaporean mothers from 2020 to 2024. 
An average of 745 children a year were born out of wedlock to Singaporean mothers from 2020 to 2024. 

The Megan Khung report was painful to read, but offers hard lessons to prevent another tragedy

Four-year-old Megan Khung suffered more than a year of abuse at the hands of her mother and the woman's then boyfriend.
Four-year-old Megan Khung suffered more than a year of abuse at the hands of her mother and the woman's then boyfriend.

Fatal abuse of Megan Khung: Review panel finds breaches by agencies, Masagos apologises

Megan Khung died on Feb 22, 2020, after more than a year of horrific abuse by her mother and the woman’s ex-boyfriend.
Megan Khung died on Feb 22, 2020, after more than a year of horrific abuse by her mother and the woman’s ex-boyfriend.

About 745 children born out of wedlock annually to Singaporean mothers in past 5 years

Under the Legitimacy Act 1934, a child whose parents are not legally married to each other when the child is born is considered illegitimate.
Under the Legitimacy Act 1934, a child whose parents are not legally married to each other when the child is born is considered illegitimate.

Triplet pregnancies pose substantial risks to both mother and babies, finds KKH audit

The women have to deliver by the 35th week of pregnancy at the latest, which means the babies are born premature.
The women have to deliver by the 35th week of pregnancy at the latest, which means the babies are born premature.

Their sun, moon and star: S’pore triplets who were conceived naturally

ST20251001-202507400474-Lim Yaohui-Theresa Tan-thtriplets/
Mr Mohammed Jahafar​, 35​,  and Ms Sumaya Jahan​, 32​,  with their triplets.
(from left) Elara​, Zachariah Elio​​ and Sidra. The triplets are 3-years-old.
(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)
ST20251001-202507400474-Lim Yaohui-Theresa Tan-thtriplets/
Mr Mohammed Jahafar​, 35​,  and Ms Sumaya Jahan​, 32​,  with their triplets.
(from left) Elara​, Zachariah Elio​​ and Sidra. The triplets are 3-years-old.
(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

Twins, triplets, quadruplets or even sextuplets: How common are multiple births in S’pore?

Former bank employee and currently a housewife Janice Chen (left), and her husband Ng Han Siang (right), a banking professional, with their 16-month-old triplets (from left) Ng Jie Rui, Ng Jie Le and Ng Pei Xuan, at home on Sept 30, 2025.
Former bank employee and currently a housewife Janice Chen (left), and her husband Ng Han Siang (right), a banking professional, with their 16-month-old triplets (from left) Ng Jie Rui, Ng Jie Le and Ng Pei Xuan, at home on Sept 30, 2025.

Breaking the silence on financial abuse of the elderly before it breaks them

Generic of an elderly man with his helper photographed on July 11, 2024. For stories on the elderly, elderly loneliness, aging society, domestic workers, and more. 
Generic of an elderly man with his helper photographed on July 11, 2024. For stories on the elderly, elderly loneliness, aging society, domestic workers, and more. 

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2025 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.