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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

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

The study examined how children’s AI usage patterns are linked to family socioeconomical status.
The study examined how children’s AI usage patterns are linked to family socioeconomical status.

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.

Corporate volunteering push aims to engage 600 S’pore companies and 6,000 employees by 2030

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo officially launched VolunteerInc. on the second day of SBF’s annual Future Economy Conference at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, on May 14.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo officially launched VolunteerInc. on the second day of SBF’s annual Future Economy Conference at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, on May 14.

PAP Women’s Wing to gather women’s views, submit recommendations to marriage, parenthood workgroup

Ms Sim Ann, who chairs the PAP Women’s Wing, speaking at a Mother’s Day celebration event on May 9.
Ms Sim Ann, who chairs the PAP Women’s Wing, speaking at a Mother’s Day celebration event on May 9.

LPA fees for customised powers lowered from $185 to $30 for Singaporeans

The Ministry of Social and Family Development said the fee revisions reflect its commitment to make LPA applications more accessible.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said the fee revisions reflect its commitment to make LPA applications more accessible.

More than 9 in 10 parents satisfied with standard of safety in pre-schools: ECDA survey

Picture of preschool children at the playground at Heartbeat@Bedok, on May 5, 2026.
Picture of preschool children at the playground at Heartbeat@Bedok, on May 5, 2026.

Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation pledges $6m to support mental health training, youth work

The Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation will support a recently established master’s programme in clinical mental health by NUS and youth non-profit organisation Impart with $3 million each over the next three years.
The Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation will support a recently established master’s programme in clinical mental health by NUS and youth non-profit organisation Impart with $3 million each over the next three years.

President’s Challenge to support 121 programmes in 2026, more than double from 2025

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with beneficiaries during a visit to Reach Family Service Centre in Sin Ming on April 30.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with beneficiaries during a visit to Reach Family Service Centre in Sin Ming on April 30.

Women taking career ‘detours’ as a norm will be one indicator of work group’s success: Indranee

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah said one indicator of success would be to reduce the “maternity penalty” faced by women.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah said one indicator of success would be to reduce the “maternity penalty” faced by women.

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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.