Be wary of scams or phishing attempts (e.g. fake website on MSF services). MSF will never ask you to send money, give us your credit card information, or One-Time Passwords (OTP). Learn more from our scam advisory. Stay vigilant and protect yourself against scams.

MSF website will undergo scheduled maintenance on Saturday, 27 April, 10pm to Sunday, 28 April, 6am. During this maintenance period, users may experience intermittent access issues when accessing the website. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Have a question about MSF? Find quick answers with our chatbot Ask MSF.

Social and Family Research Network (SFRN)

msf_sfrn_logo

The Social and Family Research Network (SFRN) was launched by Mr Chew Hock Yong, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social & Family Development on 18 January 2018 at the Civil Service College.

The objectives of the SFRN are:

  • To promote a multi-disciplinary approach and greater expertise on social and family research through sharing of new research findings and developments;

  • To identify new areas of research interests and facilitate research collaboration between government and the research communities; and

  • To develop a stronger research and evidence base for social and family policies.

The SFRN is an expansion from the previous Family Research Network (FRN), which brings together academics and post-graduate students of universities and affiliated research institutes, social sector professionals, and policy-makers on social and family issues in Singapore.


Social and Family Research Network Forum

The Social and Family Research Network (SFRN) forum is a platform for academics, researchers as well as policy-makers and communities to participate in a multidisciplinary approach to social and family research through the sharing of new findings and developments. The discussion serves to provide a stronger evidence base for social and family policies and to identify new areas of interests and collaboration through these sessions.

Information on past forums:



THE ROLE OF FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS IN RAISING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS

​Monday, 26 November 2018

Synopsis

The forum discussed the impact and influences of fathers and grandfathers on children’s development.  Invited speakers from the academic, policy and social work professions shared their experience and findings on the evolving roles and impact of fathers and grandfathers on children, and discussed the implications for public education and policy making. Issues that were covered include how healthcare professionals and policymakers can support fathers entering parenthood, and the lasting influence grandfathers have on grandchildren.

Speakers

Paternal Involvement of Singaporean Fathers Within Six Months Postpartum: A Descriptive Qualitative Study (Slides)

Dr Shefaly Shorey
Assistant Professor
Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies
National University of Singapore


The Father's Heart (Slides)

Mr Bryan Tan
Chief Executive Officer
Centre for Fathering


What Matters For Grandfathers? A Glimpse on Grandfatherhood Through Chinese Grandfathers in Singapore (Slides)

Dr Thang Leng Leng
Head, Department of Japanese Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
National University of Singapore


Forum Moderator

Mr Tong Yee
Director
The Thought Collective


PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN - RESEARCH ON CHILD ABUSE AND PROTECTION IN SINGAPORE

​Thursday, 18 January 2018

Synopsis

This was the first forum held under the expanded Social and Family Research Network. The forum discussed the impact of family demographics and public perception on child protection efforts in Singapore, as well as examined the risk factors involved for re-entry into the child protection system. Invited speakers from the academic, policy and social work professions shared their experience and findings in child protection work and discussed the implications for research with regard to public education and policy making.

Speakers

Development Aspects of Child Maltreatment Syndrome (Slides)

Dr Kang Ying Qi
MMed (Paediatrics), MRCPCH (UK), FAMS
Consultant and Assistant Clinical Director
Child Development Unit (Division of Development and Behavioural Paediatrics)
National University Hospital


Local Research on Family in Child Protection Work (Slides)

Dr Grace Chng
Senior Research Specialist
Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service
Rehabilitation and Protection Group
Ministry of Social & Family Development


Changes in Public Perceptions of Child Abuse and Neglect Between 1994 and 2010 (Slides)

Lui Zhi Jing
Research Officer
Singapore Children’s Society


Child Abuse: It Takes A Village to Protect A Child (Slides)

Mok Xue Ting & Tan Si Yin
Senior Caseworker & Social Worker
Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre


MARRIAGE BEYOND BORDERS - CHALLENGES FACED
BY TRANSNATIONAL FAMILIES IN SINGAPORE

​Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Synopsis 

The 15th Family Research Network forum examined the social position of transnational families and marriage migrants in Singapore today. Our invited speakers from the academic, legal, and social work professions shared their experience and expertise in understanding the aspirations and challenges faced by transnational couples. They discussed the implications for research and public policy regarding the social integration and protection of transnational families.

Speakers

Vietnamese Marriage Migrants in Singapore: Beyond “Social Problems” and “Social Protection”

Dr Brenda S.A. Yeoh
Professor (Provost’s Chair), Department of Geography
Research Leader, Asian Migration Cluster, Asia Research Institute
National University of Singapore


Migrant Brides in Singapore: Women Strategising Within Family, Market and the State

Ms Amanda Chong Wei-Zhen
Deputy Public Prosecutor / State Counsel
Criminal Justice Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers


Aspirations and Challenges of Transnational Couples In Their First Year of Marriage

Mr Justin Paul
Assistant Manager / Social Worker
Project Head, Project FAMILY
Fei Yue Community Services

Ms Eileen Su
Programme Head (Senior Social Worker)
Family Journey Programme
Care Corner Singapore


Forum Moderator

Dr Mathew Mathews
Senior Research Fellow
Institute of Policy Studies
National University of Singapore


THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA ON SOCIAL AND FAMILIAL TIES

​Friday, 7 October 2016

Synopsis

The 14th forum discussed the impact of the use of Internet and Social Media particularly on the younger generation in our present day. The forum invited renowned academic experts to speak about their findings on the connections between the risk and opportunities in using social media and how they had affected well-being of users. The speakers also highlighted the role parental restrictions play in inculcating good Internet practices and values, and how social media played a role in forming social ties.

Speakers

Family Communication, Digital Media and Children Online

Dr May O. Lwin
Associate Dean (College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences) and
Professor (Division of Public and Promotional Communication)
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
Nanyang Technological University

Online But Disconnected In A Smart Nation? Information Literacy Issues Among Underprivileged Youths In Singapore

Dr Lim Sun Sun
Associate Professor, Department of Communications & New Media, and
Assistant Dean (Research)
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore

Family, Parenting and Pathological Internet Use

Dr Li Dongdong
Senior Research Specialist
Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service
Rehabilitation and Protection Group
Ministry of Social & Family Development

Dr Grace Chng
Research Specialist
Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service
Rehabilitation and Protection Group
Ministry of Social & Family Development


Forum Moderator

Dr Vivien Huan
Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Programme & Student Development)
Office of Teacher Education
Psychological Studies
National Institute of Education