Alliance for Action to Strengthen Marriages and Family Relationships
The Alliance for Action to Strengthen Marriages and Family Relationships (AFAM) was formed in August 2021 to galvanise the whole of society in partnership with families, community, corporations and ground-up initiatives, to support families at different life stages who face different issues.
The AFAM is led by Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Sun Xueling, and starts off with six focal areas (FA):
We welcome like-minded individuals and community organisations to work with us to co-create and implement solutions to strengthen marriages and families, laying the foundation for a resilient nation. If you are interested, write to us at
MSF_AFA@msf.gov.sg.
Focal Area 1 'FAM Connections' focuses on outreach efforts to families through and with Community Partners. This includes:
- Raising awareness and expanding effectiveness through outreach programmes that support marriages and families, by partnering grassroots, corporates, community organisations and individuals.
Mr Ishak Ismail is married with two children and has been with the Families for Life (FFL) Council since 1 Aug 2015. He was appointed Chairman of Families for Life Council from 1 Feb 2020. Mr Ishak volunteers to reach out to families under the Advisory Council for Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD).
Useful Websites
For more tips and resources for families and parents, visit:
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Focal Area 2 'Support for Young Couples' focuses on supporting soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds through:
- Raising awareness and adoption of MSF’s marriage preparation and enrichment programmes.
- Engaging couples on intimate topics like fertility health.
Ms Lynn Er is a mother of two young kids. She sits on the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) Board as the Honorary Treasurer. Ms Lynn Er is also the former Chairperson and Advisor of the Young Women’s Leadership Connection (YWLC). The group’s vision is to empower young women in Singapore to drive positive impact within their communities and to be the women leaders of tomorrow.
Useful Websites
For more tips and resources for newlyweds and soon-to-wed couples, visit:
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Focal Area 3 'Parenting Together' focuses on supporting parents through:
- Identifying key trends and challenges faced in parent-child and grandparent-grandchild relationships
- Shaping parenting values to prioritise the social and emotional well-being of children through sharing sessions by experts
- Raising parental awareness of the availability of evidence-based parenting programmes and community resources
Dr Mathew Mathews is married with three sons and currently serves on the Families for Life Council, National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Voluntary Capability Fund Panel. He sits on the boards of One People.sg and National Volunteer and Philanthropic Centre (NVPC) actively participates in over a dozen family-related research projects. Dr Mathews hopes to identify existing gaps and areas for enhancement in support for parents with children across all ages and to re-orientate public views about parenting that prioritise the social and emotional well-being of children.
For more tips and resources on parenting, visit:
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Focal Area 4 ‘Support for Single Parents’ focuses on supporting single-parent families to care for their children and raise their families by:
- Partnering the community and supporting ground-up initiatives to enable single parents to work, care for and raise their families
- Reviewing gaps in current social support services for single parents and strengthening the support rendered
Ms Susan Ng is an active community volunteer and a member of MOE’s COMPASS Advisory Council (COMmunity and PArents in Support of Schools), a District Councillor with the Central Singapore CDC, and part of IMDA’s Media Literacy Council and the Singapore Kindness Movement Council. Professionally, Ms Susan Ng is a media veteran with over 40 years of broadcasting experience. She produces and presents programmes covering an array of topics, from family and parenting matters to social and community issues. She also received numerous awards for her social contributions, including the Public Service Medal (PBM) (2020), Friend of MSF Award (2019) and the inaugural Community Chest Enabler Award (2018) in recognition of 33 years of voluntary service.
With more than 25 years of experience working in both the public and medical fields of social work, Dr Vincent Ng bears an extensive knowledge and expertise in social service, which drives his passion to create a better future for the disadvantaged. As CEO of AMKFSC Community Services, Dr Ng has transformed the organisation into a multi-service agency that enhances and enriches the lives of children, youths, families and seniors in need through a holistic range of services across multiple touchpoints in Singapore. Dr Ng also contributes his insights as a social work leader by serving on various boards and committees.
Useful Websites
For more information on marriage and divorce support programs for couples and families, visit:
Resource website for single parents:
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Focal Area 5 ‘Support for Families with Early Risks’ focuses on building capability and strengths in the community, supporting and uplifting marriages and families facing greater challenges by:
- Collaborating with stakeholders and engaging the community to strengthen support for families showing early signs of stress
- Increasing awareness on building healthy and respectful relationships
- Providing support for families going through challenging life transitions (e.g. incarceration) and/or with strained relationships (e.g. family violence)
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim serves as President of the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS), an organisation dedicated to inspiring women and strengthening families. PPIS plays an important role in supporting families with early risks. PPIS runs 16 centres for women, families, and children - including nine early childhood education and student care centres, two Family Service Centres, a Divorce Support Specialist Agency, a fostering agency, centres for young marriages and stepfamilies, as well as a halfway house for women in the pipeline. Ms Hazlina also serves as a Director at the Singapore Business Federation Foundation as well as Yayasan MENDAKI and several other national committees.
For more information on marriage and divorce support programmes for couples and families, visit:
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Religious organisations are key stakeholders in strengthening marriages and families in Singapore. FA6 aims to organise cross sharing of experiences by religious organisations on their efforts to strengthen marriages and families.
To participate in the sharing sessions, religious organisations can register their interest here.
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AFAM in the Media
29 Sep 2022
What if a needy parent doesn't want to ask the kids for money
Source: The Straits Times
27 Sep 2022
A Solemniser’s Best Marriage Tips & The Marriage Advice She Doesn’t Believe In
Source: Singapore Women's Weekly
13 Sep 2022
MPA Workgroup: Parents with gambling problems may have to consent to counselling before being eligible to get financial support from children under Act
Source: 联合早报
12 Sep 2022
Work group proposes ways to address children's concerns over supporting parents
Source: The Straits Times
12 Sep 2022
Single Parents in Singapore: This Single Father shares His Story
Source: Singapore Motherhood
31 Aug 2022
Single Parents in Singapore: Two Mums Share their Stories
Source: Singapore Motherhood
16 Aug 2022
Over 100,000 families have made the Celebrating SG Families Pledge
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
11 Aug 2022
Do Single Parents Get Enough Support in Singapore?
Source: Singapore Women’s Weekly
3 Aug 2022
Do Single Parents Get Enough Support in Singapore?
Source: HerWorld
1 Aug 2022
Money and Me: How to talk to family with money in the middle
Source: Money FM 89.3
30 Jul 2022
Support for young families, special needs caregivers among ideas for family plan
Source: The Straits Times
30 Jul 2022
加强婚姻与家庭关系 亲家庭计划11月推出
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
30 Jul 2022
亲家庭计划预计11月推出
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
30 Jul 2022
社会及家庭发展部向逾600公众收集意见 制定亲家庭计划
Source: 8World
30 Jul 2022
社会及家庭发展部向逾600公众收集意见 制定亲家庭计划
Source: 8World YouTube
22 Jul 2022
How Can Stay-At-Home Mums Cope With Returning To The Workforce?
Source: Singapore Women’s Weekly
22 Jul 2022
Sher-li Torrey, founder of career portal Mums@Work shares advice for stay-at-home mums looking to return to the workforce, and dealing with burnout.
Source: Singapore Women’s Weekly Facebook
17 Jul 2022
Minister of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post on Partners who Attended the CFP Engagement Session
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
5 Jul 2022
Interview - The Art of Co-Parenting - Moving Forward Separately And As A Family
Source: ByKidO
28 Jun 2022
Acara FamilyTrees iktiraf, raikan pengorbanan bapa
Source: Berita Harian
6 Jun 2022
社论:强化家庭巩固邦本
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
5 Jun 2022
National Family Week
Source: CNA938 Facebook
5 Jun 2022
குடும்பங்களுக்கான ஆதரவு தொடர்ந்து வலுப்படுத்தப்படும்
Source: Tamil Murasu
5 Jun 2022
PM: Sokongan untuk keluarga terus diperkukuh
Source: Berita Harian
5 Jun 2022
首届全国家庭周启动 李总理:通过多项政策 政府持续加强对家庭支援
Source: Zaobao.sg
5 Jun 2022
Family Time Anywhere, Anytime this National Family Week
Source: All Events
5 Jun 2022
A strong family continues to be Singapore’s backbone, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Source: Berita Harian Facebook
12 May 2022
How To Fight With Your Spouse In A Healthy Manner
Source: HerWorld
9 May 2022
Minister Of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post on Mum’s Day Out event
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
9 May 2022
இன்று அன்னையர் தினம்
Source: Tamil Seithi
8 May 2022
单亲妈妈:朋友比另一半重要
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
5 May 2022
AFAM: Having Deeper Conversations with Your Child - Facebook Live Session by Minister of State Sun Xueling and Ms Nichol Ng
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
4 May 2022
【下班大沙发】加强婚姻及家庭关系行动联盟如何支持单亲父母面对育儿的挑战
Source: CAPITAL 958 Facebook
29 Apr 2022
加强家庭凝聚力
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
28 Apr 2022
MSF Features – FA1 Member Celebrating Families: Ms Sarojini Padmanathan (Facebook)
Source: MSF Facebook
27 Apr 2022
Perkasa ikatan melalui 'Ikrar Keluarga SG'
Source: Berita Harian
27 Apr 2022
Minister of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post on the Launch of AFAM SG Family Pledge
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
26 Apr 2022
Family Pledge to Get People Thinking About How to Strengthen Ties at Home: Sun Xueling
Source: The Straits Times
26 Apr 2022
配合欢庆新加坡家庭年 推出新加坡家庭誓约
Source: 8World
26 Apr 2022
参与“新加坡家庭誓约”表达对加强家庭关系的承诺和支持
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
26 Apr 2022
Minister of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post on the Launch of AFAM SG Family Pledge
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
24 Apr 2022
CNA938 Our Town: Supporting Young Couples, featuring FA2 Member Mr Edmund Twohill, Ms Christina Ya Ye and Mr Biondi Goh
Source: CNA938 Facebook
23 Apr 2022
Single S’porean mum of 4: Leaving my abusive husband was the best decision for my kids
Source: Mothership.SG
4 Apr 2022
Warna 94.2fm #TamuWarnaVista bersama Ustaz Ahmad Khushairi
Source: Warna 942 Facebook
1 Apr 2022
Govt's support for family extends to unwed parents and their children: Sun Xueling
Source: The Straits Times Facebook
1 Apr 2022
Pregnant and unwed at 19, her parents kicked her out after she refused abortion
Source: The Straits Times Facebook
31 Mar 2022
MSF Features - Champion of FA3 Parenting Together: Dr Mathew Mathews (Facebook)
Source: MSF Facebook
31 Mar 2022
MSF Features - Champion of FA3 Parenting Together: Dr Mathew Mathews (LinkedIn)
Source: MSF LinkedIn
21 Mar 2022
This Mama Lived with Her In-laws for 10 Years: Here are Her Top Tips
Source: Sassymamasg
20 Mar 2021
காலம் முழுவதும் உறவைக் கற்றுக்கொள்வதில் இனிமை
Source: Tamil Murasu
20 Mar 2021
எந்த முடிவையும் எதிர்கொள்வதில் ஒற்றுமை
Source: Tamil Murasu
19 Mar 2022
Pregnant at 19 & kicked out of house, S’porean single mum defends choice to keep pregnancy & raise baby.
Source: Mothership.SG
18 Mar 2022
3 Things To Ask Yourself During A Rough Patch In Your Marriage
Source: HerWorld
18 Mar 2022
Interview – Challenges Faced By A Single Parent
Source: ByKidO
18 Mar 2022
Minister-of-State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post on the Alliance for Action to Strengthen Marriages and Family Relationships and the Maintenance of Parents Act
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
12 Mar 2022
Minister-of-State Sun Xueling's Facebook Post on Family Trees
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
12 Mar 2022
CNA938 Family Ties: Support for Single Parents, featuring FA4 Member Ms Saradha Ramachandran and Mdm Kakali Basak
Source: CNA938 Facebook
11 Mar 2022
2022 to be the Year of Celebrating S’pore Families
Source: The Straits Times
11 Mar 2022
今年定为欢庆新加坡家庭年
Source: Zaobao
5 Mar 2022
S’porean father single-handedly raised 4 kids after ex-wife walked out 12 years ago. Here’s how.
Source: Mothership.SG
28 Feb 2022
How to be a Boss Mum: Nichol Ng Shares Her Journey as a Mum of Four and a Successful CEO
Source: theAsianparent
26 Feb 2022
Minister-of-State Sun Xueling’s Visit to Raffles Fertility Centre
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
24 Feb 2022
Getting Baby- Ready: Health and Fertility - Facebook Live Session by Minister-of-State Sun Xueling, Ms Yvon Bock and Dr Peter Chew
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
17 Feb 2022
Dr Edmund Wong and Mdm Chang Mun Lan Facebook Live Session
Source: Families for Life Facebook
18 Feb 2022
Shunned by family, S'porean single mum beat the odds, working while pregnant to pay rent
Source: Mothership.SG
12 Feb 2022
A Chat With Dr Mathew Mathews From Families For Life About Strengthening Marriages & Family Relationships
Source: Little Day Out
5 Feb 2022
Once Afraid To Be Labelled ‘Promiscuous’ With ‘Loose Morals’, S’porean Single Mum Finds Community Who Showers Her With Love
Source: Mothership.SG
28 Jan 2022
Minister Of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post On Straits Times Forum Letters
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
24 Jan 2022
Meet The Marriage Mentors – Solemnisers Who Journey With Newlyweds In New Initiative
Source: The Straits Times
24 Jan 2022
Meet The Marriage Mentors – Solemnisers Who Journey With Newlyweds In New Initiative
Source: The New Paper
22 Jan 2022
Despite Abuse, Miscarriage & Kidney Failure, S’porean Single Mum Pushes On For Young Daughter
Source: Motheship.SG
20 Jan 2022
8 Expert Strategies To Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem And Give Them Confidence In Life
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
10 Jan 2022
Warna94.2FM Radio Interview With GWJC 2021 Couple Encik Pasuni And Mdm Siti
Source: Warna94.2FM Facebook
8 Jan 2022
Kumpulan Kerja Dibentuk, Sokong Keperluan Warga Emas
Source: Berita Harian
8 Jan 2022
九议员成立小组再检讨进一步完善赡养父母法
Source: Zaobao 早报
24 Jan 2022
Work Group To Review Maintenance Of Parents Act To Further Strengthen It
Source: The Straits Times
22 Jan 2022
Maintenance Of Parents Act To Be Reviewed To Better Meet Needs Of The Elderly
Source: CNA
28 Jan 2022
Workgroup Set Up To Review Law On Maintenance Of Parents
Source: TODAY
7 Jan 2022
政府成立工作小组针对《赡养父母法令》进行检讨
Source: 8World
27 Dec 2021
Warna94.2FM Radio Interview With FA4 Member, Ms Nur Hilyah And HIS Profile, Mdm Hazirah
Source: Warna94.2FM Facebook
24 Jan 2022
Warna94.2FM Radio Interview With FA2 Member, Mr Ustaz Ahmad Kushairi
Source: Warna94.2FM Facebook
7 Dec 2021
[958下班大沙发] 加强婚姻及家庭关系行动联盟如何支持家庭与夫妇,应对育儿挑战
Source: CAPITAL95.8 Facebook
30 Nov 2021
[958下班大沙发] 加强婚姻及家庭关系行动联盟如何帮助单亲家庭?离异父母如何树立正确的育儿观?
Source: CAPITAL95.8 Facebook
29 Nov 2021
Warna94.2FM Radio Interview With FA3 Member, Ms Sharon Ismail
Source: Warna94.2FM Facebook
25 Nov 2021
Understanding Singaporean Youths’ Parenthood Goals
Source: TODAY
23 Nov 2021
[958下班大沙发] 新婚夫妇如何开启稳定的婚姻生活 让婚姻关系长青?
Source: CAPITAL95.8 Facebook
7 Nov 2021
How To Journey With Your Child Through His Mental Health Condition
Source: The Straits Times
2 Nov 2021
96.3好FM #娜些人娜些事 Radio Interview With FA2 Champion, Ms Lynn Er And Golden Jubilee Couples
Source: 96.3 HAO FM Facebook
17 Oct 2021
Singaporean Marriage Solemniser Joanna Portilla: It’s In My Blood. I Love To Help Others
Source: The Straits Times
17 Oct 2021
He Solemnises 500 To 600 Singapore Marriages A Year, And It’s Not Even A Paid Job
Source: The Straits Times
10 Oct 2021
Minister Of State Sun Xueling’s Facebook Post On Project Green Ribbon’s Inaugural Mental Health Human Library On World Mental Health Day
Source: Sun Xueling Facebook
Upcoming Events
- Stay tuned for the latest and upcoming live media opportunities and events featuring focal areas 1 – 6.
Contact Us
For enquiries, please contact us at MSF_AfA@msf.gov.sg.