KKH Project ARIF takes root in Singapore’s family support ecosystem

17 Jun 2026 | Special Delivery

Key points:

Project ARIF is now a permanent part of the Bersamamu ecosystem.
It provides holistic support to Malay Muslim couples from marriage to parenthood, combining religious, medical and social care to drive positive care-seeking behaviours in families.
Since 2020, the programme has supported over 12,000 individuals, and trained over 120 marriage solemnisers and mosque personnel.

Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (third from left), Assoc Prof Chan Yoke Hwee, CEO, KKH (second from left), and representatives from Temasek Foundation, MUIS, and AMP at the launch of ARIF at Masjid Yusof Ishak.

As of 1 June 2026, Project ARIF (Achieving Resilient and Inspiring Families), a pilot initiative by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), will transition to a permanent national programme named ARIF. It offers culturally sensitive, medically grounded holistic support for Malay Muslim couples through the critical early stages of marriage and parenthood.

The programme has been integrated into the Bersamamu ecosystem, led by AMP Singapore, marking a significant milestone in KKH’s commitment to strengthening family health outcomes in Singapore’s Malay Muslim community.

“When couples understand issues about fertility, pregnancy, mental health, newborn care and childhood development, they feel prepared rather than overwhelmed. This foundation helps families make better life decisions and face parenthood with strength,” says Associate Professor Suzanna Sulaiman, Programme Lead, Project ARIF and Deputy Chairman, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KKH.

“We look forward to continued partnership with the various community stakeholders in supporting Muslim families across Singapore, fulfilling our commitment to advancing women’s and children’s health, and giving every child the strongest possible start in life,” adds Assoc Prof Suzanna.

Key outcomes of the five-year pilot include:

Over 12,000 individuals benefited from public education talks.	5,175 couples received a Maternal and Child Health Booklet with tips, checklists and milestone prompts.
KKH healthcare professionals trained 124 personnel trained to better support couples through marriage, pregnancy and early parenthood.	Over 200 babies supported, with half participating in research examining early health indicators such as immunisation, breastfeeding and parental involvement.

Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (centre), Assoc Prof Suzanna Sulaiman, Programme Lead, Project ARIF, KKH (left of Assoc Prof Faishal), representatives from MUIS, AMP, Naib Kadis and beneficiaries at the launch of ARIF at Masjid Yusof Ishak.

Case study: Wrapping care around the couple every step of the way

Shahinaaz Begum, 37, and Hilton Md Abdullah, 42, were referred to Project ARIF in 2022 by their Naib Kadi ahead of their marriage. As a foreigner adjusting to life in Singapore, Hilton found value in “Men on the Move”, a support circle for grooms, facilitated by master trainers, that helped him build meaningful connections and provided practical support for married life.

The couple participated in bonding programmes and Health’Meet sessions, receiving clinical advice on conception concerns and, subsequently, care at KKH. A KKH Medical Social Worker journeyed with them through pregnancy, facilitating psychosocial and healthcare support.

In preparation for parenthood, they also attended an antenatal lactation consultation and received post-delivery follow-up. Today, the couple navigates early parenthood with their first born guided by a team of KKH paediatricians and nurses.

Strengthened partnerships to impact generations

Project ARIF supports budding families from pre-solemnisation through the early years of marriage, pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and early childhood. KKH will continue as a key medical partner, ensuring the programme remains grounded in clinical expertise and evidence-based practice. The expanded Bersamamu ecosystem will leverage the core strengths of partners, which include AMP Singapore, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM).

Families can continue to access ARIF’s growing suite of resources via the ARIF website, for evidence-based information, programme updates and access to support services at every stage of their journey. These include the electronic Maternal and Child Health Handbook for every newlywed registering through ROMM, educational materials and practical tools to support informed decision-making from marriage through parenthood.