Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day

Straits Times

15-06-2025

Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh (second from right), with (from left) his father Muhammad Salleh Bin Ramdan, and daughters Sufya Nadyne and Safaa Naura, at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day
SINGAPORE – Despite working full-time as a technician and pursuing a part-time diploma in engineering, Mr Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh makes it a point to spend quality time with his young daughters.
Mr Shazlizan, who has two daughters aged one and four, said: 'It can be difficult to balance work and family, but I feel the need to be present in my children's lives. Sometimes, after a tiring day of work, having them greet me at the door when I'm home is all I need to feel energised again.'
The 31-year-old and his family were one of over a hundred families celebrating Father's Day on June 15 at Dad's Day Out. The event, held at OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub , is the culminating point of the Celebrating Fathers initiative, which is in its 10th year.
Families at the event enjoyed games including a basketball challenge, foam blasters and a penalty shoot out booth.
Mr Shazlizan said his wife surprised him by taking him, their daughters and his parents to the carnival on the morning of June 15.
'Normally, on Father's Day, we would stay at home, buy food and just spend time together. So I was excited about all of us celebrating it this year by going out,' he added.
Mr Shazlizan, who is pursuing his part-time diploma in electronic and digital engineering at Nanyang Polytechnic , said: 'My lessons are three nights a week, so I had to explain to my daughters why I won't be able to read to them before bed or pat them to sleep on some nights.
'This is why when we do spend time together, I make sure to treasure it.'
Gesturing to his father, who is 57 years old , Mr Shazlizan, who has a brother and a sister, s aid: 'My dad is my role model. I always appreciated the way he spoke to my siblings and I, and how he told us that any problem can be solved together as a family. I take that as the example on how to raise kids.'
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong , who was guest of honour at Dad's Day Out, said the event theme – My Dad, My Anchor – captured the essence of what being a father is.
Mr Tong, a father of three, said: 'A father is often seen as the anchor for the family, a really strong, solid, steadfast presence that keeps the family grounded, much like an anchor that holds a ship down, even in the stormiest of weathers.
'They provide security, direction and emotional stability. As a father myself, I realise, and I know, that it is not often easy to be this anchor all the time, every time, when it is needed.'
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was the guest of honour at Dad's Day Out on June 15.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
This is why it is important to remind dads that they are not alone in this journey, Mr Tong said, reminding fathers that it matters most to be present in their families' lives.
Noting that the Government is committed to supporting fathers to take a more active role in their children's lives, Mr Tong highlighted initiatives, including government-paid paternity leave.
He added that fathers can also share up to four weeks of their wife's maternity leave, providing flexibility for both parents.
Also at the event was Mr Way Ng, a father of five children, aged between four and 20. He was with his four-year-old daughter and wife at Dad's Day Out.
Mr Way Ng and Ms Teo Xiao Yan with their daughter Kareena at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The 39-year-old human resources assistant manager said: 'It takes a village to raise a kid, and my wife and I are in this together. Even though my older children are growing up and becoming more independent, I think it is very important to be present in all my kids' lives.'
Mr Ng said his family has made it a tradition to go out and celebrate important events together, such as on Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays.
'We usually like to eat together, sing karaoke together and even play games at the arcade together,' he said.
'I hope my kids know that their mother and I want to be their support and rock. It is not to say that we won't let them fall, but we hope to create a safety net for them, so they will never fall too badly.'
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