Published on 01 July, 2026
The Focus on the Family Singapore Family Champion Award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening families in Singapore.
Nominees are assessed based on three key criteria:
Recipients are selected by a panel comprising leaders from both the marketplace sector (including business and corporate representatives) and the community sector (including social service practitioners and family advocates), ensuring a balanced and holistic evaluation of impact.
In a time marked by shifting attitudes towards marriage, declining birth rates and increasing pressures on family life, one individual has remained steadfast in advocating for the enduring importance of family.
This year, Darius Lee, Executive Director of Cultivate SG, is recognised by Focus on the Family Singapore as the recipient of Family Champion Award (Individual) winner, in honour of his sustained efforts to strengthen family culture, influence public conversations, and invest in the next generation.
Through dialogue, leadership, and practical workplace culture, Darius has consistently championed the role of family as a cornerstone of society.
Darius’ journey began in his 20s, when he started noticing shifts in attitudes within his social circles and broader society.
“I saw developments such as declining interest in marriage and family, rising divorce rates, and growing challenges surrounding the institution of family,” he shares. “As someone who believes in the foundational importance of family to society, I felt that I needed to do more to speak up.”
This conviction led him to begin advocating for marriage and family through writing and public engagement, laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to strengthening families.
Darius Lee, Executive Director of Cultivate SG, advocates for stronger families through leadership, public engagement and community impact.
Over the years, Darius has combined thought leadership with action. His writings and interviews in mainstream media have contributed to important conversations around marriage, parenting, and family life.
More recently, as Executive Director of Cultivate SG, he has translated these values into tangible practices.
Within his organisation, Darius has intentionally fostered a family-supportive culture, recognising that employees are often navigating different life stages, from raising young children to caring for elderly parents.
“We aim to put our values into action,” he explains. “This includes flexible work arrangements and an overall attitude that is understanding towards people’s needs and stage in life. When necessary, we adjust timelines and schedules to support one another.”
Through this, Darius demonstrates that building a family-friendly culture begins in everyday decisions, especially in the workplace.
One of Darius’ most significant contributions has been the launch of “Unfiltered – The Whole Family Conversation,” Cultivate SG’s flagship conference initiated in 2024.
Supported from the outset by Focus on the Family Singapore and others, the conference created a platform for open, honest dialogue on complex family issues. It brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, encouraging deeper engagement on topics often left unspoken.
Since then, Unfiltered has grown into an influential voice in national discussions on family issues. In 2025, the conference explored narrow definitions of “success” and their impact on families, a topic that has since gained broader attention in conversations about Singapore’s education culture and parenting pressures.
By creating space for these discussions, Darius has helped surface critical issues affecting families today, contributing to both awareness and change.
Left most: Darius moderating Cultivate SG’s Unfiltered Conference in 2024; second from left: Delia Ng, CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore as a panellist.
Looking ahead, Darius acknowledges that families in Singapore face increasing pressures, from global uncertainties to demographic shifts.
Yet, he remains hopeful.
“Family still remains one of the key pillars of support within society. Instead of responding with fear or anxiety, I believe we need a renewed sense of faith, hope and love, hope for the future, and love that involves sacrifice and putting others before ourselves.”
Through his dialogue, leadership, and commitment to action, Darius exemplifies what it means to champion families in today’s world.
His work reminds us that while societal trends may shift, the importance of family remains constant, and strengthening it requires individuals who are willing to speak up, step forward, and lead with conviction.
As this year’s Individual Family Champion Award (Individual) winner, Darius’ journey is a powerful testament to the impact one person can have in shaping not just conversations, but culture and ultimately, the future of families in Singapore.
Nelson and Gina
Workshop: May 2026
Nelson and Gina Lee have been accredited facilitators with Focus on the Family Singapore for over a decade, beginning their involvement conducting relationship talks for tertiary students since 2011.
Driven by a passion for nurturing strong relationships, they have extensive experience in facilitating dating workshops for courting couples and pre-marital programmes for those considering marriage. They have also have led marriage retreats designed to deepen connection and commitment among married couples.
