Child’s Life Stage: Emerging

When Your Child Is Bullied

At a glance: 

  • Listen calmly and reassure your child so they feel heard, safe, and supported. 
  • Work with the school while teaching your child how to respond appropriately to bullying. 
  • Support your child’s recovery, confidence, and long-term emotional growth. 

Perhaps it came unexpectedly one day as an uncomfortable confession, ”Mum…someone has been bullying me.”  

Oftentimes, the words are never said at all. Instead, it becomes clear to you in the form of tears over homework. A queasy stomach ache every Sunday night. A strange anxiety or reluctance to go to school. A call from a teacher about an incident or some inappropriate and hurtful texts found in a chat group. 

When bullying happens, our greatest role is not to solve the problem—it is to walk beside our children with love, wisdom and hope as they heal. Our initial response often shapes how our child remembers the experience—not just the bullying itself, but whether they felt safe, heard and supported. 

Here are some practical handles that I’ve found useful in handling bullying situations:  

1. Stay calm before you take action 

The first thing our children need is not a solution. 

They need us.  

Educational psychologist and author of UnSelfie and Thrivers, Dr Michele Borba reminds parents that our first job is not to investigate or solve the problem, but to listen. When children feel heard rather than interrogated, they are far more likely to keep talking—and that conversation becomes the foundation for every step that follows. 

Children often need us to regulate ourselves before they can regulate themselves. 

When one of our sons came home upset after being chased around incessantly by a group of boys during recess for weeks, every fibre of me wanted answers immediately and to investigate the details.  

Instead, when I resisted that urge and listened intently to what he was feeling inside, it opened a conversation that lasted almost an hour. 

Had I allowed my anger to first take over, I suspect he would have shut down because he would have felt responsible for my emotions as well as his own. 

Children often need us to regulate ourselves before they can regulate themselves. 

Supportive tip: Listen rather than react. Resist the urge to interrupt, investigate or immediately fix the problem. Let them know they did the right and brave thing by telling you and you are more concerned for their feelings.  

2. Believe your child—even if you don’t yet know the whole story 

Bullying situations are rarely straightforward.  

There may be misunderstandings, different perspectives and incomplete information.  

But when your child shares that they feel bullied, they are telling you about their experience. 

That experience deserves to be taken seriously.  

Instead of saying,  

“Are you sure they meant it that way?”  

or  

“Maybe they’re just joking”,  

try saying,  

“That sounds really painful.” or,  

“I can understand why you felt hurt.” 

Validation does not mean agreeing with every detail. It means acknowledging their emotions. Dr Borba cautions against minimising a child’s experience, even if adults perceive the incident differently. When children feel their emotions are dismissed, they are less likely to seek help in the future.  

Supportive tip: Feeling believed gives children the courage to keep talking. 

3. Work with the school, Not against them 

Singapore schools do take bullying seriously. Teachers and school leaders often see dynamics that parents cannot, while parents know their child in ways schools never will.  

The best outcomes usually happen when both work together. 

As one Singapore school principal observed, every bullying report involves multiple perspectives:. The child who felt hurt, the child accused of causing the hurt, classmates who witnessed the incident, teachers who know the students in different settings and, often, concerned parents. Bringing these perspectives together takes time. 

It helps to understand that teachers need time to speak with different students, compare accounts, understand the context and determine whether the behaviour was a misunderstanding, poor judgement or deliberate bullying. 

As difficult as the waiting can be, I’ve come to appreciate that a careful investigation is often kinder than a hurried conclusion. A rushed decision may satisfy our emotions, but it may not uncover what really happened or lead to the best outcome for the children involved. 

In waiting, it’s wise to resist the urge to battle it out publicly or online. When situations are discussed publicly before investigations are complete, only one perspective is usually visible. It can unintentionally make it harder for schools to focus on supporting the children involved and finding a thoughtful, lasting resolution. 

Choosing private partnership over public pressure doesn’t minimise our child’s experience. Instead, it gives everyone the best chance to understand what happened, help children take responsibility where needed and move forward with dignity. 

Supportive tip: When we approach the school as partners rather than adversaries, everyone remains focused on the same goal: helping children grow while ensuring everyone’s safety. 

4. Teach your child safe responses

As parents, we naturally want to protect our children, but we also need to equip them.  

The goal isn’t simply to stop this incident—it is to help them develop skills that will serve them for life. 

Ages 7-12: Simple framework of responses  

When supporting a younger child, practise with them simple responses they can remember under stress: 

Recognise – “This behaviour isn’t okay.” 

Respond – Teach them how to speak calmly and assertively, “Stop. I don’t like that.” before walking away and finding a trusted adult. 

Report – Help them identify and tell trusted adults in their environment, even if the bullying has stopped.  

Ages 13–19: Protect their dignity while staying connected 

Teenagers require a different approach because bullying at this age is often relational (exclusion, rumours, manipulation, social media, subtle humiliation) rather than physical. The goal is no longer just to teach them what to say or do,  but to help them exercise sound judgement, maintain healthy boundaries and seek support.  

A friend’s older child once hesitated to tell her what was happening because he was worried she’d immediately contact the school. Teenagers usually want support without feeling “rescued.” Parents may need to resist taking over immediately.  

Instead: 

  • Listen without interrupting or jumping into problem-solving. 
  • Ask permission before contacting the school where appropriate. 
  • Discuss different options and allow them to have a voice in how the situation is handled. 

Talk about: 

  • Blocking and reporting abusive online behaviour. 
  • Avoiding retaliation through social media. 
  • Saving evidence instead of responding emotionally. 
  • Reaching out to trusted adults even when they worry they’ll be seen as “snitching.” 

One of the strongest messages we can give our teenagers is this: Asking for help is not weakness. It is wisdom. 

Supportive tip: Keep records of significant incidents, especially if the behaviour is repeated or takes place online. Screenshots, dates and descriptions can help schools understand patterns rather than isolated events. 

As parents, we often measure ourselves by whether we can protect our kids or solve our children’s problems. But sometimes our greatest gift is becoming the safe place they run to when life hurts. 

5. Help them rebuild confidence 

Even after the bullying stops, the emotional impact may remain.  

Some children become anxious about making friends. Others lose confidence in activities they once loved. 

Encourage activities where your child experiences competence and joy again—whether through sports, music, art, coding, church, community groups or volunteering. 

Most children recover well with strong family and school support.  

However, some may need additional help. 

 Do seek professional support if your child: 

  • remains withdrawn for weeks; 
  • develops persistent anxiety or panic; 
  • refuses to attend school; 
  • experiences significant changes in eating or sleeping; 
  • loses interest in activities they previously enjoyed; or 
  • talks repeatedly about feeling hopeless or worthless. 

There is no shame in seeking help early. 

In fact, it models something important to our children—that emotional health deserves care just as much as physical health. 

The support only we can give  

As parents, we often measure ourselves by whether we can protect our kids or solve our children’s problems. But sometimes our greatest gift is becoming the safe place they run to when life hurts. 

Years from now, our children may not remember every unkind word that was spoken.  

But they will remember who sat beside them. 

Who listened without judgement. 

Who fought for them wisely. 

Another thought that sticks through my parenting journey: every child in a bullying situation needs guidance—not only the child who has been hurt, but also the child who caused the hurt, who is likely also hurting and manifesting this hurt through unkind behaviour.  

One needs comfort, reassurance and protection. 

The other needs accountability, empathy and the opportunity to learn. 

If we only seek punishment alone, we may stop one incident. But if we also pursue understanding, restoration and growth where possible, we help shape the kind of adults our children will become. 

References:  
https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/why-do-schools-take-so-long-to-investigate-cases-of-hurtful-behaviour-and-bullying/?utm_source=facebook+sb+article&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=educatorvoices+bullying 

 

Discernment in an AI Driven World

At a glance: 

  • Teach our children to critically evaluate AI-generated messages, question assumptions, and seek evidence-based understanding. 
  • Help children recognise the unique qualities of human beings—love, free will, empathy, and inherent dignity—that technology cannot replicate. 
  • Use everyday conversations and media encounters to nurture discernment, wisdom, and a framework for evaluating ideas in an AI-shaped world. 

In an age where machines are indispensable in daily life, we can easily lose sight of what makes us human. When technology begins to blur the line between person and programme, we must be ready to defend the inherent worth, dignity, and uniqueness of human beings — not only to others, but also to ourselves.

Why apologetics matters for parents 

The word apologetics comes from the Greek apologia, meaning “to make a defense.” It’s about giving clear reasons for what we believe. As parents, we long for our children to think clearly and discern truth from falsehood. AI can be used to create convincing fakes so well that even well-educated adults are deceived, so we must train children to think critically and discern truth from young. 

Teaching apologetics is not about winning arguments; it’s about forming minds that love truth and hearts that love people. The good news is that you don’t need an apologetics degree to begin. You simply need a willingness to learn alongside your children — to ask questions, think critically, and seek truth together. 

It’s never too late to start training your mind, or your child’s, to think well. 

Building a framework for thinking 

At its heart, critical thinking is the disciplined pursuit of truth that corresponds to reality. In a culture that celebrates “your truth” and “my truth,” we must help the next generation rediscover that truth is good, objective and knowable. 

Critical thinking is like exercising a muscle: it grows stronger with use. Neuroscience calls this neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections through practice. It’s never too late to start training your mind, or your child’s, to think well. 

Focus on teaching a framework for inquiry that is evidence-based. Our goal is to help children ask questions that lead to understanding, not confusion.

1. Cross-examine everything

We are constantly bombarded by messages — mostly half-true, and some others deceptive. Without careful examination, we risk absorbing “junk ideas” along with the good. 

Similar to the Socratic approach, we need to ask thoughtful questions that reveal hidden assumptions. For example, when someone says, “AI companions can fill the emotional void in people’s lives without harming anyone,” we can gently ask: 

  • “What do you mean by ‘void’? Is it loneliness, or the desire to be known and loved?” 
  • “What do you mean by ‘without harm’? Are we talking about physical, emotional, or spiritual harm?” 
  • “Can something programmed to always respond with affirmation and validation really love a person? What is love?” 

These questions clarify terms and reveal underlying assumptions. They also affirm something true — that humans do long to be known and loved — while testing whether AI can genuinely meet that need meaningfully. 

As Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the Oxford University, John Lennox reminds us, “Machines can calculate, but they cannot contemplate.” Love requires free will, empathy, and moral awareness — qualities no algorithm possesses. Studies show that long-term reliance on AI companions often increases isolation and loneliness, in addition to reports of encouraging self-harm among vulnerable users. So the claim that “no one is harmed” simply doesn’t hold up. 

By learning to cross-examine ideas, children develop discernment — the ability to tell not just right from wrong, but right from almost right. 

Encourage your children to ask similar questions about any AI-related idea: 

  • Who created this message, and why? 
  • What is it trying to make me believe, feel or do? 
  • What are the implications if I accept this idea?  
  • What do other credible sources say about it? 

By learning to cross-examine ideas, children develop discernment — the ability to tell not just right from wrong, but right from almost right.

2. Offer discernment and a human-centred approach

Critical thinking is best when it’s motivated by love. The goal is not to “win” debates but to help others see truth’s beauty and goodness. We can think of this process as gardening. We’re planting seeds of truth that may grow later in someone’s heart. 

When discussing AI companions, for instance, you might ask your child: 

  • “What makes a relationship meaningful to you?” 
  • “Can machines replicate such a relationship? Why or why not?” 
  • “What is good and unique about being human that we should protect in an AI age?” 

These questions invite deeper reflection. They help children see that relationships are meaningful precisely because they involve vulnerability, imperfection, and the exercise of free will — things machines cannot replicate. 

3. Reinforce critical thinking daily

Evaluating ideas, like any skill, fades when unused. The best way to nurture thoughtful and discerning children is to integrate these habits into everyday life. 

Here are some practical ways to do that: 

  • Use daily experiences as training grounds. Whenever you come across an advertisement, social media post, music, video or anything, pause and ask: 
  • “What message is this sending about what it means to be human?”  
  • “Does this align with what we know to be true about human worth and dignity?” 
  • Look for positive examples of AI use and affirm the good they can bring to humanity, when it is thoughtfully and ethically designed and applied. Follow up with questions such as: 
  • “Why is an ethical framework important?” 
  • “Whose ethical framework should be used – why?” 
  • Celebrate discernment. When your child spots faulty reasoning or a misleading message, affirm their effort. This reinforces that thinking well is valuable and rewarding. 

As AI’s abilities deepen and expand, some now argue it may possess consciousness—self-awareness like humans. This debate has profound implications for humanity, offering parents and children a chance to think critically together and learn to defend what truly defines human identity. 

Encouragement for parents 

Parents already juggle countless responsibilities, yet helping children think critically and defend human worth and dignity is worth our investment of time and “thinking muscle”. Small, consistent moments of discussion and reflection over time build resilience and true wisdom that can withstand any disruption from AI.  

We can be kind to ourselves by taking the pressure off from focusing on the training outcomes, and instead focus on faithfully stewarding the young minds in our care, one day at a time. May the seeds we plant today in our children’s lives bear good fruits that will serve them and others well, in the future.  

This is Part 3 in a series on Sex & Sexuality in an AI-Driven World. Read Part 1 here & Part 2 here.  

Meet Select Group: Family Champion Award Winner

The Focus on the Family Singapore Family Champion Award (Corporate) recognises companies that lead the way in building family-friendly workplaces and championing strong families in Singapore. 

Nominees are evaluated based on three key criteria:  
 
– Family‑Friendly Culture (40%): Assesses how companies cultivate environments where employees and their families can flourish. 
 
– Tangible Impact on Families (40%): Measures the real and positive outcomes their policies, programmes, and practices have on employees’ family lives 
 
– Partnership & Engagement with Focus on the Family Singapore (20%) : Reflects their commitment to working collaboratively to strengthen families through shared initiatives and sustained support.  

Recipients are selected by a panel comprising leaders from both the marketplace sector (including business leaders and corporate representatives) and the community sector (including social service professionals and family advocates), ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of each company’s impact.  

Good values often begin at home. Organisations that aspire to support families and communities must first look inward at how they treat the people who work for them. Select Group, a homegrown company, has built its culture around exactly this instinct – one that starts inside its own workforce before reaching outward into the community. It is this commitment that earns Select Group recognition this year as Focus on the Family Singapore’s Family Champion Award (Corporate) winner.  

At the heart of Select Group is a simple belief: When families thrive, communities grow stronger, and strong communities give businesses a more sustainable path forward. The company names this in its core value, “We work with ONE heart and as ONE family, striving to achieve greater heights,” and it shows up most clearly in how the company treats its own people first. 

A Mission Rooted in People 

When a staff member faces a health challenge, Select Group reduces their workload and maintains their salary. No one calls this a special arrangement. It is simply how things are done, a quiet way of saying: You matter beyond what you produce. 

That same belief shapes the smaller, steadier rhythms too. A staff meal during a shift. A new skill picked up on the job. A career pathway that actually opens. None of this is dramatic alone, but together it builds something steady, letting employees support their families with a little more confidence and a little less strain.  

Select Group also makes efforts to bridge work and home. During festive seasons, staff are sent home with treats for their loved ones. Through the Select Bursary Award, employees’ children are recognised for their achievements in academics, sports, and skills, with families invited to celebrate together.  
 
The Select Bursary Award recognises employees’ children for their achievements  while nurturing the next generation. 

Feeding Families, Easing Pressure  

That same warmth reaches into the wider community, where Select Group’s giving tends to centre on two things families worry about most: Food and togetherness.  

Since 1997, Select Group has provided daily meals through the Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Centres, accumulating over 300,000 meals to needy seniors across the years. For families with elderly parents to care for, that consistent support quietly lifts a real and daily burden.  
 
More recently, through partnerships with Community Development Councils, Select Group sponsored over $1.2 million in meal vouchers under the Value Meals programme. Thousands of families can now access affordable meals within their own housing estates. Since 2008, the organisation has also co-sponsored an annual reunion dinner with the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizen’s Consultative Committee, giving up to 1,000 underprivileged residents a reason and a table to come together as families and mark the year.  

Select Group managing director Vincent Tan poses with the  Value Meals @ South West vending machine 

Investing in the Next Generation 

Select Group invests in what comes next too. Annual educational excursions for underprivileged children have run since 2012. Book prizes and internship pathways, created in partnership with polytechnics and universities, open doors for young people who might not otherwise have them. Even leisure is woven in – with staff participating in bowling competitions alongside a Singapore Bowling Federation partnership, with proceeds going to the federation.  

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Select Group’s partnership with Focus on the Family Singapore sits naturally within this broader commitment. Since 2023, Select Group has been a key sponsor of the FamChamps programme, providing nutritious full-board meals for approximately 100 youths at each four-day, three-night FamChamps Camp Experience. The camp is built around helping young people understand what healthy family life looks like — through workshops, experiential activities, and daily mentoring that give them practical ways to strengthen relationships at home. 

The partnership extends to Honour Night, the camp’s finale where participants pay tribute to their parents and caregivers over a shared dinner. For many families, that dinner becomes more than a meal. It is where reflection turns into conversation, and a relationship quietly gets repaired. 

Building Forward   

Select Group sees its role in shaping a family-friendly Singapore as one that will grow alongside its business. As the organisation expands, more families benefit from stable employment, stronger career pathways, and a workplace that takes their home lives seriously. Beyond its own walls, Select Group intends to deepen partnerships with community organisations, building on its longstanding work in senior care, youth development, and family support. 

This philosophy of “ONE heart, as ONE family” has guided Select Group through decisions made over many years – the same conviction applied quietly and consistently. It is this intentionality, more than any single gesture, that defines what it means to be a Corporate Family Champion.  

Building a Legacy of Strong Families 

Through its volunteer-led mentoring network, commitment to relationship-centred support, and unwavering belief in the importance of marriage, Bridging Hearts exemplifies what it means to champion families. 

Its journey reminds us that strengthening families often begins with strengthening the relationships at their core. 

As this year’s Family Champion Award (Community) winner, Bridging Hearts stands as a powerful example of how ordinary individuals united by a shared vision can create lasting impact across generations and help build a more family-friendly Singapore. 

Meet Bridging Hearts: Family Champion Award Winner

The Focus on the Family Singapore Family Champion Award recognises organisations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to strengthening families in Singapore.

Nominees are assessed based on three key criteria: 

  • Family-Friendly Culture (40%): Considers how they foster environments where families can flourish. 
  • Tangible Impact on Families (40%): Evaluates the real, positive changes their work brings to families’ lives. 
  • Partnership & Engagement with Focus on the Family Singapore (20%): Reflects the depth of their collaboration and shared efforts to advance the mission of building strong families.

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 well-rounded and holistic evaluation of each nominee’s contributions. 

In a society where families face growing pressures and relationships are increasingly stretched, one community has spent decades investing in stronger marriages and healthier families. 

This year, Bridging Hearts is recognised as the Focus on the Family Singapore Community Family Champion Award (Community) winner, in honour of its longstanding commitment to strengthening marriages, building safer homes for children, and supporting families across Singapore. 

What began as a desire to support children has grown into a mission that has trained more than 500 marriage mentors and supported over 2,500 relationships and marriages. Through mentoring, training, and community partnerships, Bridging Hearts has helped countless couples build stronger foundations for their families.

How the Journey Began  

Long before Bridging Hearts was formally established in 2020, founders Tan Nam Seng and Sok Mian were already working closely with children and families. 

In the 1990s, they began noticing a troubling pattern: Many of the children they encountered were struggling because of broken family relationships. Wanting to support these children, they started engaging their parents and soon discovered that many marriages were facing significant challenges. 

“Little by little we learnt how a troubled marriage can affect the next generation,” they shared. 

This realisation marked a turning point. If families were to flourish, attention had to be given not only to children, but firstly to the health of marriages. Determined to make a difference, Nam Seng and Sok Mian began equipping themselves to support couples, first through marriage preparation programmes and later through marriage mentoring.

What started with one couple’s desire to support children soon became a lifelong mission to strengthen marriages and families.

Marriage Mentor training in 2022

From Helping Couples to Equipping Communities 

As the founders journeyed alongside more couples, they realised the need was far greater than any one couple could meet alone. 

In 2015, they began training other couples to mentor relationships and marriages, creating a multiplying effect that would eventually shape the foundation of Bridging Hearts. 

Over time, more couples were drawn to the vision of strengthening marriages and families. By word of mouth, the community grew, bringing volunteers who shared the same heart for seeing relationships thrive. 

Today, Bridging Hearts has trained more than 500 marriage mentors, many of whom continue serving within their own communities, churches and networks. Together, these mentors have journeyed with over 2,500 relationships and marriages, helping couples navigate challenges, deepen connection, and build healthier family relationships. 

The organisation has also conducted Marriage Preparation Courses for more than 100 pre-marital couples, helping couples lay strong foundations before entering marriage. 

Marriage Mentor training in 2022

Building Relationships, Not Just Solving Problems 

Central to Bridging Hearts’ approach is a simple but powerful belief: Lasting change happens through relationships. 

Rather than focusing solely on solving problems, marriage mentors seek to build trust and genuine connection with the couples they journey alongside. 

“We value people more than just addressing the problems,” they explained. “We learn to love the couples we mentor through relationships. No relationship, no mentorship. Problems will go away, but the relationship remains.” 

This philosophy shapes the way mentors are trained and supported. Every marriage mentor is first mentored before being equipped to mentor others, ensuring that they serve not out of obligation, but from personal conviction and experience. 

The organisation also places strong emphasis on the wellbeing of its mentors, encouraging them to care for their own emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being before taking on the responsibility of supporting others. 

Marriage Mentor Gathering in 2024

A Vision for Stronger Families 

Restoring Hope, One Marriage at a Time 

Over the years, Bridging Hearts has witnessed countless stories of restored communication, renewed trust, and rekindled affection. 

One married couple shared how mentoring helped them address longstanding challenges surrounding communication, trust and parenting.  

“These sessions helped us to open up all the bitter issues so that we could discuss them as a couple and work towards resolving them. We are now very happy, and we really see the improvement in our communication.” 

Another couple who participated in their marriage preparation course reflected on the value of learning from experienced mentors who welcomed them into their home, shared honestly about their own journey, and prepared them for the realities of married life. 

Such stories reflect the heart of Bridging Hearts’ work: Creating safe spaces where couples can have meaningful conversations, grow in understanding, and rediscover the love that first brought them together.

Strong Marriages, Strong Families 

Bridging Hearts’ impact extends beyond individual couples. At its core is a vision for stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Singapore, where healthy marriages create healthy families, and healthy families form the foundation of a resilient society. 

“We believe that as marriages get stronger, families become stronger. As families become stronger, society becomes stronger.” 

Looking ahead, Bridging Hearts hopes to continue partnering with like-minded organisations and community groups to support couples and families more holistically. This conviction continues to drive the community’s work today.

Building a Legacy of Strong Families 

Through its volunteer-led mentoring network, commitment to relationship-centred support, and unwavering belief in the importance of marriage, Bridging Hearts exemplifies what it means to champion families. 

Its journey reminds us that strengthening families often begins with strengthening the relationships at their core. 

As this year’s Family Champion Award (Community) winner, Bridging Hearts stands as a powerful example of how ordinary individuals united by a shared vision can create lasting impact across generations and help build a more family-friendly Singapore. 

Meet Darius Lee: Family Champion Award Winner

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:  

  • Family-Friendly Culture (40%), which evaluates how they foster environments where families can flourish  
  • Tangible Impact (40%), which measures the real, positive changes they bring to families’ lives  
  • Partnership with Focus on the Family Singapore (20%), which reflects their commitment to collaborative efforts that advance the mission of building strong families. 

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.

Speaking Up for Family in a Changing Landscape 

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.

Putting Values into Practice 

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. 

Shaping Conversations that Matter 

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. 

A Vision for Stronger Families 

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.” 

Building the Future, One Family at a Time 

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. 

Recognising Everyday Champions of Family

Strong families do not happen by chance, and neither do family-friendly companies. Behind every thriving family is often a network of support – workplaces that make room for family life, businesses that support their people and their families through difficult times, and companies that choose to stand behind something larger than their bottom line. 

This year, Focus on the Family Singapore recognises companies that have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to strengthening families through the cultures they build, the people they invest in, and the partnerships they choose to nurture. 

The Corporate Award honours organisations that have gone beyond policy to embed family as a core value. This year’s featured nominees – Ohmyhome, Dian Xiao Er, and Select Group – each bring a distinct approach shaped by their industries and identities. While their methods differ, they share a common conviction: Strong families are foundational to a flourishing society and organisations have a real role to play in building them. 

Ohmyhome 

Why does your organisation champion families? 

As family members and homeowners ourselves, we know what it means to have a family that holds you together and how much of that depends on having a safe, stable place to call home. Because home is where relationships are nurtured, values are formed, and children feel secure. It’s why we live by the core value: “It starts at home.” 

Ohmyhome’s founders Rhonda and Race Wong 

Yet we also know how that kind of home can feel out of reach for many families – too complicated, too expensive, and as if it was not meant for them. That’s why we built Ohmyhome around the belief that every family, regardless of income or background, deserves equal access to safe, trustworthy and affordable property services. 

How do you create a family-friendly culture? 

As working parents ourselves, we understood early on what it feels like to wonder whether your family life is truly welcome at work. From the early days of building Ohmyhome, we were intentional about making sure no one on our team ever had to feel that way. 

That meant making room for family literally – office spaces designed so colleagues can bring their kids in comfortably, meeting rooms that double as play areas, and regular “Bring-Your-Family-to-Work” days. When a child is sick or an unexpected situation comes up at home, our team knows flexibility is never going to be a difficult conversation. We also believe time with family shouldn’t need a reason. For every year a team member has been with us, they earn an extra day off to relax and spend time with their family. 

But more than any specific policy, what we want every person on our team to feel is that they never have to choose between their family and their career here. 

  Family Day at Ohmyhome’s office 

What impact have you seen on families? 

One of the most meaningful impact we’ve seen is watching our team thrive in both their work and family lives. Something an employee shared captures it well, “Never have I felt the need to choose between my family and career, because my company values family just as much as I do.” 

That sense of security plays out in everyday moments. Parents who stepped away to care for a sick child without guilt. Colleagues who supported an elderly parent knowing work understood. On days when there was no one to look after their little one, they brought their child into the office and got through the day together. Our people get to be dedicated professionals and present parents at the same time. 

Without the pressure of having to choose, our team brings more focus, more engagement, and more heart to what they do. 

How has your organisation supported or partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

Ohmyhome has partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore as a corporate sponsor of Charity Golf: Drive to Help Families Thrive. Through our sponsorship, we support initiatives such as FamChamps Junior, a programme that equips preschool children with the values and conviction to build strong families. 

What drew us to this partnership is how naturally it extends our own mission. At Ohmyhome, we walk alongside families at one of the most significant moments of their lives – selling their home and starting fresh in a new one. But the work of nurturing values in children, strengthening marriages, and building resilient family relationships is where Focus on the Family Singapore has decades of expertise. Supporting that work allows us to play a part in strengthening not just the homes families live in, but what is built within them. 

How does Ohmyhome hope to contribute to a more family-friendly Singapore? 

Organisations like Ohmyhome have the reach and resources to strengthen families at scale. We do so through the cultures we build, the communities we invest in, and the causes we stand behind. For us, that means continuing to build a workplace that genuinely makes room for family life, finding ways to serve families beyond property transactions, and partnering with organisations doing the deeper work of strengthening families. Because we believe a truly family-friendly Singapore is one where no family is left behind, and that’s a future we’re committed to build.

Dian Xiao Er 

Why does your organisation champion families? 

At Dian Xiao Er, we believe family is at the heart of every community. Our restaurants are designed to be more than just places to enjoy meal, but are also warm, welcoming spaces where loved ones come together, reconnect, and create meaningful memories. This belief sits at the core of our philosophy, “Happiness with Strength,” where true happiness is rooted in strong family bonds and meaningful relationships. 

This commitment extends inward too. Guided by our value of “Everyone Matters,” every employee is respected and valued, and play an important role. We therefore strive to create a caring, supportive environment for them. We believe championing families begins with how we treat the people closest to us. 

How do you create a family-friendly culture? 

We intentionally design our dining experience to be family friendly. We offer children’s meals, provide colouring activities that encourage screen-free interaction, and create a warm ambience for families. These initiatives were prompted by a simple observation: families today face more distractions than ever, particularly from digital devices. We wanted our restaurants to be a space where families could genuinely reconnect over a meal. Beyond the dining experience, we organise family-oriented campaigns which include our Parents’ Day initiative: “Hug Your Parents, Bring Love Home,” which encourages customers to cherish family bonds and express appreciation to their parents.  

Colouring materials for child diners 

Internally, we support our employees through fair scheduling practices and a caring work culture, recognising that many of our staff balance work with family responsibilities. We have also introduced a zero-interest housing loan programme for eligible employees, supporting their long-term stability and well-being. 

Family gathering over a meal at Diao Xiao Er 

What impact have you seen on families? 

Our Health Promotion Board-certified children’s meals have given parents greater confidence in their dining choices, knowing their children are eating balanced, nutritious food. That peace of mind matters to families, and it reflects our commitment to their well-being beyond just the dining experience. 

We have also seen families make Dian Xiao Er a regular part of their lives, returning not just for meals, but for gatherings, celebrations, and quality time together. Many customers share that they value having a warm, family-oriented space to come back to. 

Internally, our zero-interest housing loan programme has helped employees better manage their housing needs, reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus on both their careers and their families. 

Dian Xiao Er hosting a celebration with their staff 

How has your organisation supported or partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

Our partnership with Focus on the Family Singapore has allowed us to extend our impact beyond the dining table and into the broader work of strengthening families. We are a regular sponsor for their yearly Charity Golf fundraising event, contributing dining vouchers to all participating golfers. By supporting their initiatives, we contribute to a movement that aligns closely with our own values – one that encourages stronger family bonds and more intentional relationships. This reinforces our role not just as a restaurant brand, but as a community partner committed to family well-being.  

How does Dian Xiao Er hope to contribute to a more family-friendly Singapore? 

Organisations like ours can shape a more family-friendly Singapore through the everyday environments we create and the cultures we build. For Dian Xiao Er, that means continuing to design dining experiences where families can genuinely reconnect by offering healthier meal options, child-friendly initiatives, and campaigns like “Hug Your Parents, Bring Love Home” that celebrate family bonds. 

Internally, we remain committed to supporting our employees with the care and stability they need to thrive both at work and at home. Because we believe strong families begin with supported individuals, and that is something every organisation has a part in building.

Select Group

Why does your organisation champion families? 

At Select Group, we believe that when families thrive, communities prosper. When communities prosper, they support the long-term sustainability of our business. That conviction is captured in our core value: “We work with one heart and as one family, striving to achieve greater heights”. 

This belief shapes how we approach our people too. Our mission to Invest, Train and Care for our employees reflects a recognition that a person’s well-being at home and at work are inseparable. We strive to foster a culture where employees feel valued and supported in their roles at work and at home. 

How do you create a family-friendly culture? 

At Select Group, we believe that supporting our people means supporting their families too. In everyday life, that means building consistent support into how we work – complimentary staff meals, skills development, and career progression pathways. We seek to strengthen employees’ career growth and job stability, enabling them to provide more secure and sustainable futures for their families. During festive seasons, we also send employees home with treats to share with their loved ones. 

When life gets harder, we show up differently. When a staff member faces a health challenge, we reduce their working hours by half while maintaining full pay, understanding both their recovery needs and their responsibilities at home. 

Through our Select Bursary Award, we recognise employees’ children for achievements in academics, sports and skills, with families invited to celebrate together. We believe in nurturing and encouraging the young, as they are the next generation. 

The Select Bursary Award recognises employees’ children for their achievements while nurturing the next generation. 

What impact have you seen on families? 

Some of our most meaningful impact has come from easing the everyday pressures families face. Through our partnerships with Community Development Councils, we have sponsored over S$1.2 million in meal vouchers through the Value Meals programme. This programme aims to help thousands of families manage cost-of-living challenges through accessible, affordable meals within their estates. 

Select Group managing director Vincent Tan poses with the Value Meals @ South West vending machine 

Our support of the Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Centres since 1997 has provided over 300,000 meals to needy seniors, easing the caregiving burden on their families. Since 2008, we have collaborated with the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizen’s Consultative Committee to sponsor a reunion dinner for around 1,000 underprivileged residents each year, creating opportunities for family bonding.  

Beyond practical support, we invest in the next generation. Since 2012, we have organised annual educational excursions for underprivileged children, broadening their exposure and supporting their development. We believe in nurturing young talent and have collaborated with polytechnics and universities to award book prizes to outstanding students and provide valuable internship opportunities within our company. 

We also support sports development through our partnership with the Singapore Bowling Federation, where our staff and their families participate in friendly competitions that translate into donations for the federation. Together with our staff and their families, we volunteer in CSR activities and give back as one big Select family, strengthening bonds while making a positive difference in the community. 

How has your organisation supported or partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

We are proud to be a longstanding partner of Focus on the Family Singapore, supporting its mission to raise Family Champions of the next generation. Since 2023, we have been a key sponsor of the FamChamps programme, providing nutritious full-board meals for approximately 100 youths at each 4-day, 3-night FamChamps Camp Experience.  

We also sponsor the dinner for Honour Night, a highlight of the Camp Experience where the youths share a meal with their parents and/or caregivers. This meaningful platform helps attendees deepen their family bonds through activities that encourage reflection and open communication. Many families leave with strengthened relationships and a renewed commitment to supporting one another. Through this partnership, we have extended our impact beyond individual participants to their families and wider communities. 

How does Select Group hope to contribute to a more family-friendly Singapore? 

We have the ability to directly influence the daily lives of our employees and their families through workplace practices, community partnerships, and the opportunities we create as we grow. As our business grows, our workforce grows, and more families benefit. 

Guided by our core value of “One Select, One Family”, we aim to continue expanding skills development and career progression pathways, enabling employees to achieve long-term financial stability and security for their families. We remain committed to strengthening employee welfare and benefits, and to fostering a workplace culture where employees are valued not just as workers, but as individuals with family responsibilities. 

Beyond our walls, we will continue deepening partnerships with Community Development Councils, social service agencies, and community organisations to support families in need. We seek to build on our longstanding initiatives in senior care, youth development, and family support programmes, while encouraging greater employee participation in community initiatives to strengthen the connection between workplace values and societal impact 

We hope to play an active role in shaping a Singapore where families are supported and empowered to thrive.

Building Strong Families, One Company at a Time 

While their industries and approaches differ, Ohmyhome, Dian Xiao Er, and Select Group share a common thread: A deep belief that strong families are worth investing in, and organisations have the reach and responsibility to make a difference. 

As nominees for this year’s Corporate Award, their stories highlight the many ways organisations can shape family-friendly cultures. Because ultimately, building a family-friendly Singapore takes more than good intentions. It takes organisations willing to act on them, one decision at a time.

Recognising Everyday Champions of Family

While love and resilience are built at home, families cannot thrive in isolation and are often strengthened by the communities around them. Communities such as charities, churches and non-profits offer support, encouragement and practical help. 

This year, Focus on the Family Singapore honours community organisations that have placed Family at the heart of their mission. The Family Champion Award for the Community category celebrates those who strengthen marriages, equip parents, and nurture children through programmes that ripple outward into society. 

Our featured nominees, Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church (BBTC), Bridging Hearts, and Qijia Familyworks Asia (QJ), each show how community organisations can become spaces of belonging and anchors of resilience for families across Singapore. 

Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church 

BBTC is a local Christian church that strengthens families through its congregational ministries, kindergarten, and community services arm.  

How did your organisation’s journey begin? 

At BBTC, we have always believed that strong families are the foundation of a strong community. This conviction has shaped both our ministries within and beyond the church.  

Through initiatives such as our Together Forever Marriage Conference in 2025 and our 40th anniversary community outreach efforts, we intentionally seek to strengthen marriages and support families from all walks of life.  

Together Forever Marriage Conference in 2025  

How does your organisation intentionally foster a family-friendly culture? 

We believe that strong families are built when people feel supported and encouraged. Through such programmes, we aim to cultivate meaningful relationships within our community and beyond. 

Through Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Kindergarten (BBTK), we partner with parents to shape character and support children in their formative years. Our commitment to families also extends into the wider Bedok community through Bethesda Care Services (BCS). Through programmes such as BCS @ College East, YouthSpace, Family Services and Welfare Services, we journey alongside children, youths, and families facing financial, relational and emotional challenges.  

By adopting a holistic family-centred approach, we seek to deepen parenting capacity, nurture resilience in children and youths, and provide coordinated support for families in need.  

Family Uplift Programme  

BBTK Gathering   

What impact have you seen? 

One of the greatest joys has been seeing how support for one person can bring change to the whole family. 

Through BBTK, parents have found friendship and support beyond formal programmes. Some mothers first met through their children’s education, but over time, those connections grew into a community where they could walk with one another through different seasons of parenting and family life. 

Children and youths have also benefited from having safe spaces and systems in BCS, as well as caring adults that help them grow in confidence and resilience. BCS has also been able to provide practical help and care for families going through difficult seasons. 

What we have seen is simple but powerful: when parents are supported, the whole family is strengthened. When mothers and fathers feel encouraged and less alone, children grow up in homes where they feel secure.  

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

Through our Family Ministry, we have utilised many of Focus Singapore’s resources, such as the Connect2 Marriage Assessment and parenting materials to mentor couples and provide practical guidance for parents. We have also supported Focus’s wider initiatives, including marriage preparation programmes and family-focused events.  

We are grateful for the opportunity to work together in building stronger marriages and families in Singapore.  

What impact do you hope to make? 

Our vision is to be a church that cares not only for those within our walls, but also for families in the wider community. 

We want to strengthen marriages, support parents, nurture children and youths, and build communities where families do not have to walk alone. When families are strengthened, communities are strengthened too. 

Ultimately, we hope to leave behind a legacy of strong families and strong communities that will continue to impact future generations.  

Bridging Hearts 

Bridging Hearts is a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening marriages and families. They equip and mentor couples across Singapore, helping marriages thrive through relationship-centred support.  

Bridging Hearts’ annual gathering in 2025  

How did your organisation’s journey begin? 

Before we were formally registered as a non-profit organisation in 2020, we had already spent decades working with children and families.  

As we journeyed with children affected by family difficulties, we began engaging parents more intentionally and discovered that many marriages were struggling. Over time, we came to understand that supporting marriages was one of the most effective ways of strengthening families and supporting the next generation.  

This conviction led us to pursue training in marriage mentoring and eventually equip others to do the same.  

How does your organisation intentionally foster a family-friendly culture?  

One of the key ways we do this is by investing in people who have a genuine heart for marriages and families.  

Every marriage mentor we train is first mentored themselves before undergoing formal training. This ensures they experience firsthand the value of being supported and journeyed with before they begin serving others. We also encourage our mentors to prioritise their own wellbeing. By caring for our mentors first, we enable them to care more effectively for the families they support.  

We also place a strong emphasis on relationships. Rather than focusing solely on solving problems, we seek to genuinely care for and journey alongside the couples we mentor. We often remind our mentors that while problems may eventually pass, relationships remain.  

Marriage Mentor training in May 2026 

What impact have you seen? 

We believe couples get married because there is love and affection. Yet somewhere along the way, many couples find themselves struggling with communication and trust.  

Through marriage mentoring, we create a safe space for couples to address both the seen and unseen issues in their relationships. These conversations often lead to greater understanding, renewed connection and, in many cases, a rekindling of love. Our marriage mentors serve as a compass, helping couples benefit from the wisdom of those who have gone through similar experiences.  

Over the years, marriage mentors trained through Bridging Hearts have mentored more than 2,500 relationships. We have also trained more than 500 marriage mentors and conducted Marriage Preparation Courses for more than 100 pre-marital couples.  

Perhaps the most meaningful part of this work is the stories we hear from couples. One married couple shared that “mentoring helped them work through long-standing communication, trust and parenting challenges, leading to significant improvements in their relationship.” Another engaged couple described how the “openness and hospitality of their mentors gave them a realistic and encouraging picture of married life, helping them prepare for the journey ahead with greater confidence.”  

Role play during Marriage Mentor Training in 2022 

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

One strength of Bridging Hearts is our network of trained marriage mentors.  

Over the years, we have supported Focus by helping identify suitable couples for programmes, events and training opportunities. We have also supported the publicity of their initiatives through our network and helped connect faith communities with marriage mentoring resources.  

What impact do you hope to make? 

We believe that when marriages become stronger, families become stronger. Strong families, in turn, contribute to stronger communities and a more resilient nation.  

Looking ahead, we hope to continue strengthening marriages and equipping more couples to journey alongside others. We also believe that no single organisation can meet every need. We therefore hope to see greater collaboration and support among community organisations.  

Together, we can build stronger marriages, families, and a stronger Singapore.

Qijia Familyworks Asia 

Qijia Familyworks Asia (QJ) is a non-profit organisation that supports families through culturally attuned parenting programmes, counselling services and community-based initiatives.  

By creating safe spaces for parents and children to reconnect, QJ helps families strengthen relationships and navigate challenges before they reach crisis point.  

Parent support group and community 

How did your organisation’s journey begin? 

Our journey into this work was born less out of a grand strategic vision and more out of sitting in heavy spaces with parents who loved their children fiercely yet felt untethered and alone.  

We encountered parents navigating family life while carrying the added weight of migration, language barriers and intergenerational cultural divides. It became clear that these were not simply individual struggles, but signs of a larger gap in accessible, culturally attuned support that spoke to the realities of these families.  

As we witnessed growing concerns around children’s mental health and increasing disconnection between parents and teens, we knew we needed to focus on prevention rather than crisis intervention.   

How does your organisation intentionally foster a family-friendly culture? 

Our programmes are built around three key pillars: relational priority, radical accessibility and cultural relevance. We create safe, non-judgmental spaces where parents and families can reflect, learn and support one another.  

Alongside workshops and community programmes, we provide professional counselling services that help families navigate challenges with cultural sensitivity and care. Through hybrid delivery models and multiple language options, we strive to keep support accessible to families from diverse backgrounds.  

We view parents through a lens of strength, not as ‘problems’ requiring a quick fix. We practise what we preach by embedding flexibility into our own organisational rhythms, accommodating family schedules, and ensuring our support does not abruptly vanish when a formal programme concludes. It’s about weaving a net of genuine belonging.  

Parent support group and community 

What impact have you seen?

One family’s journey often comes to mind. The family had become deeply fractured by unspoken expectations and a widening generational divide. The parents, who had worked tirelessly to provide for their family, felt disconnected from their teenage child. Their child felt misunderstood and overwhelmed by expectations. Although they lived under the same roof, they existed in entirely different emotional worlds.  

Through our culturally attuned support and structured programmes, we helped create space for honest conversations and deeper understanding. Family members began to understand the fears, hopes, and love that sat beneath their conflicts.  

One particularly moving breakthrough came when the parents learned to listen to their child’s inner world rather than simply correcting behaviour. There was a softening of defences, tearful moments of mutual recognition, and the eventual restoration of warmth in their home.  

Stories like these are powerful reminders of the resilience families possess when they are given a culturally safe space to heal. 

Parent support through family activities 

Sexuality education for youths 

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

We are honoured to serve as Focus Singapore’s dedicated Chinese-language partner.  

Through this collaboration, we provide culturally attuned parenting programmes, support groups and counselling services for Chinese-speaking families who may feel more comfortable receiving support in their native language. We also adapt Focus’s evidence-based resources to better resonate with the cultural realities of Chinese-speaking households.  

Focus has also helped connect families to our services. Together, we have seen how combining broad reach with culturally relevant care strengthens the family support ecosystem in Singapore.  

What impact do you hope to make? 

Looking ahead, our vision is to weave culturally attuned and accessible parenting support into the fabric of Singaporean society.  

By partnering with schools, social service agencies and grassroots organisations, we hope to reach families earlier and equip them with the tools they need to thrive. We believe support should not only begin in times of crisis but serve as a preventive foundation that builds resilience over time.  

We are also committed to expanding our reach through hybrid delivery models and training community facilitators, making support more accessible and responsive to diverse needs. 

Building Strong Families, One Organisation at a Time 

While their journeys are different, Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church, Bridging Hearts and Qijia Familyworks Asia share a common commitment: Investing in the well-being of families and creating communities where people can flourish. 

As nominees for this year’s Family Champion Award (Community) category, their stories demonstrate the many ways organisations can strengthen families, whether through building supportive communities, equipping marriages, restoring family relationships or providing culturally relevant care. 

Their efforts have strengthened homes, empowered parents, nurtured children, and inspired others to invest in the well-being of future generations. 

Ultimately, strong families are not built by individuals alone. They are strengthened by communities that choose to walk alongside them, one relationship at a time. 

Allowing My Daughters to Chase Their Dreams

A friend once asked me: “What careers would you say ‘no’ to if your daughters chose them?” 

The question stopped me. Before I had kids, I had always envisioned myself as the “cool dad” who would be supportive of their choices. Becoming a father has humbled me. My wife and I are the ones most responsible for the wellbeing of our two young daughters — and that naturally includes ensuring their physical and emotional security.

How then do I balance my desire for their wellbeing and their desire to pursue their dreams? 

I wrestled with this question as I watched Dream Stall — a film about a daughter trying to follow her dream of running the family’s bak ku teh (pork ribs soup) stall, and her dad trying to stop her out of love. He had sacrificed years running it to fund her education, never wanting her to inherit that life. It brought my fears to the surface. How would I react if my girl told me she wants to be a hawker, a professional musician, or an overseas missionary? I mean, how will she make enough money to survive? 

Watching that tension on screen made me realise how much simpler parenting feels when the danger is clear and immediate. It is easy to say, “Hold Daddy’s hand when crossing the road!”, or “Watch where you are going!” But as they grow older, the dangers become less obvious. And it’s not as though we can shield them from it all. Anything worth doing involves a certain amount of risk and hardship. 

Difficulties, if faced with courage and grit, can also become valuable life lessons. Not letting my daughters overcome them by their own strength would be doing them a disservice. After all, it is the conquering of obstacles that makes success sweeter — every hard-won achievement carries a satisfaction that an easy path never could. 

I too experience a great swell of pride whenever I see my daughter doing difficult things. Recently, my elder girl and I were at a playground with higher-than-usual elements. She is extremely cautious by nature, and I was all ready to hold her and guide her through. But she surprised me: “Daddy, don’t help me! I can do it myself.” And she did! I reminded her what being brave meant: to do something even though we are scared. 

“Daddy, don’t help me! I can do it myself.”

That moment helped me realise that my role may not be to step in, but sometimes to step back and allow them to learn to manage life’s challenges on their own. 

Yet in those heart thumping moments, I pray that my girls will grow up being confident in my love for them. I hope to support them in whatever they pursue, and should they “fail” in their endeavours, I will be there to catch them. 

Perhaps my role as their father isn’t to steer them towards safe choices, but to be their source of security — giving them the confidence they need to chase their dreams. And following my girl’s example at the playground, I must learn to be brave too: to let my daughters live their own lives, even though it is a scary prospect for me as a father. 

Maybe that’s what it means to be a parent: not to decide their dreams, but to stand behind them as they chase their own. 

Recognising Everyday Champions of Family

Relationship builders and nurturers can be found in the everyday: Individuals who stand for and exemplify a heart for Family, because strong families do not happen by chance – they are built through intention, resilience and the choices of those who prioritise relationships amid life’s demands. 

This year, Focus on the Family Singapore recognises individuals who have made a meaningful impact in strengthening families, whether through their influence at home, in the workplace, or across our wider community. 

The Family Champion Award for the Individual category honours those who have demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing family life, creating environments where relationships can thrive, and inspiring others to do likewise. 

This year’s featured nominees, Darius Lee, Samuel Lim and Yvonne Kong-Ho, each bring unique perspectives shaped by their personal journeys. While their paths differ, they share a common conviction: Strong families are foundational to a flourishing society. 

DARIUS LEE, Cultivate SG 

When Darius observed shifting attitudes towards marriage and family from a declining interest in starting families to rising divorce rates in his 20s, he felt a growing conviction to take a stand. 

What began as a personal concern has now grown into a steady stream of pro-family engagements. Through his writing, public engagement, and his work as Executive Director of Cultivate SG, Darius  consistently applies his passion into thoughtful action. 

How did you get started? 

I was first spurred to strengthen families when I was in my 20s. I saw the developments taking place within my social circles and in society including declining interest in marriage and family, rising divorce rates, and other challenges and controversies surrounding the institution of family. 

As someone who believes in the foundational importance of family to society, I felt that I needed to do more to speak up for the institution of marriage and family. 

What has your journey been like? 

Since my 20s, I have been advocating for marriage, family and children through my writings and interviews, which have been published in mainstream media and elsewhere. 

More recently, I have taken on the role of Executive Director of Cultivate SG, a non-profit organisation that supports the values of marriage, family, children, and social harmony. 

Within the organisation, we have staff at different stages of life. Some are parents of young children, like myself, while others have elderly parents. We aim to live out our values by implementing family-friendly workplace practices. These include flexible work arrangements and an overall culture that is understanding of each person’s needs and stage of life. When necessary, we adjust timelines and schedules to support one another. 

What impact have you seen? 

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.

Cultivate SG held its inaugural conference, “Unfiltered – The Whole Family Conversation,” in November 2024. We were grateful for the support of Focus on the Family Singapore from the beginning. 

Delia Ng, CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore, joined the conference as a panellist on the topic of divorce. The conference brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and created space for meaningful conversations about family issues. 

Since then, Unfiltered has become an important voice on topics relating to family. For example, our 2025 conference addressed narrow definitions of “success” and how they impact families. This has since become part of broader conversations around Singapore’s education culture and parenting pressures. 

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

One impactful initiative was Family Future Makers (FFM), which ran for the first time in 2025. I’m grateful to have partnered with Focus Singapore to engage and equip a new generation of young people who are passionate about family. 

Through FFM, participants gained insights into real challenges facing families today, such as low fertility rates and an ageing population. They were also encouraged to consider how they can contribute to strengthening families through their personal lives, education, and careers. 

More significantly, it gave me renewed hope to see many young people who are keen to make a difference for families in their communities and in society. 

What impact do you hope to make? 

With global uncertainties, record-low fertility rates and a rapidly ageing society, there are many pressures affecting families in Singapore. There are also ongoing challenges and debates surrounding the institution of marriage and family. 

Yet, family remains one of the key pillars of support in society. 

Instead of responding with fear, anxiety or despair, I believe we need a renewed sense of faith, hope and love, faith beyond here and now, hope for the future, and love that involves sacrifice and putting the needs of others before ourselves. 

SAMUEL LIM, Educator 

For Samuel, the importance of strong families was shaped early at home. Watching his parents intentionally progress in their parenting styles, he saw firsthand that strong families are built over time, with effort, learning and commitment. 

With nearly 30 years of working with youth, he has witnessed one consistent truth: Family plays a pivotal role in shaping every young person’s life. 

How did you get started? 

It began at home. My parents were intentional about parenting, and they raised my sister and I using Focus on the Family’s resources, particularly James Dobson’s books. We watched them learn and grow alongside us over the years, as the books on their shelves changed from Bringing Up Boys/Girls, to Dare to Discipline, to Praying for Your Adult Children. 

In my time working with youth, I often saw a clear reflection of the family in the child. It reinforced a vital truth: Families are not perfect, but they are deeply influential. To help them thrive, the wider community must play an active role in supporting them. 

What has your journey been like? 

In my workplace, I try to balance organisational needs with personal priorities when supporting colleagues. 

I often remind them that while work matters, family is something we will never regret prioritising. I create space for honest conversations about navigating work-family tensions and, where possible, lend support in practical ways so they can contribute impactfully but not at the expense of family time. 

Even in the workplace, we can create a culture that feels like a community looking out for one another. 

What impact have you seen? 

One of the most meaningful initiatives has been introducing the FamChamps programme in our school. 

We started in 2019 with a small group of students, adapted through COVID-19 with initiatives like the Family Bingo Challenge during Circuit Breaker, and eventually expanded across multiple Secondary 1 cohorts. Over time, we saw meaningful shifts – students expressing deeper appreciation for their families, gaining the language to process family challenges, and stepping up to mentor others. 

We’ve also launched FamChamps Unite, a student-led community to sustain this culture, championed by representatives from each batch of FamChamps. 

Most importantly, we’ve seen positive changes in how students relate to their families and that has been the most meaningful impact. 

Students set up a booth at the Sec 1 Orientation to emphasise the importance of family to the incoming Sec 1s. 

Second row, extreme right: Samuel joining his students as they were commissioned as FamChamps at FamChamps Awards in 2024.

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

My journey with Focus on the Family Singapore has largely been through FamChamps, as a mentor, volunteer, and advocate. 

Apart from mentoring, I’ve supported Focus Singapore’s initiatives such as State of the Family, charity events and outreach programmes like Date with Dad. These experiences allowed me to see the broader work being done to strengthen families. 

More directly, I’ve shared with other educators about how FamChamps has made a positive impact in our school and encouraged them to adopt similar approaches. Whenever the opportunity arises, I encourage schools to integrate FamChamps into their curriculum in a sustained way so that we can strengthen family relationships across schools and impact generations, one cohort at a time. 

What impact do you hope to make? 

Families today are more complex, and many feel overwhelmed. 

I remind students that while they cannot choose their circumstances, they can choose how they respond. Every interaction matters. 

Strong families are built over time, through everyday choices, and each of us has a role to play in that. 

YVONNE KONG-HO, Singapore Institute of Technology 

For Yvonne, the desire to strengthen families is an intrinsic one. Having seen the tensions and struggles that can arise when support systems are lacking, this has shaped a lifelong conviction that strong marriages and nurturing family environments are essential yet often require intentional effort and guidance. 

Today, through her work as an educator, mentor and advocate, Yvonne seeks to equip individuals, especially young adults, with the tools, perspectives and hopes to build healthy relationships and thriving families. 

How did you get started?  

Having gotten married at a rather young age of 24, I believe in the importance of strong marriages and the power of raising children in a loving, supportive environment. But I also recognise and understand how that journey can be fraught with challenges. Many people tend to struggle silently rather than seek support.  That’s why I feel a strong desire to encourage and support couples, parents, and young adults, especially those who are fearful or uncertain about starting a family, to know they don’t have to walk this journey alone.  

What has your journey been like? 

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work closely with young adults in my roles at local universities.

I’ve been intentional about going beyond career coaching to have conversations about life, relationships, marriage, and family responsibilities. Many students are already thinking about how to balance career ambitions with future family life, and they often feel unsure. I share openly from my own experience, getting married young, raising children while pursuing further studies, to show that while it’s not easy, it is possible. 

Even small decisions matter. For instance, I made it a point to leave evening work events early to spend time with my children when they were younger, and over time, students noticed. These moments became opportunities to demonstrate what it means to prioritise family in practical ways.  

In my teaching, I also weave in relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution and understanding personality differences because these are critical not just at work, but at home. 

What impact have you seen? 

One initiative close to my heart was developing and implementing the module Managing Human Relationships Professionally at a local university.

We observed that while students were academically successful, many appeared to have challenges in their relationships, unsure how to communicate effectively, navigate conflicts or approach dating and marriage with confidence. 

Through this module, we equipped students with practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and understanding relationship dynamics. Students responded very positively, sharing how the lessons helped them in both personal and professional relationships. 

Years later, some have shared how they applied what they learned in real-life situations, including challenging workplace relationships. While the outcomes may not always be visible, I believe these skills have a lasting impact on how they build relationships and families. 

How have you partnered with Focus on the Family Singapore? 

Through the years, I am thankful to have been a part of these efforts with Focus on the Family Singapore: 

  • Partnered with multiple Focus Singapore staff members to co-teach and contribute to a graded module at a local university
  • Featured as Focus Singapore’s first podcast guest (Jan 2020) 
  • Took part in two CNA938 radio discussions, facilitated by Focus Singapore 
  • Joined a Facebook Live session as guest speaker during the COVID-19 season  
  • Served on the “Solutions for the Family” panel at State of the Family 
  • Participated in a parenting fireside chat at a FamChamps camp (with my daughter) 
  • Conducted a fireside chat with the FamChamps Council 
  • Invited Focus Singapore to speak at a local university, introducing students to family and relationship topics alongside career development 
  • Facilitated a local university’s Marketing partnership to support Focus Singapore’s programmes 
  • Joined Focus Singapore as a guest speaker at their weekly Team Time to bring encouragement to the staff 
  • Continued to advocate for families through CNA commentaries on parenting, marriage and family life 

 Yvonne sharing as a parent and educator at a Facebook Live session during COVID.

Yvonne with Focus’ staff after her sharing at Team Time.

What impact do you hope to make? 

Marriage is precious, and families are something we should cherish deeply. 

In the busyness of life, it’s easy to give our best to work and leave the rest for our loved ones. But strong relationships require effort, sacrifice and intentionality. 

My hope is that more people will choose to invest in their families, to love deeply, communicate openly, and build relationships that are resilient and life-giving. 

Because when families are strong, society as a whole becomes stronger. 

Building Strong Families, One Life at a Time 

While their journeys are different, Darius, Samuel, and Yvonne share a common thread – a deep belief that strong families are worth investing in. 

As nominees for this year’s Family Champion Award for the Individual category, their stories highlight the many ways individuals can shape a family-friendly culture, through advocacy, education, mentorship and everyday decisions that prioritise relationships. 

Their efforts have strengthened families, influenced communities, and inspired others to take intentional steps towards building healthier homes. 

Because ultimately, building strong families begins with individuals and the choices they make, one day at a time. 

How to Build Family Resilience in Uncertain Times

At a Glance: 

  • Families can stay resilient by facing financial pressures honestly 
  • Making budgeting a family practice can teach children about limits, priorities and planning for the long-term 
  • Learning what is “enough” can help families choose contentment and to live well within our limits. 
  • Simple habits like thankfulness can help keep families grounded  

For many families today, conversations around spending have become more careful and constrained. Rising prices for essentials like food, transport and utilities mean that more households are paying closer attention to everyday spending.  

In times like these, what does it mean to be a resilient family? One thing is for sure – it’s not about pretending that things are fine and dandy; neither is it about pushing through stoically without feeling. But it’s about adapting thoughtfully as a family unit, and staying emotionally steady through the process.

Making budgeting a family practice 

Resilience is cultivated in the ordinary moments that shape our home life. 

Take budgeting for instance. It is not just a financial task that we can approach logically and coldly. The way we make money-related decisions sets the tone for how our children understand budget and limits, especially in uncertain times. 

Here are some ways families may be curbing their spending: 

  • Cooking more meals instead of eating out 
  • Delaying non-essential purchases   
  • Comparing prices together   
  • Going to neighbouring countries for holidays 

To be honest, I was never a budgeting person – until I met my husband and he introduced me to the beauty of a budget spreadsheet. Still, it took me years to understand why we ever needed to have a budget and to track our spending monthly. The tool came in handy when we had to seriously consider having one of us stay home to care for the kids when the trio were all under the age of six. We were able to work out our sums rationally, and come to a reasonable budget that would not eat into our savings, and yet allow us to be present with the children in their formative years. 

Today, our children are all teens, and they understand what we mean when we ask, “What’s your budget?” When times are tighter, we are also able to explain our budgeting choices calmly, such as by saying, “We’re choosing to cut back now because it helps us take care of our family’s needs in the long term.” 

Our children learn over time that having a budget isn’t a dampener on our lifestyle, but a prudent approach towards building a sustainable future. When times are difficult, they see us adults adapting to the challenges of the day, but not panicking. This adaptability is a building block of resilience.  

Our children learn that having a budget isn’t a dampener on our lifestyle, but a prudent approach towards building a sustainable future. 

Learning contentment

If budgeting teaches our children how to work with limits, contentment teaches them how to live well within those limits. 

Contentment is often misunderstood as settling for less, when in reality, it is the quiet confidence of knowing what is enough, and being thankful for what we have. In our home, we try to practise contentment through the small trade-offs we make together. 

For example: 

  • Repairing or reusing items instead of replacing them straight away 
  • Putting purchases “on pause” to see if we still want them after a few weeks 
  • Choosing one shared family treat per week instead of multiple ones 

I used to worry that saying “no” too often would make our children feel deprived. Over time, I realised that what mattered more was how we said no — calmly, without guilt, and with a clear explanation. When we say things like, “Let’s wait and think about this,” or “Are you sure you really need this right now?” we model self‑control and pausing to think. 

As our children grew older, they began to recognise contentment as a form of stability for the family. They learnt that we were not being a killjoy, but making room for intentional choices that we truly desire and value.  

This ability to live peacefully within limits, without resentment or constant comparison, also helps to build our resilience muscles.

Turning gratitude into daily rhythms 

Research consistently shows that gratitude plays an important role in emotional well‑being. Studies link gratitude to better mental health, improved sleep, stronger relationships and greater resilience during stressful periods.  

Gratitude, like resilience, is something we need to practise in the mundane everyday moments. In our family, gratitude did not begin as a formal exercise. It grew out of a need to notice what we could still be grateful for even when things felt demanding. Over time, it became part of our bedtime rituals. 

Some ways to practise gratitude: 

  • Share one good thing from the day during dinner or at bedtime 
  • Thank one another for effort, rather than outcomes 
  • Acknowledge small joys aloud, eg. a quiet evening, a funny joke, a meal eaten together 

There were days when the practice felt awkward, especially when everyone was tired or preoccupied. But along the way, something shifted within us, and gratitude became less performative and more habitual. We learnt that giving thanks did not require us to minimise difficulties; it simply helped to remind us that difficulty was not the whole story. 

So even when circumstances are not ideal, as a family, we can still choose to notice what is good, and this helps us stay emotionally steady and grounded. 

Giving thanks helped to remind us that difficulty was not the whole story. 

Modelling resilience for the long term 

One of the most important gifts we can give our children is not comfort alone, but resilience.  

When children observe us responding to changes in the environment with steadiness rather than fear and anxiety, and appreciation rather than resentment, they too learn how to face uncertainty with strength and hope.   

Economic conditions will continue to shift. Costs may rise and fall. But resilience is not about control over circumstances, it is about how families choose to respond within them.