Vital to be present in kids' lives, say dads at Father's Day event

PM Wong thanks fathers for 'lifting us up'; Edwin Tong reminds dads they are not alone

- Nadine Chua

Despite working full time as a technician and pursuing a part-time diploma in engineering, Mr Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh makes it a point to spend quality time with his young daughters.

Mr Shazlizan, who has two daughters aged one and four, said: "It can be difficult to balance work and family, but I feel the need to be present in my children's lives. Sometimes, after a tiring day of work, having them greet me at the door when I get home is all I need to feel energised again."

The 31-year-old and his family were among more than 7,000 attendees celebrating Father's Day on June 15 at Dad's Day Out. The event, held at OCBC Square in the Singapore Sports Hub, was the culminating point of the Celebrating Fathers initiative, which is in its 10th year.

Families at the event enjoyed games including a basketball challenge, foam blasters and a penalty shoot-out booth.

Mr Shazlizan said his wife surprised him by taking him, their daughters and his parents to the carnival on the morning of June 15.

"Normally, on Father's Day, we would stay at home, buy food and just spend time together. So I was excited about all of us celebrating it this year by going out," he added.