Advocates

Disruptors shape the world. These four visionaries share bold ideas for a better tomorrow.

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IT STARTS WITH US

Most divorces occur between the fifth and ninth years of marriage, according to a 2024 report by the Singapore Department of Statistics. This may be due to mounting pressures in a marriage and a lack of capacity to address unmet expectations, says Delia Ng, CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore (FOTF SG). Established in 2000, the Christian charity works to prevent marriage and family breakdowns by providing education and support.

Ng began her career in social service as a Child Protection Officer with the Ministry of Social and Family Development before joining FOTF SG as its Partnerships Manager in 2014. Steadily climbing the ranks saw her become COO in 2020 before assuming her current role in 2023.

Among other services, FOTF SG holds workshops for marriage enrichment, offers specialised counselling services to help couples address challenges, and broadcasts a Connectz Marriage podcast with advice on managing finances, navigating dynamics with in-laws, and maintaining intimacy.

It also runs FamChamps, a community movement designed to help children and youths build family values and empower them through family-focused action projects.

Strong family ties are a cause Ng holds dear to her heart because she is no stranger to the pains of growing up in a broken home.

Her father left the family when she was just a few months old and her older brothers moved out soon afterwards. It was thanks to the tireless efforts of her aunt, godparents, pastors, and teachers, she says, that she was set on the right path.

But while she now wants to pay it forward, there are hoops to jump through.

For one, evolving societal norms have inadvertently undermined the value of lifelong and committed marriages, she notes.