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New Paper
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Paper
'I am able to grieve now': Woman lost father one month into polytechnic studies
After just a year in polytechnic, Ms Amillie Chan was on the verge of dropping out. A month into her time at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), she received a call one night in May 2022 informing her that her father, a Grab delivery rider, had been involved in a car accident. By the time she rushed down to the hospital, he had already died. Ms Chan barely had time to grieve before being thrust into a new reality. On top of funeral and legal costs, she also had to shoulder household bills, and provide an allowance to her mother, who has an intellectual disability and lives in Thailand due to immigration issues. She lives with her older brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and an uncle who is deaf and mute. While both could support their own daily expenses, they were unable to contribute to shared household expenses. With her newfound responsibilities, the food and beverage business student struggled to balance studies and work. "I was so lost and overwhelmed, but I also felt like I had to be stable. I felt like I was the only one (in my family) who could carry the household burden," she said. While she had worked at multiple food and beverage outlets since she was 14 to cover her own living expenses, she had planned to stop, to focus on polytechnic life. Instead, she worked five or six times a week at Mexican fast food chain Guzman y Gomez, where she tried to clock over 140 hours a month to earn a $400 monthly incentive, taking home approximately $1,600 a month. "To me, money was being lost when I went to school, because I could be using that time to clock in more shifts," recalled Miss Chan, now 21. On most days, the only time she had to complete her homework was on lunch breaks or commutes. "I wasn't giving my best effort in school, my grades were slipping, and I couldn't open up to my classmates. I wanted to quit and perhaps come back to it when my financial situation was more stable." Thankfully, her lecturer Paul Singh Gill changed her mind. She said: "He really helped me in my time of need. Not only did he talk me out of dropping out, but he also helped me apply for school financial grants, and recommended me channels, like help for (my father's) funeral and lawyer fees, to ease my burdens during that time." Mr Singh, her lecturer in professional business communication in Year 1, described their first interaction was "unforgettable". Amillie Chan (right) with her polytechnic lecturer and mentor at Nanyang Polytechnic, Mr Paul Singh Gill, on July 3. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI "She approached me after missing the first day of Year 1 orientation, and when asked, did not want to share why she was unable to join in. "I thought she might have had some personal issues, and that she might also have reservations about sharing details of her personal struggles with new people in a new environment, so I didn't probe further. But I checked in with her, and the class, regularly." He taught several of her classes and became a mentor figure to her over what would be three demanding years. With her days starting as early as 7am for classes and ending well past midnight after she returned home from work, getting six hours of sleep counted as a good day. On occasion, Ms Chan would work through the night to finish assignments or projects. "Every day after class, I would have to rush off to work. I wouldn't be able to join my coursemates to eat after class or meet on the weekends," Miss Chan said. "I was always very tired during the day, and I would have to drink an energy drink before every shift. It definitely wasn't a healthy lifestyle." She added: "Sometimes, I would have to skip classes just to be able to rest from work. I think my attendance rate in some classes was literally just enough to pass." Having to juggle work also strained her relationships at school. "Because I couldn't fully commit to group projects, some of my coursemates had the perception that I was lazy or that I cared only about money." Only in her final year did Miss Chan eventually share her situation with her coursemates. "There was never a good time or place that would allow me to share something so deeply personal with any of my peers." What drove her to push through the exhaustion and struggles was a personal conviction - "I couldn't give up. I just wanted (the) household to be healthy and happy" - and Mr Singh's encouragement. "Throughout my three years, he really showed me the support and care that I needed," said Miss Chan, who graduated in May. "Regularly checking in on me after classes to see how I was doing or trying his best to help me with things like financial aid - that really meant a lot to me." Mr Singh said that he was immensely proud of Miss Chan for finishing her polytechnic journey. "In all my years of teaching, she is the first student I've seen who, despite facing many personal challenges, navigated her academic journey with such quiet resilience and grace," he said. "I never once had to speak to her about attendance or academic issues. The conversations we had were more of a check-in to ensure she was coping with everything at home and in school, to affirm her as well, and to guide her where she needed the extra support." Down the line, Ms Amillie Chan, 21, hopes to pursue a degree in hospitality and eventually start her own bistro. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Miss Chan is now a full-time bartender at Native, which is ranked 31 on Asia's 50 Best Bars and where she did her polytechnic internship. "I'm glad I didn't drop out. I wouldn't be working (at Native) if not for my time in poly," she mused. Down the line, she hopes to pursue a degree in hospitality and eventually start her own bistro. She said she has no regrets staying on in polytechnic, and her experience has shaped her into a stronger person. "I've become more resilient and perseverant. I feel like I've rebuilt myself and found out who I wanted to be." She added: "I am able to grieve for my father now, but back when it had just happened, everything was coming in all at once and I could not afford the time or mental space to grieve as needed."
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Losing her dad a month into poly, she powered through work shifts and studies to support her family
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ms Amillie Chan is now a full-time bartender at Native, the bar where she did her polytechnic internship. – After just a year in polytechnic, Ms Amillie Chan was on the verge of dropping out. A month into her time at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), she received a call one night in May 2022 informing her that her father, a Grab delivery rider, had been involved in a car accident. By the time she rushed down to the hospital, he had already died. Ms Chan barely had time to grieve before being thrust into a new reality. On top of funeral and legal costs, she also had to shoulder household bills, and provide an allowance to her mother, who has an intellectual disability and lives in Thailand due to immigration issues. She lives with her older brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and an uncle who is deaf and mute. While both could support their own daily expenses, they were unable to contribute to shared household expenses . With her newfound responsibilities, the food and beverage business student struggled to balance studies and work. 'I was so lost and overwhelmed, but I also felt like I had to be stable. I felt like I was the only one (in my family) who could carry the household burden,' she said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch World Tariffs will kick in on Aug 1 barring trade deals: US Treasury Secretary Singapore Woman on SMRT's 190 bus injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Business Great Eastern says Takeover Code not breached when it shared IFA valuation with OCBC Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Asia Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan Asia Two women fatally stabbed at bar in Japan by man Life Star Awards 2025: Christopher Lee wins big, including Special Achievement Award and Best Actor While she had worked at multiple food and beverage outlets since she was 14 to cover her own living expenses, she had planned to stop, to focus on polytechnic life. Instead, she worked five or six times a week at Mexican fast food chain Guzman y Gomez, where she tried to clock over 140 hours a month to earn a $400 monthly incentive, taking home approximately $1,600 a month. 'To me, money was being lost when I went to school, because I could be using that time to clock in more shifts,' recalled Miss Chan, now 21. On most days, the only time she had to complete her homework was on lunch breaks or commutes. 'I wasn't giving my best effort in school, my grades were slipping, and I couldn't open up to my classmates. I wanted to quit and perhaps come back to it when my financial situation was more stable.' Thankfully, her lecturer Paul Singh Gill changed her mind. She said: 'He really helped me in my time of need. Not only did he talk me out of dropping out, but he also helped me apply for school financial grants, and recommended me channels, like help for (my father's) funeral and lawyer fees, to ease my burdens during that time.' Mr Singh, her lecturer in professional business communication in Year 1 , described their first interaction was 'unforgettable'. Amillie Chan (right) with her polytechnic lecturer and mentor at Nanyang Polytechnic, Mr Paul Singh Gill, on July 3. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI 'She approached me after missing the first day of Year 1 orientation, and when asked, did not want to share why she was unable to join in. 'I thought she might have had some personal issues, and that she might also have reservations about sharing details of her personal struggles with new people in a new environment, so I didn't probe further. But I checked in with her, and the class, regularly.' He taught several of her classes and became a mentor figure to her over what would be three demanding years. With her days starting as early as 7am for classes and ending well past midnight after she returned home from work, getting six hours of sleep counted as a good day. On occasion, Ms Chan would work through the night to finish assignments or projects. 'Every day after class, I would have to rush off to work. I wouldn't be able to join my coursemates to eat after class or meet on the weekends,' Miss Chan said. 'I was always very tired during the day, and I would have to drink an energy drink before every shift. It definitely wasn't a healthy lifestyle.' She added: 'Sometimes, I would have to skip classes just to be able to rest from work. I think my attendance rate in some classes was literally just enough to pass.' Having to juggle work also strained her relationships at school. 'Because I couldn't fully commit to group projects, some of my coursemates had the perception that I was lazy or that I cared only about money.' Only in her final year did Miss Chan eventually share her situation with her coursemates. 'There was never a good time or place that would allow me to share something so deeply personal with any of my peers.' What drove her to push through the exhaustion and struggles was a personal conviction – 'I couldn't give up. I just wanted (the) household to be healthy and happy' – and Mr Singh's encouragement. 'Throughout my three years, he really showed me the support and care that I needed,' said Miss Chan, who graduated in May. 'Regularly checking in on me after classes to see how I was doing or trying his best to help me with things like financial aid – that really meant a lot to me.' Mr Singh said that he was immensely proud of Miss Chan for finishing her polytechnic journey. 'In all my years of teaching, she is the first student I've seen who, despite facing many personal challenges, navigated her academic journey with such quiet resilience and grace,' he said. 'I never once had to speak to her about attendance or academic issues. The conversations we had were more of a check-in to ensure she was coping with everything at home and in school, to affirm her as well, and to guide her where she needed the extra suppo rt. ' Down the line, Ms Amillie Chan, 21, hopes to pursue a degree in hospitality and eventually start her own bistro. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Miss Chan is now a full-time bartender at Native, which is ranked 31 on Asia's 50 Best Bars and where she did her polytechnic internship. 'I'm glad I didn't drop out. I wouldn't be working (at Native) if not for my time in poly,' she mused. Down the line, she hopes to pursue a degree in hospitality and eventually start her own bistro. She said she has no regrets staying on in polytechnic, and her experience has shaped her into a stronger person. 'I've become more resilient and perseverant. I feel like I've rebuilt myself and found out who I wanted to be.' She added: 'I am able to grieve for my father now, but back when it had just happened, everything was coming in all at once and I could not afford the time or mental space to grieve as needed.'
Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Science
- Straits Times
Singapore women in Stem: Less than a quarter believe they have support to succeed
Women in Stem: Less than a quarter believe they have the support to succeed, says survey SINGAPORE – When Ms Wan NurSabrina Wan Nasarudin signed up for a mechatronics engineering diploma course in Nanyang Polytechnic after her O levels, her relatives and friends were stunned. 'Some of them said things like: 'Will you be able to cope in engineering?'' she says. Influenced by the gender stereotypes she grew up with, she had initially wanted to pursue accounting and business, following in the footsteps of her mother, a corporate secretary in her 50s. But when she missed the cut-off point for the course, her choices were limited to engineering, nursing and outdoor education. 'Relatives, acquaintances and even teachers suggested I should have enrolled in a 'more feminine course' like nursing, claiming I was better suited for a nurturing role,' says Ms Sabrina, 29. She did not just survive her diploma course – she also found her calling in Stem, which stands for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She holds a master's of science degree in robotics and artificial intelligence from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. She is also the first recipient of the PPIS-LBKM Scholarship, which was launched in 2023 by the Singapore Muslim Women's Association and bursary and scholarship institution Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, for women pursuing postgraduate studies in Stem and other selected fields. Now an assistant manager in the National University Health System's Artificial Intelligence Office, her work involves digital twin simulations of the National University Hospital to test scenarios involving robots. 'The challenges, innovation, problem-solving and hands-on nature of robotics engineering have provided a satisfaction I couldn't have anticipated when reluctantly accepting my course,' she says, crediting her mother and father, a marine superintendent in his 50s, for their unstinting support. She is married to a 32-year-old software engineer and they are expecting their first child in August. Ms Wan NurSabrina Wan Nasarudin with a robot nurse companion that she uses in her work on digital twin simulations of the National University Hospital to test scenarios involving robots. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Stem careers are growing at a furious pace, tech layoffs notwithstanding. Yet women still make up less than half that workforce. For instance, the number of tech roles increased by 34 per cent across seven years, from around 155,500 in 2017 to about 208,300 in 2023, according to the Singapore Digital Economy Reports in 2023 and 2024 published by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. In 2014, 29 per cent of Stem workers were women. A decade on in 2024, that number increased by six percentage points to 35 per cent of those working in Stem, said Ms Gan Siow Huang, then Minister of State for Education and Manpower, in a speech at the launch of the non-profit United Women Singapore's (UWS) STEMentorship Programme in February 2025 . Much has been written about the so-called 'leaky pipeline', where more women leave Stem careers over time. However, a 2021 report by development-focused non-profit The Asia Foundation points out that the pipeline metaphor assumes there is a lack of female talent and interest in Stem. In reality, women are pushed out of Stem at many points in life. Reasons include parents and teachers limiting their exposure to Stem subjects and instilling a gendered view of what jobs they can do, discrimination during and after the hiring process, inflexible working arrangements, and the pressures of balancing family and work. Women who did not study Stem subjects in school are now able to do Stem jobs, thanks to new sectors and jobs created as a result of global digitalisation, said the report, Accelerating Women's Advancement In Stem: Emerging Lessons On Network Strategies And Approaches In Asia. In Singapore, six in 10 women say societal expectations and stereotypes are the biggest reason for the Stem gender imbalance, a recent study by UWS found. Only 23 per cent of women believe they receive sufficient support to succeed in Stem careers in Singapore, compared with 52 per cent of men. UWS, which aims to empower women and promote gender equality, partnered market research firm Milieu Insight to poll 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 34 who are studying or in the early stages of their careers in late 2024. The project was supported by healthcare multinational company Abbott and launched in April 2025 . The survey also found that less than a third – 30 per cent – of women believe equal prospects exist in Stem, versus 41 per cent of men. Almost half of the female respondents – 48 per cent – felt that there were persistent pay gaps in Stem, compared with only 28 per cent of male respondents. Women helping women in Stem Female leaders in Stem say that young women entering the workforce today have more support compared with what they experienced one or two decades ago. The Singapore Institute of Technology's (SIT) Associate Professor Jeannie Lee, who is in her 40s, remembers being the only girl in her computing class in junior college. She was also among a small number of female students in the information systems and computer science course at the National University of Singapore. Associate Professor Jeannie Lee from the Singapore Institute of Technology demonstrating a virtual-reality simulation for training of bioreactor operations. She is deputy director of SIT's Centre for Immersification, a research lab. PHOTO: SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY When she did her master's and PhD at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she was one of a few young women studying computer science and electrical and computer engineering. 'I wasn't able to find a female mentor during the beginning stages of my career,' says Prof Lee, who is deputy director of SIT's Centre for Immersification and had worked as a senior software engineer in California about 10 years ago. During job interviews here and overseas, she had frequently been mistaken for someone seeking an administrative role or forced to justify her projects and work experience, she recalls. 'There is less overt bias now. It's more of what I can call a systemic barrier, because there is still less representation in leading technical roles, such as a chief technology officer or principal engineer,' she says. Prof Lee notes that women make up about 25 per cent of her infocomm technology undergraduates, up from 10 per cent a decade ago. Yet, stereotypes quietly persist in her interactions with prospective students and their families. 'We should try to overcome these subtle biases that everyone has, both men and women, about what women are able to do. The same concerns that my parents expressed about my career choice are still being expressed by some parents today,' she says. The lack of female mentors has spurred some women in Stem to set up support systems to help others. Ms Joanne Wong recalls how she returned to work five weeks into her 12-week maternity leave after her daughter was born in 2008. Ms Joanne Wong, chief marketing officer of cyber-security multinational Exabeam, started a women's business network in one of her previous roles that set up a framework for flexible work arrangements a decade before the pandemic. PHOTO: EXABEAM As a business group lead in a leading software multinational firm then, she felt she could not miss a critical business trip to the United States. After pivoting to tech from law, she had worked hard to prove herself in the industry. 'Nobody said I had to, but I didn't want my peers and managers to think I was less committed,' says Ms Wong, 52, who is now chief marketing officer of cyber-security multinational firm Exabeam. She spent the entire flight in tears over the separation from her firstborn. 'I wish someone could have told me, 'Joanne, don't do it. This is a very important time for bonding with your baby.' That moment was hard, but it opened my eyes to what was missing in the system. 'It became the catalyst for everything I've done since to support women in their careers and in life,' says Ms Wong, who is married to a cyber-security professional in his 50s. Her children are now aged 15 and 17. The incident affected her so much that she sought out female peers. In her next job, at an enterprise application multinational company, she pioneered a Business Women's Network. It set up a framework for flexible working arrangements a decade before the pandemic and was eventually adopted across the company for all employees. She now mentors young female employees as well as female undergraduates under her company's ExaGals network, which empowers women in technology. Tapping male allies While women supporting women has been a pivotal aspect in helping female workers build viable careers in Stem, the UWS survey also highlighted the importance of male allyship and the disconnect between the genders. About 59 per cent of women polled said male allyship was important in achieving gender equality, while only 47 per cent of men thought so. Men also felt that work-life balance initiatives were what women want most, but women said that advocating for equal pay and promotions was the best way that men could support them. Dr Kenneth Lee, regional medical director at Abbott, says he was surprised at the large perception gap where more than half of men thought women had sufficient support in Stem, compared with less than a quart er of women agreeing. Dr Kenneth Lee, regional medical director at Abbott, says men often underestimate the influence they have in encouraging women to pursue Stem. PHOTO: ABBOTT 'Men often underestimate the influence they have in encouraging women to pursue Stem. As male allies, we can help bridge this gap by amplifying the voices and achievements of women, challenging assumptions, and co-creating environments where everyone feels seen and supported,' he says. Ms Emily Shum, 31, a principal civil and structural engineer with CPG Consultants, says a male boss stood up for her when she was a junior engineer working on a design and build project. 'Some of the contractors said, 'Give me a male engineer.' My boss told them, 'You let her try. She can do it,'' she says. Ms Emily Shum, a principal civil and structural engineer with CPG Consultants, says a former male boss stood up for her when she was a junior engineer and enabled her to take on projects usually assigned to male engineers. PHOTO: CPG CONSULTANTS Ms Shum says she gained the contractors' respect by showing them she was more than capable, and they developed good working relationships. Her current male boss also entrusted her with 'good projects', and she was promoted in 2024. 'Women are naturally more observant and often offer a different perspective, so having more women in the industry provides a good balance,' she says. Having a strong male advocate early in Ms Eleana Liew's career had a huge impact on her. The arts and social sciences graduate says she felt lost when she started her first job in marketing at a now-defunct tech company, where unfamiliar technical jargon was bandied about in meetings. The then marketing director noticed her discomfort and took her under his wing, patiently explaining concepts and sending her articles to read. 'Every time he saw me, he'd quiz me – not to test me, but to help reinforce what I'd learnt and to make sure I was growing more confident in this new space,' says Ms Liew, in her late 40s, who is now managing director of Singapore at Accenture, a professional services multinational firm. 'That experience shaped how I approach learning and mentorship. His support gave me the confidence to stay the course and eventually thrive in a sector I once found intimidating.' Ms Eleana Liew, managing director of Singapore at Accenture, says having a strong male ally early in her career shaped how she approached learning and mentorship. PHOTO: ACCENTURE She now pays it forward by making time to check in with her team members – both male and female – to help them feel seen and supported. She also champions Accenture's Women Of Worth initiative, which helps women who have taken a career break to re-enter the workforce. For young women like Ms Constanz Wee, 22, having the confidence to break into a male-dominated domain started with the desire to learn. The second-year accountancy undergraduate at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) says she knew nothing about fintech before she signed up for UWS' Stem First Fintech Programme in 2022. She had studied banking and finance in Nanyang Polytechnic. Ms Constanz Wee (far right), an accountancy undergraduate at the Singapore Institute of Technology, spoke to the leadership of Citi in September 2024 about her Stem journey with non-profit United Women Singapore. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CONSTANZ WEE The seven-month programme built up her self-assurance and speaking skills, and exposed her to mentors in the financial industry. Armed with her new-found capabilities and brimming with new ideas, she won the presidency of the SIT Investment & Commerce Club, an investment club for students, in January 2025 . She is the only female in the executive committee. 'I stepped up to lead because I saw potential in the club, areas where meaningful change could be made,' she says, adding that her peers have given her their full support. Ms Sabrina says that women should let their work speak for itself. 'Throughout my career, I've faced doubts and stereotypes about my capabilities as a female engineer. Rather than becoming discouraged, I channelled the scepticism into motivation,' she says. 'When others see your consistent achievements, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain their biases.' She encourages women to remain open to unexpected opportunities and to build a supportive network. 'Your unique perspective as a woman in technology is not a limitation but an asset. Diverse voices help consider different aspects or users that may have been overlooked, ensuring solutions in Stem remain inclusive to serve everyone well.' United Women Singapore is holding its annual UWS Stem Fest on July 5, where girls and young women can find out more about careers in Stem. Admission is free. Register at Stephanie Yeo is senior correspondent at The Straits Times' Life section. Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day
Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh (second from right), with (from left) his father Muhammad Salleh Bin Ramdan, and daughters Sufya Nadyne and Safaa Naura, at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day SINGAPORE – Despite working full-time as a technician and pursuing a part-time diploma in engineering, Mr Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh makes it a point to spend quality time with his young daughters. Mr Shazlizan, who has two daughters aged one and four, said: 'It can be difficult to balance work and family, but I feel the need to be present in my children's lives. Sometimes, after a tiring day of work, having them greet me at the door when I'm home is all I need to feel energised again.' The 31-year-old and his family were one of over a hundred families celebrating Father's Day on June 15 at Dad's Day Out. The event, held at OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub , is the culminating point of the Celebrating Fathers initiative, which is in its 10th year. Families at the event enjoyed games including a basketball challenge, foam blasters and a penalty shoot out booth. Mr Shazlizan said his wife surprised him by taking him, their daughters and his parents to the carnival on the morning of June 15. 'Normally, on Father's Day, we would stay at home, buy food and just spend time together. So I was excited about all of us celebrating it this year by going out,' he added. Mr Shazlizan, who is pursuing his part-time diploma in electronic and digital engineering at Nanyang Polytechnic , said: 'My lessons are three nights a week, so I had to explain to my daughters why I won't be able to read to them before bed or pat them to sleep on some nights. 'This is why when we do spend time together, I make sure to treasure it.' Gesturing to his father, who is 57 years old , Mr Shazlizan, who has a brother and a sister, s aid: 'My dad is my role model. I always appreciated the way he spoke to my siblings and I, and how he told us that any problem can be solved together as a family. I take that as the example on how to raise kids.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong , who was guest of honour at Dad's Day Out, said the event theme – My Dad, My Anchor – captured the essence of what being a father is. Mr Tong, a father of three, said: 'A father is often seen as the anchor for the family, a really strong, solid, steadfast presence that keeps the family grounded, much like an anchor that holds a ship down, even in the stormiest of weathers. 'They provide security, direction and emotional stability. As a father myself, I realise, and I know, that it is not often easy to be this anchor all the time, every time, when it is needed.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was the guest of honour at Dad's Day Out on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH This is why it is important to remind dads that they are not alone in this journey, Mr Tong said, reminding fathers that it matters most to be present in their families' lives. Noting that the Government is committed to supporting fathers to take a more active role in their children's lives, Mr Tong highlighted initiatives, including government-paid paternity leave. He added that fathers can also share up to four weeks of their wife's maternity leave, providing flexibility for both parents. Also at the event was Mr Way Ng, a father of five children, aged between four and 20. He was with his four-year-old daughter and wife at Dad's Day Out. Mr Way Ng and Ms Teo Xiao Yan with their daughter Kareena at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 39-year-old human resources assistant manager said: 'It takes a village to raise a kid, and my wife and I are in this together. Even though my older children are growing up and becoming more independent, I think it is very important to be present in all my kids' lives.' Mr Ng said his family has made it a tradition to go out and celebrate important events together, such as on Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays. 'We usually like to eat together, sing karaoke together and even play games at the arcade together,' he said. 'I hope my kids know that their mother and I want to be their support and rock. It is not to say that we won't let them fall, but we hope to create a safety net for them, so they will never fall too badly.' Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Nanyang Poly student engineers comeback after near-expulsion, wanting to 'throw studies away'
He was at risk of flunking out. But being given a second chance made all the difference for Seamus Liew, who is now one of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)'s most outstanding graduates. He recently won a gold medal in Mechanical Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) at WorldSkills Singapore 2025 - his first major competition and proudest achievement to date. "Because not only did I do it for myself, I did it for my teachers. I had promised them that I would win something. I also did it for my family and my friends, so winning made me very proud," Seamus told Stomp. Getting here was far from easy, however. Seamus opened up about a dark time in his life, when he had to "put aside" his studies due to personal struggles. He was then in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), a bridging year at NYP designed to prepare students for their diploma courses. "I actually overlooked a test. I completely didn't see the email. And because of that, I failed one of the modules and had to appeal against being expelled from the programme," he recounted. "That put me in a deeper hole, because I was already dealing with some personal stuff. I felt like giving up and just throwing my studies away. "I asked the director of PFP to give me another chance. He empathised with my situation and gave me that second chance. I took it." Even after graduating with a Diploma in Engineering with Business, Seamus has not stopped upskilling or pursuing his passion. He currently helps out at NYP's Mechatronics department while awaiting enlistment into National Service. Seamus at his NYP workspace. PHOTO: STOMP Seamus, who also has interests in accounting, computing and mechanical design, said perseverance and commitment are key. He added: "Because when I feel like giving up, I also feel motivated to not give up. It's like a loop and I think that is my greatest strength." The WorldSkills Singapore 2025 competition tested that mindset to the limit. "The first day, I went in thinking that I could do it. Turns out I could not, because some of the tasks were intentionally designed to be impossible to complete," Seamus recalled. "It was very daunting and really demotivating for the participants, and I felt like giving up. "However, I remembered my loop. Through it, I gained motivation for the next two days and pushed through." Seamus is a gold medallist at WorldSkills Singapore 2025. PHOTO: NANYANG POLYTECHNIC The aspiring design engineer hopes to next make his mark at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition and snag gold for Singapore. His mantra? "Don't give up even when things seem impossible." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
