Father’s Day is a time to honour and celebrate the remarkable bond between fathers and their children. This year, I have chosen to share the inspiring story of a Singaporean father, Alex Tham, whose journey highlights the power of sacrifice, redemption, and unbreakable love. It is my hope that this tale resonates deeply with readers and reminds us of the vital role fathers play in shaping their children’s lives.
The pivotal moment for Alex came when he realized that his son’s behaviour and gaming addiction were adversely affecting his future. Seeing the impact on his son’s studies, personality, and sleep, Alex made the difficult decision to prioritize his son’s well-being over his own successful career. Turning down a lucrative contract worth almost 1.2 million a year with a renowned international retail brand, he chose to invest his time and efforts in his son, knowing that the growth of a child cannot be replaced or earned back.
Alex’s dedication to his son went beyond just being physically present. He immersed himself in his son’s world, even playing mobile games with him to better understand and connect with him. By joining his son in his favourite mobile game, “Clash of Clans,” Alex not only engaged in his son’s interests but also used the opportunity to build a deeper connection and guide him towards embodying upright virtues and character.

The decision to prioritize his son over his career profoundly shaped Alex’s relationship with his son. It demonstrated to his son that he was the top priority, and it allowed them to build a strong foundation of love, trust, and understanding. Their bond grew stronger, and they developed a profound connection that will last a lifetime.
Balancing the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur as founder of TrustCleanz and a dedicated father was no easy feat for Alex. To achieve this delicate balance, he established clear boundaries and optimized his time to fulfil both roles effectively. Delegating tasks within his business and seeking assistance from trusted individuals helped him create a reliable support system, enabling him to dedicate more quality time to his son’s upbringing while still managing the demands of being an entrepreneur.
Alex’s own experiences have had a profound impact on his parenting style. Understanding the significance of an involved father figure in a child’s life, he became committed to actively participating in his son’s upbringing. By prioritizing open communication, creating positive memories, and fostering a nurturing environment, Alex has ensured that his son feels valued, supported, and cherished.
To further strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children, Alex got involved with Dads For Life and started a Fathers’ Support Group at Joshua’s school. Through this group, they organized various activities aimed at creating memorable experiences and fostering stronger connections. From sleepovers and outdoor adventures to engaging in prayer and sharing experiences, these activities provided platforms for communication, teamwork, and building lifelong relationships.
One significant step in their journey was enrolling Joshua in a boot camp to help him overcome his gaming addiction. This process brought them even closer as they faced challenges and celebrated victories together. Guiding his son through this journey allowed them to spend quality time, communicate openly, and support each other, resulting in a stronger bond between father and son.
Though diverting attention and resources from his business presented challenges, Alex overcame them by implementing effective time management strategies, delegating tasks, and seeking support from trusted individuals. Through open communication with clients and stakeholders, he successfully managed expectations, maintaining a harmonious balance between his business and his role as a father.
Today, as Joshua eagerly awaits his NS enlistment and actively contributes to his father’s business, Alex feels immense pride and joy. The positive impact of his unwavering support on Joshua’s life exemplifies the power of a strong father-son bond. Alex has learned valuable lessons from this journey, including the importance of being present, providing guidance and support, and the transformative power of dedication. He believes that true success lies not only in one’s professional life but also in having a well-ordered house and family.
Read Celebrate Father’s Day in Singapore: Unveiling the finest dining destinations
As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us reflect on the significant role fathers play in their children’s lives. They are not just providers or authority figures but also mentors, friends, and pillars of support. They have the power to shape their children’s future through their love, guidance, and unwavering dedication. May Alex’s story inspire us all to cherish and nurture the bonds we share with our fathers and honour their invaluable contributions to our lives.
Average Rating