NUS COLLABORATES WITH DADS FOR LIFE MOVEMENT TO PROMOTE RESEARCH AND PRACTICE RELATED TO FATHERHOOD IN ASIA

Fathers in Singapore and in nine other Asian countries are the centre of significant research findings presented at an international conference at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The one-and-a-half day conference was opened today by Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development.

Organised by NUS’ Asia Research Institute (ARI) in collaboration with the national Dads for Life movement, the “International Conference on Fatherhood in 21^st Century Asia: Research, Interventions and Practice” aims to raise awareness about the importance and role of fathers in Asia, and to bring researchers, policy-makers and practitioners together as partners in the cross-sector support system for successful fatherhood. The conference is also an important milestone in strengthening knowledge related to Asian fatherhood, to inform policies and programmes related to fatherhood here within the context of a limited even if growing research on fatherhood in Asia.

Guest of Honour, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development, said, “A conference dedicated to the subject of fatherhood is testimony that fathers matter deeply to the wellbeing of children and families – but also that fathers can do more towards that end. We know from international research that when fathers are involved, children, mothers, and fathers themselves benefit.”

The conference will concentrate on fathers’ diverse roles, and the challenges and opportunities they encounter when involved in their children’s lives; and address a range of policies and practice-based interventions related to fatherhood in Asian countries. The keynote speaker, Professor William Marsiglio from the University of Florida, set the stage by outlining the vision and opportunities to engage fathers in diverse settings. Other speakers will elaborate on topics such as father-child relationships; the changing nature of fatherhood in contemporary Singapore and other Asian countries; being a father in Malay societies; explaining variance within constructions of fatherhood between the Chinese and Malay communities of Singapore; the culture and conduct of Indian fatherhood, the unique experiences of single fatherhood; childcare and parenting practices in Singapore; and migration and fatherhood in the Philippines.

Conference convenor, Professor Jean Yeung from ARI and NUS Department of Sociology, and member of the Fathers Action Network driving the Dads for Life movement, added, “Fathers are immensely under-tapped resources for child development. But this is changing. In an analysis of time diaries of American children who lived with both biological parents, I found that a “new father” role has emerged. Fathers have engaged more in hands-on caring as well as providing emotional support to children. The study also shows that many fathers enjoy their new roles, with nearly 90% said that being a father is the most fulfilling role a man can have. It will likewise be important to understand and build on the opportunities that a changing Asian context offers for fathers, families, and children in this part of the world.”

Among the selected 17 papers, participants will hear from 3 NUS graduate students who will present their qualitative study and investigation results on topics ranging from the eight factors that influence first-time fathers’ preparedness to local parenting patterns.

The panel discussions will focus on five main themes: Father Involvement In Changing Asia; Fathering Across Diversity; Father-Child Relationship and Fathering Styles; Fatherhood Ideology, Aspirations And Motivations; and Fatherhood In The Context Of Migration. These discussions will be chaired by academics from the Asia Research Institute at NUS and NUS’ Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as well as social service professionals from the community and the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports.

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About National University of Singapore (NUS)

A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university which offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise.

NUS has 14 faculties and schools across three campuses. Over 30,000 students from 100 countries enrich the community with their diverse social and cultural perspectives.

NUS has three Research Centres of Excellence (RCE) and 22 university-level research institutes and centres. It is also a partner for Singapore’s 5th RCE. NUS shares a close affiliation with 16 national-level research institutes and centres. Research activities are strategic and robust, and NUS is well-known for its research strengths in engineering, life sciences and biomedicine, social sciences and natural sciences. It also strives to create a supportive and innovative environment to promote creative enterprise within its community.

For more information, please visit www.nus.edu.sg

About Dads for Life

The “Dads for Life” Movement is an initiative of the National Family Council (NFC), and supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Launched in November 2009, the movement seeks to inspire and involve fathers to become good influencers in their children’s lives... for life by getting Fathers to ACT:

A - Be Aware of the importance of fathers’ roles

C - Commit to be good fathers and role models to their children

T - Spend Time, Acquire Tools, bring Transformation to lives.

“Dads for Life” is driven by a community-led Fathers Action Network (FAN), chaired by Mr Richard Seow, Non-Executive Chairman of Parkway Holdings. FAN is a consultative network for father-related issues and programmes. MCYS serves as the Secretariat to FAN.

For more information, please visit www.dadsforlife.sg.