Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and we hope you’ve made reservation, plans, gifts and all that jazz. In conjunction of this very special occasion, we’ve been releasing some amazing articles since Wednesday that’s been waiting for your attention. You can check them out here.
Fathers are like pillars to a child’s behavioral-building.
For a girl, a father is her pillar of relationships and emotional support. And it will shape her way of forming bonds as well as what she will look to, when she looks for a partner. For a boy, he follows in the footsteps of his father that will shape his core values and behavior, into the man that he’ll eventually be.
For the past couple of days, Sevenpie have been releasing stories from Malaysian fathers from all corners and walks of life. Within these articles, they share about life in a non-stop commitment to their bundle(s)-of-joy, and how they have coped with in no matter the circumstance.
We’ve covered the lives of dads whose jobs involve being under the public-eye. What about fathers whose wives have careers tied to the influential medias?
Sevenpie has decided to interview Ng Book Hock and Anis Anwar, both who have been strong dads as well as husbands for their social influencer wives. Along with a career of their own, what can’t these dads do?
So get comfy, and grab your dad because these few articles are reads that you don’t want to ignore. Take a glimpse into the lives of these unsung heroes as you discover that a father’s love knows no bounds and to never doubt how far a man would go for his family, to provide them the best that they can.
Ng Boon Hock- Husband to Careen Tan; Father of 1: Tyler Jay Ng
Husband to the beautiful Careen Tan (blogger, social media influencer, and owner of The White Atelier), both Boon and Careen will now enter a new phase of their lives – welcoming their second baby! Although working in the oil & gas industry can be demanding, that did not stop Boon from being a responsible and a reliable husband and father. Boon and Careen definitely make the perfect team, nailing parenthood!
1. Hello Boon! It’s such an honour to have you here with us at Sevenpie! Tell us more about yourself! What do you do full-time?
Hey, Sevenpie! Thanks for having me in mind for this interview in the first place! I’m currently working in an oil & gas company, managing the company’s extensive portfolios.
2. We are so happy to know that Careen would be expecting a second baby soon! How have you and Careen been preparing for this exciting next chapter of your lives?
The reality is really beginning to sink in now, especially with only a few weeks left till Little Dumpling’s (our nickname for the baby) arrival.
Now having a toddler, Tyler, to care for – we are definitely busier and have lesser time on our hands. I’d say that we are actually pretty behind, in terms of our preparation for the arrival of our second baby. Previously with Tyler, we were a lot more prepared to receive him. But this time, we’ve still got some important items to check off our list.
Having said that, we have been wishing for this second baby for a very long time. Emotionally, we are definitely ready for him to enter into our lives.
3. You’ve been a father now for 4 years with Tyler! What has been the most exciting thing about fatherhood for you so far?
I’ve never really sat down to think about this as I have been really taking it one day at a time. So far, I would say the most exciting thing about fatherhood would be witnessing Tyler grow before my eyes. Seeing how proud he is when he is able to achieve what he sets out do really makes my heart full. I am so proud of this boy.
4. What has been your most memorable moment with Tyler?
It would definitely be the time when I welcomed Tyler into the world the first time. Being able to feel Tyler’s tiny fingers and toes, seeing him smiling at me (although, I highly doubt he could see me) – at that moment on, I knew my life was going to change.
It was an indescribable feeling. It was something that I simply will not forget.
5. Can you share with us your favourite father-and-son time together?
Our Saturdays! As Careen’s Saturdays are the busiest throughout the week, I would have to do Papa duties.
Tyler and I would literally hang out all day: I would cook for him and we would just relax, watch TV, play games, wrestle or we would also head outside for some playtime with the family. I don’t know how long Tyler would still choose to hang out with his dad like this, so I’m really cherishing these moments as much as I can.
6. We know that both you and Careen went through a tough time trying to get a second baby. Can you share with us how did you felt at that time and how did you stay motivated knowing that you had to support Careen the most at that time?
To a certain extent, I can be a bit emotionally…robotic, to put it bluntly. I know when to switch it on and off, if the circumstances call for it. At that point of time, Careen really needed my support. I knew I had no room to crumble and fall to the pressure.
I chose to be strong for both Careen and myself to get through the challenging months.
7. How has that previous struggle grown you as a person and a father?
Going through that hardship made me realize that God has His own time and purpose for everything in life. And all we need is to trust and be patient.
I’ve definitely also learned to take charge of how I feel. I strongly believe that we are capable of having control over how we feel and how we react to things. Despite the everyday situation and circumstances that we face, we have a choice to either allow those circumstances to affect our emotions or not.
8. We learnt that you travel frequently for work. How do you balance your time between being a father and also in your career?
Expecting the next baby soon, this is definitely something that I will need to think about again.
I am a firm believer in a proper work-life balance. Work is work. As important or urgent work is, there should be a time for rest and focus on the family. But ultimately, nothing should take higher priority than family.
For the past 2 years, I’ve been office-bound, and it gives me a lot more time to spend with my family rather than when I’m required to do offshore- jobs (which would require me to travel frequently), other than responding to urgent work-matters once in a while, I make it a point to be fully present when I’m spending time with my family.
If your work consumes all your time and energy, leaving you no time for your loved ones, then perhaps there is a need to re-evaluate how one’s managing their work and life priorities.
9. Can you share with us what are some of the uncompromisable values you’ve built in your family?
Love God, and love others. I also strongly believe that respect should be given to everyone from all walks of life, regardless of their social statuses. Respect is earned. If you demand respect, you would have to first give respect.
10. In a few years time, Tyler and ‘Little Dumpling’ would be reading this! What would be your message for the both of them?
Dudes, you boys better grow up to be strong and independent individuals. Make sure you boys treat your mum and each other well, else, you’re going to get some nice tough love from me. But seriously, grow up to be kind and respectful, and believe me, those will help you live a life full of joy.
11. Lastly, any pieces of advice for fathers out there who also may be struggling with their wife’s pregnancy complications too?
Never assume. Don’t be too shy to go for checks and tests, because sometimes, the problem could lie in not just one, but both parties. It’s always best to identify the root of the problem, then you’ll know what to do next.
Lastly, never forget to work together hand-in-hand with your wife- it will make your marriage stronger, and both of you will navigate through this challenging phase for sure.
Anis Anwar- Husband to Mya Zulkifli; Father of 1: Noah
An avid basketball lover, Anis is sure to translate his love for sports to his son, Noah. Also working as an International Executive at Taylor’s University College, Anis puts what he knows about understanding the youths of today into fatherhood. Together with Malaysian influencer, Mya Zulkifli, they will surely raise Noah well – being both his best friend and parents.
1. Hey Anis! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. Let’s start off with the day you found out you were going to become a father, what were the emotions that you felt?
Hey, Sevenpie! When I first knew I was going to become a father, it felt like a 25% nervous and 25% touching moment. I was so excited!
2. How do you feel about kids being on social media, at a young age?
Well, for me, I think it’s fine for the kids to be on social media at a young age (because the parents are the one handling the account! Hahaha!). But, ideally, playing outside and having fun with their friends are better for kids as they grow up. I wouldn’t want them spending too much time on the phone and on social media.
3. Because your wife, Mya Zulkifli, is a public figure, do you both have strict rules or discussions about how much you choose to publicise Noah on social media?
Usually, my wife would handle how much we choose to share about Noah on social media as she is more experienced in that matter than me. But, we would always make sure that it would be for the best of our baby.
4. We understand that you have a natural affinity and love for basketball. Is this something that you wish to teach Noah as a means to bond with him, when he’s older?
Yes, definitely! Ball is life, haha! But if Noah finds interest in other sports, I’d be alright with it too – just as long as he enjoys it.
5. Working in Student Affairs, do you think it can give you an advantage to understanding kids/teens/young adults? Hence, you can apply your experiences on Noah?
Working in Student Affairs definitely has given me a knack in understanding students more. Nowadays, kids are very different. We need to learn to adapt to their environment, instead of making judgement based on our experiences.
I try my best to understand Noah from his point of view because when he grows up, I want to be both his father and friend.
6. What are some words of advice you would like to give to dads out there?
To all the dads and dads to-be: Don’t put the pressures of being the ‘greatest daddy ever’ on you. Being a good dad starts with being a good husband. Take a day at a time, love your kids and enjoy the moment. Because one day, your child will start their own journey.
7. Lastly, if Noah was reading this as a grown-up, what advice would you like to impart on him?
Dear Noah, when you grow up, remember that I am the one that taught you how to make a 3-pointer shot. Whatever hits you in life, do not give up. Be a good son to Mommy and Daddy. Make us proud and pray for us when we are no longer in this beautiful world.
