Celebrating Father's Day in the world of Science and Parenthood
As Father's Day approaches, we delve into the lives of seven remarkable dads who not only excel in their respective fields in healthcare research, but also navigate their parenthood journeys with drive and dedication.
Meet A/Prof Danny Soon, Mr Vernon Tan, Prof Derek Hausenloy, Dr Roger Chuah, Prof Tai E Shyong, Mr Eric Seow and Mr Yap Han, whose diverse experiences in clinical research, innovation and healthcare, shed light on the intricate balance between professional pursuits and the profound responsibilities of fatherhood.
From leading roles in scientific organisations to dynamic positions in healthcare research, innovation and translational programmes, each father brings a unique perspective to the intersection of professional pursuits and parenting. Through their stories, we glimpse the challenges and heartfelt moments of fatherhood as they leave an indelible mark in both their professional endeavours and in the hearts of their families.
A/Prof Danny Soon: Leading National Research and Family Adventures
A/Prof Danny Soon is the Chief Executive Officer at Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS), Executive Director at Singapore Clinical Research Institute (SCRI) and Interim Executive Director of Advanced Cell Therapy and Research Institute, Singapore (ACTRIS). With three sons, 16-year-old Tyler, 19-year-old Dillion and 21-year-old Caleb, Danny takes lessons from home and his professional life and applies them reciprocally.
As the inaugural CEO of CRIS, Danny helped to bring the six research programmes and platforms under CRIS, fostering synergies and developing strategies to enable them to achieve their missions. He also built the corporate functions to support the entire entity. In the same vein, he sees the family environment as fundamental in supporting his children towards achieving their goals.
Danny shares how family holidays always include a learning element, with his children helping to plan and navigate their self-drive itineraries. Whether skiing in Italy or hiking in Tasmania, the Soon family creates lasting memories while fostering a love for exploration and discovery. As he has three boys, sports has always been a bonding activity, especially football!
Danny (right) with his family on a ski trip in Italy
Danny's perspective on fatherhood emphasises the importance of teamwork with his wife, as they support each other in guiding their children through life's challenges and triumphs while giving their children space to grow and the freedom to pursue their interests.
Reflecting on his role as a father, Danny appreciates the expanded family conversation topics as his children grow and their interests converge, in areas like pop music, sports and world affairs. He emphasises the importance of teaching his children to take a methodical approach in their work, encouraging them to set and achieve goals. His children, in turn, inspire him with their willingness to try new things and their positive attitudes.
Danny with his three sons, Caleb, Tyler, and Dillion at a football game
For Danny, the best Father's Day present is quality time with his family, cherishing the simple joys of togetherness above all else. A running joke in their family is whenever his sons ask how much longer their hikes will take, he always replies “ten more minutes”.
Vernon Tan: The IT Guru and Outdoor Adventure Dad
Vernon, Senior Manager and IT Programme Lead at Advanced Cell Therapy and Research Institute, Singapore (ACTRIS), is no stranger to IT project management. His role demands specific skillsets and efficiency, yet amidst the bustling world of technology, Vernon finds joy and fulfilment in spending quality time with his three children. His two daughters, Tiffany, 15 and Trenise, 12, and his nine year-old son Treyden enjoy skating with their dad amid lush greenery at East Coast Park and Gardens by the Bay.
From managing essential laboratory support functions to managing new IT projects, and setting up the essential infrastructure for ACTRIS, Vernon shares that being a dad has honed his time management skills, fostering personal growth and increased efficiency at work. Prioritising important tasks at home and work ensures a balanced life, and he strives to separate work-related demands from family time.
Vernon and his two youngest children Treyden and Trenise at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Bird Paradise
Whether bonding over catch-up meals with their favourite ramen or enjoying movie nights, Vernon's commitment to fostering meaningful connections with his children mirrors his dedication to being fully present at work and at home. He fondly recalls their latest adventures, from night safaris and river explorations to bird park escapades. Through nurturing his children, he has also mastered the art of effective communication, which is also applicable in his professional life.
For Vernon, the best Father's Day present is the presence of his children, whose laughter and love bring immeasurable joy to his life. Seeing his children after a long day drives away fatigue and fills him with happiness.
Prof Derek Hausenloy: Striking Steady Rhythm and Balance at Work and at Home
Prof Derek Hausenloy is the Executive Director of Cardiovascular Disease National Collaborative Enterprise (CADENCE) and a Cardiologist, who embraces the journey of fatherhood alongside his commitment to cardiovascular research. With a 16-year-old daughter Reiko and an 18-year-old son, Jason, Derek navigates the complexities of science and parenting with unwavering dedication.
Together with his co-director, Mark Chan and Assistant Director, Sock Hwee from CADENCE, Derek works with his team to establish national platforms focused on data science, clinical trials, and artificial intelligence/digital health. Through CADENCE, they unite clinicians and researchers across Singapore to improve health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Derek shares that finding the right balance between career and fatherhood is challenging at times, but seeing his children grow and thrive makes it worthwhile. Despite discouraging his children from following in his footsteps in medicine and science, Derek and his wife are fully supportive of their daughter’s burgeoning interests and aspirations in the field. He cherishes the moments spent with his children as they navigate life's transitions together – creating shared experiences and bonding through life’s challenges.
Derek with his family on a trip to Sentosa Cove after a family meal.
Derek's fatherhood journey is marked by heartwarming memories and dedication to caring for his children. He recalls fond memories such as their never-ending quest for Chinese cuisine during European travels when his son, Jason, was younger, as he refused to eat anything else.
Being a dad has given him a rewarding opportunity to be a positive role model. He strives to embody and emphasise the value of hard work, dedication and responsibility, and is heartened knowing that he has made a positive difference in his children’s lives as they too strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
Given the busy schedules of his teenagers – savouring the simple joys of togetherness and sharing a meal at their favourite restaurant is what he appreciates the most.
In anticipation of Father’s Day, his children share their heartfelt thoughts, “What we love most is that dad has always had so much unwavering confidence in us, being staunchly on our side, and always encouraging us to do our best. We are so lucky to have you and Mummy. At every critical point of our lives, where we’ve needed your comfort and practical guidance, we’ve always had it.”
Dr Roger Chuah: Bridging Healthcare Innovation and Nurturing Wonder
Dr Roger Chuah is a dynamic force in the healthcare innovation landscape, serving as an integral part of the team at National Health Innovation Centre Singapore (NHIC). With a career spanning biomedical research and innovation and entrepreneurship, Roger brings a wealth of experience to his role. Roger enables the commercialisation and translation of healthcare innovations through strategic guidance and fostering partnerships within the public healthcare ecosystem. His passion for driving positive change in healthcare is evident in the milestones achieved and the numerous innovations brought to fruition by clinicians.
With a young son who is currently five and a half years old, Roger’s son, Min Yew, is a lively and inquisitive child who fills his life with joy and wonder. He enjoys every moment spent with his child, whether it's splashing in a pool or exploring playgrounds together. Experiencing the wonder and innocence of childhood through his child’s eyes rekindles his own sense of curiosity and imagination. At his son's young age, he expresses himself through creative drawings and enjoys playing with other young children.
Balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood with a career in healthcare innovation has shaped Roger's perspective on success and fulfilment. He recognises the importance of embracing life's challenges, instilling values of integrity and responsibility. He teaches his child to embrace success and failure as integral parts of one’s journey to becoming stronger and wiser, and encourages empathy and teamwork, in the hope that he will build meaningful relationships in time to come.
Roger with his son, Min Yew, enjoying a weekend swim.
Roger's fatherhood journey is marked by heartwarming memories and laughter, creating shared experiences like family vacations, weekend adventures, or simple moments spent at home. At a young age, his son is already a protective and clever young man, who offers to help his mother carry her groceries, cheekily passing them to Roger after some time.
As Father's Day approaches, he looks forward to the simple joys of quality time with his family, cherishing the gift of togetherness in their daily lives. At his young age, his son knows that Roger helps clinicians bring innovations to life to help people and has expressed interest in careers that help others. Reflecting on his child's appreciation for his work, Roger finds fulfilment in knowing he has made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Professor Tai E Shyong: Precision Medicine and Fatherhood in Harmony
Professor Tai E Shyong, Chief Medical Officer at Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE), helps create a community that integrates precision medicine and genomics into clinical care to improve healthcare for all Singaporeans. His career is a testament to his commitment to alleviating the impact of genetic factors on health outcomes, mirroring his dedication to his role as a father to Zac, 19, and Elizabeth, 15. The inherited nature of the diseases he studies also means treating families rather than individuals. He shares, “What we want to see is children grow up with both their parents at their side, minimising instances when parents have to mourn the loss of their children—which seems quite fitting for Father’s Day.”
Despite the demands of his professional life, E Shyong finds joy in simple moments spent with his children, fostering open communication and shared experiences. His favourite part of the day is when his children tell him about their day or share what is on their minds. Whether during their daily commute, on holiday in London or attending concerts together, his priority is nurturing connections and spending quality time together. E Shyong shares a photo of him with his daughter at the Taylor Swift concert this year, where he sports a custom-made T-shirt by his daughter to mark the event.
E Shyong and his daughter Elizabeth attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert this year
Reflecting on fatherhood, E Shyong emphasises the importance of building relationships, both at home and in his career. His key role involves making connections with others to work towards a common purpose to improve healthcare for Singaporeans. Similarly, his “work” at home is about building and maintaining connections with his children in the hope that they identify common values that will guide them through their lives – values such as human connection and social purpose. For him, the essence of fatherhood lies in fostering mutual understanding and shared values.
Eric Seow: Guiding Clinical Research and Growing Minds
Eric Seow, a Senior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and Trainer at Singapore Clinical Research Institute (SCRI),embodies the balance between career aspirations and family commitments. With three children, 14-year-old Edward, 11-year-old Xin Chun, and eight-year-old Yi En, Eric's journey as a father mirrors his dedication to his career in clinical research.
October 2024 marks his fifth year at SCRI, a period during which he has had the opportunity to embark on several meaningful projects, such as the PRIBIVACstudy with the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), an institution internship programme, and the SCRI Distinguished Contributor Award for Clinical Research Coordinators (DCA-CRC). He is also a trainer with the SCRI Academy for the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Level 1 and 2 training programmes and provides training for new and budding CRCs, as well as continuing education for existing CRCs.
From planning picnics at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to exploring nature trails, Eric recognises the transformative power of fatherhood and his role in imparting knowledge and life skills to his children. His shift from a purely frontline role to a mix of frontline and back-end duties reflects his commitment to providing a stable and nurturing environment for his children.
Eric with his family at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Eric finds fulfilment in witnessing his children's growth and being there for them. He sees himself as a hands-on, affectionate, and supportive dad. His role as a father has taught him the importance of patience and responsibility, values he hopes to instill in his children as they navigate life's challenges. For Eric, the joy and laughter of his children are the greatest Father's Day gifts, encapsulating the essence of parenthood.
Reflecting on their father, Eric's children appreciate his patience, unconditional love, and care. This Father's Day, they express their gratitude for having the "Best Dad Ever" who is always there for them. They share, “My Dad is always there for us when we are sick. No matter how tired he is, he will always be there to attend to us, make sure we take our medication, sponging us to bring the fevers down.” Through his children’s eyes, Eric's dedication to his role as a father shines brightly, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Yap Han: Driving Cancer Research and Twin Joys
Yap Han, Senior Business Intelligence and Development Manager at Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC), provides a window into the dynamic interplay between fatherhood and his professional responsibilities in a translational cancer research platform. In his role, Han is instrumental in fostering industry and institutional collaborations in cancer research and advancing STCC's mission to create a cohesive and collaborative national-level cancer research and translation platform. His dedication to his work shapes the landscape of oncological innovation, contributing to both healthcare and economic progress for Singapore.
Through the lens of Han’s experiences as a dad, we uncover the intricate balance between adjusting to new parenthood and a thriving career. With a set of one-year-old twins, Yu Cheng and Yu Hui, Han shares that as new parents, both him and his wife have had to communicate and work together to provide the best care for their twins, sacrificing their sleep at times and learning to manage their schedules with flexibility.
Han with his twins, Yu Cheng and Yu Hui on holiday in Taiwan
Han enjoys documenting his twins’ growth milestones in photos and creating lasting holiday memories together. Observing the distinct developmental milestones of his son and daughter, Han finds it both fulfilling and interesting to witness their growth and unique personalities. He shares his joy in observing both children at their different phases of growth, seeing them interact and enjoying each other’s company.
Reflecting on the rewarding aspects of fatherhood, Han shares how it has reshaped his perspective, instilling patience, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for family bonds. He finds joy in everyday moments and strives to create a supportive environment for his children's growth.
Drawing from both his life experiences and career journey, Han aims to impart ethical principles, passion-driven pursuits, and nurture them into contributing members of society. These are the values that he recognises are essential in achieving a fulfilling career and balanced life. Han treasures heartwarming moments shared with his family, valuing health and happiness of his children as the ultimate Father's Day gift.
As Father's Day approaches, we extend our gratitude to these extraordinary fathers at CRIS who balance the complexities of their professional roles with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood.
Their commitment to advancing science, nurturing their families, and imparting wisdom to the next generation embodies the essence of fatherhood, inspiring us with their dedication and contributions.