Eighteenth-century French author and novelist Abbé Prévost put it most succinctly when he wrote: “The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” A provider, a mentor, a figure of authority and a protector, a father is also a friend, a joker and a real-life hero (and it’s not just because they trade Xbox marathons for late-night milk feeds or put aside their manly pride to play Barbie with their little girls).
He’s the one who catches you before you fall, lifts you up, then puts you back on that tightrope again and says, “Go for it, kiddo!” – even when you’ve blossomed into an adult. Indeed, no other “career” in the world is as demanding as fatherhood – and by the same token, no other “job” will transform or reward a man the way fatherhood does. Dads will always be their daughter’s first love and their son’s best buddy, even long after they have left the nest.
This Father’s Day, we salute the selfless chaps who have given up their personal freedom for a lifelong commitment to nurturing another human being, the loving men who now keep their children’s photos where credit cards used to be in their wallet, and above all, the brave hearts who would risk anything to give their munchkins the very best and see their little faces light up (even if this sometimes means doing things behind Mum’s back)
Over the month of June, Singapore Tatler chats with four society dads about their journey through fatherhood, the lessons they’ve learnt, and their proudest (and most trying) daddy moments.
This week, we speak to Fred Ho, chairman of DeFRED Jewellers and Capital Extension Land Sdn Bhd. Married to Sharel Ho, Fred is also the proud father of Sabrina, 20, Khai Lie, 14, and Khai Ling, 10.
Clockwise from top left: Fred and Sharel Ho with daughters Khai Ling and Khai Lie
Singapore Tatler: Fathers are their children’s protectors and real-life heroes. In the eyes of your children, which fictional hero are you?
Fred Ho: In the eyes of my three girls, I'm Superman. Whenever they need me, I will do my best to be there for them. I remember one incident when my youngest daughter forgot to bring something important to school. I was in the middle of a particularly busy day at work, but I dropped everything to fetch the item before rushing to her school to pass it to her. The look of relief on her face and her gratefulness made me feel needed and appreciated.
ST: What are some of the precious moments you enjoy with your daughters?
FH: Owing to work and social engagements as a businessman, I do not see my daughters much on weekdays. I make up for this by reading them bedtime tatler_tatler_stories and tucking them into bed at night. Their favourite tatler_tatler_stories are those that I create myself. On weekends, I try to spend more time with them by catching movies with them or enjoying other forms of recreation together. Our recent trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas was very memorable. We visited their favourite theme park and saw the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Fred (centre) with his three daughters (from left) Sabrina, Khai Ling and Khai Lie
ST: There’s a bit of you in each of your children. What are some of the things your children have inherited from you?
FH: Well, my youngest daughter Khai Ling is like a mini replica of me in terms of physical features. And all my daughters have inherited my talent for designing. They are also good at drawing, something I often did with them when they were younger. Whatever passion they choose to pursue in future, I will always support my girls. I will not insist that they join me in the family business as jewellery designers.
ST: What’s the hardest thing about fatherhood?
FH: My daughters are all at different stages of development – my eldest daughter Sabrina is 20 this year, Khai Lie is 14 and Khai Ling is 10. So I have to vary my parenting approach with each of them according to their personalities and different antics. I also make it a point to see things from their point of view and their respective stages in life. I do wish I could spend more time with them, but I guess I make up for that with more quality moments instead. It is always a challenge for children to understand that their parents work hard to secure for them the best in life and as a result, cannot spend as much time with them as they would like us to. My biggest wish is for my children’s good health, emotional well-being and continued happiness throughout life.
Fred flanked by Khai Lie (left) and Khai Ling
ST: Parents will do anything for their children. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for your daughters?
FH: The most extreme thing I’ve done has to be hopping onto a rollercoaster with my girls. Before I could even enter the car, I knew it was going to be a big mistake. I was so uncomfortable and I felt ill throughout the ride, but as a father, I have no regrets about the experience. I did it for my daughters because I know that they enjoy my company – and I treasure every minute I have with them.
Photos: Fred Ho