The seventh edition of the Malay Muslim Fathering Month (Bulan Kebapaan), an initiative by Centre for Fathering (CFF) and Bapa Sepanjang Hayat (BSH), kicked off on 31 August 2024 with a series of exciting programmes for fathers and families that takes place between August to September.
This year’s Malay Muslim Fathering Month, themed Awareness, encourages fathers to be aware of the important role they play in their children’s lives and stay connected with them through meaningful conversations and active participation in their activities.
The annual Malay Muslim Fathering highlights the importance of an involved father to their children and encourages fathers to be present for their families. Through this year’s initiative, CFF and BSH will reach over 3,500 fathers and family members. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Grassroots Adviser to Chua Chu Kang GRC Grassroots Organization, was the guest-of-honour.
“As a father to four children, I understand how important it is for me to spend quality time with them because they each have their own unique developmental needs. I try my best to become aware as a father by spending time with each child individually and as a family. Whether it’s helping with homework, participating in their hobbies, or simply listening to their thoughts and feelings, my involvement makes a significant difference in their physical, social, emotional, and mental development”, said Mr Zulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the opening of the Malay Muslim Fathering Month.
The key highlight of this year’s Malay Muslim Fathering Month include Jamming With Dad – a competition where five teams of fathers and children showcased their musical talent. Cultural medallion recipient and retired singer, Rahimah Rahim graced the competition as the guest judge.
The performances were a delightful mix of nostalgia and rock, beginning with the participants singing beloved national folk songs like “Singapura,” “Di Tanjong Katong,” and “This is Home.” What stood out most wasn’t the extraordinary vocal talents or the performances, but the genuine warmth and deep bonds between the fathers and their children. We would ike to congratulate to Hamzah Atan and his daughter Hamzilah Hamzah for clinching the top prize at Jamming With Dad 2024!