In-Conversation With Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Home Affairs

In celebration of Pasir Ris Secondary School’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and in support for the Dads for Life movement, the school invited the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Home Affairs, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, to a dialogue session with members of its Parent Support Group.

About 20 parents attended the session which discussed the role of fathers in raising their children. Mr Masagos shared that while both parents play a significant role in their children’s upbringing, the role of fathers become more important during the teenage years, especially so for daughters. How teenage girls view relationships is, more often than not, linked to their relationship with their fathers. It is therefore imperative that husbands have good relationships with their wives, as models for their children to emulate.

One of the fathers asked Mr Masagos how he balances his time between family and work commitments. Mr Masagos shared that despite his busy schedule, he made it a point to have dinner at home with his family. His children know that if they want to see him or spend time with him, it will be over dinner. Although he could not spend as much time as he would have wanted to with his family, he ensures that he calls home to find out how his wife and children are doing. If his schedule permits, he will pick his children up from school. He also surprises his wife by meeting her for lunch. These, he believes, create opportunities for bonding between himself, his wife and his children.


One of the more poignant moments in the sharing was when Mr Masagos likened parents’ role as that of a lighted candle. They light up the lives of their children and guide them along, even though they are sacrificing themselves at the same time. However, one of the greatest things a lighted candle can do is light up a thousand other candles before its own flame dies out.


Mrs Doris Lee, who has been with the PSG for four years, commented that the session was engaging and informative. She is now more aware of the need to keep the communication link between the child and parent open so that the child will always feel that he or she has the parent’s support and guidance.


Many of the parents, especially the fathers, could relate to the points shared by Mr Masagos as they also have children of the same age group. One of the parents also shared that parents must continue to believe in their children as children may have untapped potential that could be unleashed through education and life experiences. Schools and parents thus play a pivotal role in ensuring the holistic education of the youth. Sustaining joint partnership between the school and parents will pave the way for greater learning opportunities and growth.