Think Family, Talk Family

I attended a very interesting and informative forum as one of panelists last night at Media Cop. The forum "Think family, Talk family" was organized by MCYS and National Family Counsel. It aims to discuss the recent family trend in Singapore and promote family value nationwide.

We had a very colourful, and mixed background panel.

Ms Jacqueline Wong, the moderator, she is a wonder woman, who runs her own business and a mother of two.
Ms Joni Ong, another wonder woman, a full time mother of five at the same time a full time worker for NFC (I wonder how did she make it?)
Dr Lim Wee Kiak, MP and an eye surgeon, most important a father of three, we need more MPs like him to build pro family society in Singapore.
Mdm Hamidah, a social councilor, her knowledge and experience on family matters makes her the perfect councilor.
Ms Anur, a mother of two, working part time, try to achieve both best of two world.
Mr Andrew Koh, a CEO of a very family oriented company , he is grandfather too.
Ms Andrew Thomas, a father of four, an expatriate, nonetheless take Singapore as a place called "Home"
Mr Jared Oh, a teacher, single yet he has one thousand over "children" under his charge. He shall be a great father one day.
Mr Vong Yap, a senior architect, yet decide to be a stay at home father to be with their three children.
Mr Rajan, a lawyer, too busy for having any kids yet, but he might change his mind after last night forum.
Plus, me an ordinary mum, who has been staying at home for past ten years, I am slowly "losing" my job, as my four children grow up, they need me less and less in one way or another. I start to some projects on marketing and researches on women issues, they do know I will be always there available for them whenever they need me.

We all come from different background and with different perceptive on Family matters, but one thing in common is the passion for family. That is why the forum was so stimulating and enlightening. I have learnt so much from fellow panelists, though I am passionate about being a Full Time Mother at home especially when children are young, I come to understand other's different perspective and choice and options for each individual.

What matters most is, is not which position you choose to be but your commitment and determination for family. If you are committed, you will and be able to build a strong family. With strong and happy families, we shall have a strong nation and more attractive society in this global era.