Inspiring Singapore Stories To Celebrate International Men's Day
It’s International Men’s Day today (19 Nov)!
This day is all about shining a light on the positive contributions that men bring to their families, communities, and the world at large. It’s also a moment to reflect on men’s well-being and celebrate the unsung heroes around us.
This year’s theme, "Positive Male Role Models", couldn’t be more fitting – because who doesn’t need a little motivation from the men in our lives? Here are some very inspiring reads on Wonderwall.sg.
IMAGES: DR HENG WEE SOON
👉 Skills Honed During NS Shaped Singapore’s Most Social Media-Savvy Aesthetics Doctor
Dr Heng Wee Soon, a Platoon Commander in the SAF’s Medical Response Force during his NSF years, is now winning hearts online as the Medical Director of Ogee Clinic. With relatable and educational content on topics like botox and fillers, the 40-year-old’s social media presence demystifies aesthetic treatments and makes them accessible. Drawing on lessons from his NS days, like leadership and logistics, Dr Heng seamlessly combines medicine and art in his practice while captivating audiences online.
IMAGES: JAMES TAN
👉 He Gave Up Banking In Melbourne To Be A Butler In Singapore
James Tan, 35, swapped a banking career in Melbourne for a calling as a high-end butler in a luxury Singapore hotel. After 12 years abroad, Covid and a desire to reclaim lost time with family brought him back to our Little Red Dot. Now, he creates unforgettable experiences for hotel guests while navigating changed social circles, and readjusting to Singapore’s tropical climate. Reflecting on his NS days as a Military Musician with the SAF Band, James continues showcasing Singapore’s vibrancy and excellence, this time through heartfelt hospitality.
IMAGE: JOVAN LEE
👉 Movember: From Oppa To Ah Pek, To Raise Awareness Of Men's Health Issues
Movember is all about "Growing a Mo to save a Bro," and that's exactly what Jovan Lee set out to do: sparking conversations and raising awareness about men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. From amusing reactions from friends and family to heartfelt discussions with strangers, his growing Mo became a quirky yet meaningful icebreaker. Lai, come join him this Movember – sign up, shave down, and let your Mo grow.
IMAGE: PIONEER
👉 Here’s How NS Prepares You For Life After 'OWADIO!'
NS is more than a duty or rite of passage; it also equips NSFs with skills for life beyond the uniform. Beyond national defence, NS prepares servicemen for employment and further studies through initiatives like accredited skills under SkillsFuture, funding for self-advancement courses, and access to the SkillsFuture@NS Learning platform, offering over 75,000 courses. Read on to discover how for some, their NS experience directly shapes their career paths, from cybersecurity to entrepreneurship.
IMAGE: TOUCH COMMUNITY SERVICES
Edwin Chaw’s journey highlights the power of transparency and support. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, the 32-year-old faced depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but found healing through therapy, connection, and resilience. Now a compliance officer and Beyond the Label ambassador, he openly shares his story to break stigmas. Through his advocacy, Edwin hopes to inspire a cultural shift where mental health is normalised, supported, and recognised as integral to both personal growth and professional success.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
👉 Father’s Day Prep: 8 Things Every Dad-To-Be Ought To Know
Fatherhood is a transformative journey that’s equal parts rewarding and challenging. From deciding the kind of dad you want to be to embracing the marathon of parenting, new fathers quickly learn that patience, humility, and adaptability are key. Expect to redefine “cool,” learn to be a good loser, and adjust to less “me time” as your priorities shift towards nurturing your child’s growth and development.
IMAGES: INSTAGRAM/@SAILINGENERGY
👉 Singapore Sportstar Spotlight: Soaring High With Max Maeder’s Olympic Bronze
At just 17, Maximilian (Max) Maeder made history as Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist, clinching bronze at the inaugural kitefoiling event at Paris 2024 on National Day. With a string of accolades under his belt, including gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 and back-to-back wins at the Formula Kite World Championships in 2023 and 2024, Max’s talent and determination are unmatched. Max is aiming even higher, with his sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
IMAGES: SIM DING EN (MAIN), AND NDP 2024 EXCO, LCP MUHAMMAD ILHAN EZRA BIN MOHAMED RAYHAN AND NICK CHEE (INSET)
👉 From Capturing Moments At NDP As A Student To Creating Them As A Soldier
Lance Corporal Muhammad Ilhan Ezra bin Mohamed Rayhan, a 21-year-old full-time National Serviceman, took centre stage at NDP 2024 as part of the Total Defence 40 Dynamic Defence Display (TD40 D3), which commemorated 40 years of Total Defence. He showcased his skills with the Singapore Army’s Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle. An avid photographer since his school days, Ilhan finds it thrilling to transition from capturing NDP moments to being a part of them.
IMAGES: HAFIZ ZAN (LEFT) AND UNSPLASH
👉 World Mental Health Day: Feeling Pain 24/7 Has Shaken Up His Outlook On Life
Multi-hyphenate JJ Ong (aka local musician Falling Feathers) has learned to navigate the daily challenges of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep issues. Diagnosed in 2020 after enduring undiagnosed pain for over a year, JJ struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts before seeking therapy. Despite the ongoing pain, he embraces life more fully, realising the importance of living in the present and being kinder to both himself and others.
IMAGES: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP
👉 Call Of The Wild: This Man, His Father And His Daughter Are All Zookeepers
Gurusamy Permalo, Senior Curator at Mandai Wildlife Group, has dedicated 30 years to Night Safari. Inspired by his father, a long-time Singapore zookeeper, Gurusamy has passed down his passion for wildlife care to his children, with one now working at River Wonders. Over the years, he has witnessed Night Safari's evolution, from its focus on animal conservation to interactive guest experiences, while maintaining a deep bond with the animals. He continues to find fulfilment in nurturing and educating others about wildlife.
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