Dolly Cheong (far left), Cheryl Cheong (second from right) and Bernard Cheong (far right).
Bernard Cheong, on his two daughters
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
There will be just too many reasons, all equally positive. I guess….that having children puts me into a place to give to a human being, to be unselfish, (to expect) no gains and (harbour) no agendas.
I think that would be the sum of love in the fewest number of words.
What are the most meaningful gifts they have ever given you?
Their conversations. I guess that (translates to) time itself.
What about your daughters makes you the most proud?
I am very fortunate, I never think about that. They make me happy all the time!
What are the fondest memories you have of them?
Almost every moment that I come across photos of them.
What was the most challenging time for you with them?
When they were away from our range of help (overseas studies, etc). That happens wherever they may be… But it is a part of freedom. That’s a heavy price.
Devidas Budhrani and Kashma Budhrani.
Devidas Budhrani, on Kashma Budhrani
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
I think many will share my view, it teaches you to be a better person and more selfless and learn the art of patience. As well its great to be able to teach your kids things which will make them a better version of you- help them avoid the mistakes you yourself made.
What about Kashma makes you proud?
Truthfully, I didn’t know much about the F&B business and when i gave her a little seed capital in 2009, I never expected to be see new restaurant (after) restaurant which eventually generated over 36 million SGD in revenue at the point of sale. She missed the better half of a year worth of holidays, social events and family time in the run up to closing the sale to Far East Organization in 2014. But she came out smarter, more confident and, luckily, less financially dependent on me!
What’s the hardest thing about being a father?
My temper has gotten better but no one is perfect, it’s hard to see your daughters make a mistake, especially if it’s twice over- but you have to sometimes hold back and let them do it. Learning is everyone’s rite of passage. Of course, being there to comfort when things go badly in work and life is painful (for me) but the hidden reward its coming out looking like a hero to your daughters !
She recently had to close a small quick-serve restaurant she had opened with external partners – I believe she let it drag too long. Instead of cutting losses quicker and admitting the competition was great – still she was able to finally do it in a diplomatic way to all parties.
What is the most meaningful gift she has ever given you?
She must have been five years old… over breakfast she had heard that my chocolate factory had been burnt down by an electrical fire in Lagos, Nigeria. A few hours later outside my bedroom door was a piggy bank. All her savings to build that factory up again!
Even though I nearly tripped over it, I was touched. Surely it was the chocolate that was the real loss – should it have been the pillowcase factory, I would not have received such a generous donation!
What are the fondest memories you have of them?
The fondest memories are being with my daughters on family holidays. We make it a point to travel together, as a family, at least once a year.
Each of these memories is special in their own way, be it enjoying food or just travelling and chatting together in various countries and through different seasons.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve shared?
I think every Diwali we talk about work and every year-end, she out-performs and that makes me proud – I see a lot of her in me. Her Masters degree graduation from Columbia University in NYC also was a wonderful day. I never went to college, let alone receive a masters degrees from an Ivy League institution!
Dana Cheong, Dr Karen Soh, Dr Caroline Low-Heah & Cheryl Lee
Devidas Budhrani and Kashma Budhrani.
Kashma Budhrani, on Devidas Budhrani
Tell us about your earliest memory of your father.
I’m not sure about the earliest memories but I’ve always had glimpses of him being a workaholic- in the morning I would rush to collect the faxes that streamed out of the machine overnight from Asia. He would scour them over breakfast and then proceed to the treadmill, all the while on his cell phone or house phone. The time to approach him was at the end of the day when he had his whiskey in one hand and pistachio bowl in another – that signalled the day was done!
What are some rituals you share with him?
We are a very healthy, fitness-obsessed family- In London for example, we have a gym in our house so we are still always all fighting over the treadmill or cross trainer every morning.
What’s the best life advice he has given you that continues to guide you?
To remember the good days are here to save, and make the bad days less bad. With the Big Idea group, we went from one restaurant to over 16 outlets, multiple brands in 3 countries, in a very short period of time! He always said keep a war chest at each outlet, every business can have a high and low, some things will need changing/ adaptation to survive- you will need the funds to do this, even in a slow time u will need to buffer. This business advice also came from the back end of just being told to save half my pocket money weekly!
What qualities do you admire about your father?
The meticulous manner he goes about his work, anything he does is researched thoroughly and from all angles. I sometimes sit back and feel quite daunted by not being able to query things in the same way. He is very similar to the French chef in Ratatouille who says anyone can cook- he believes anyone can do anything., Our family businesses range from manufacturing, real estate development, commodity trading to financial asset management and private equity- he believes and has proven anyone can do anything as long as they are curious and have spent time to learn!
What’s the most memorable gift he has given you?
I think it would be my car on my 21st birthday, I had ordered a convertible bubblegum pink two-seater smart car with white leather seats and pink stitching- it was a tiny eco-friendly, economical city car. My father insisted on picking it up from the show room himself and driving it home to see if this ‘little golf cart’ was road-friendly. Quite a sight seeing this elderly man try and drive a non-power steering car that looked right out of a Barbie Doll book.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve shared?
I think it was during his 60th birthday. Instead of celebrating with a big party, he turned his revered ashram grounds in Pune, India into a carnival with rides and games, and invited all the nearest orphanages to come celebrate his birthday with him instead. We fed them lunch after, and his face – with an apron on and behind a big cauldron of curry, ladling it out to the needy kids – was (something I’ve) never forgotten. I actually saw him at his happiest then.
Nick Rademaker, Ethel Hoon, Eve Hoon and Elizabeth Hoon.
Richard Hoon, on his three daughters (pictured)
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
I have enjoyed every phase of my fathering journey with my 3 daughters over the past 30 years and I am still enjoying – so it is hard for me to say what I most enjoy. Hmmm… I guess it must still be my fathering journey with them and (that they’re) now with me. And thank God it is not over. This journey is lifelong and that is why it is “Dads for Life”.
What about your daughters makes you proud?
I admire their sense of adventure and relentless pursuit of their passion to fulfil their mission in life, regardless of conventional wisdom or practice. How do you explain this? One studied political science and is now into yoga. Another went to hotel school and is now a chef and the final one studied archaeology and now works in art. I am proud that they are living their lives with a sense of purpose and mission.They are happy!
I like their empathy and sense of care and concern for people who are less well-off and less-endowed. I am pleased that they have surrounded themselves with good and loving friends who really care for them. But most of all, I am so proud to see their love and care for one another. It is very infectious and heartwarming to behold!
What are the most meaningful gifts they have ever given you?
I am thankful for the time they are willing to accord to me and their prompt availability when I need them. It is more meaningful especially now that they are adults and time is a premium to them.
What are the fondest memories you have of them?
Collectively: When all three of them without hesitation quit their jobs to return home to look after their sick Mom in the last six months of her life.
Individually; when Elizabeth, my oldest daughter took care of me and managed all my medical affairs when I had a car accident in Melbourne and was hospitalised. Ethel, my 2nd daughter cooked a wonderful eight-course dinner for me and ten of my friends even when she did not have time to do it. Eve, my youngest daughter, took annual leave from work to “date” me – she brought me out for a whole day to lunch, then to a movie, and ended with a nice wine dinner on my birthday.
What was the most challenging time for you with them?
I remembered a situation when they refused my hugs when they all turned around 13. I was shocked and thought I did something wrong, as we had been so close till then. My late wife Ai Tee then then advised me to chill and she explained to me that I had done nothing wrong. It was just that they were all becoming women and they were perceiving me as a man, and not their Dad.
She was right because when they turned 17 or 18, they became “good” again with me. I am glad I did not mess our relationship up by rushing and insisting on their affection. Patience was indeed a virtue, with wise counsel from my late wife.
Eve Hoon and Richard Hoon.
Eve Hoon, on Richard Hoon
Tell us about your earliest memory of your father.
My sisters and I had a great childhood growing up so I have many fond memories from that time. We used to look forward to spending weekends as a family swimming in an inflatable pool in our backyard or even something as simple as washing the family car (come to think of it, it was really smart of our parents to make that seem like a fun activity!
One particularly funny memory was when I was in kindergarten, and a classmate who had a crush on me plucked up the courage to ask my dad if he could marry me. My dad tested him by asking him to spell “marry”, and when the boy spelled it wrongly (“m-a-r-y”), he told him that he couldn’t. It still makes me laugh to this day.
What are some rituals you share with him?
My dad and I love listening to old music together. We often blast the music in the car and sing our lungs out. One of our favourite bands is The Eagles, and we went for their concert together in Singapore many years back. We spend time together in a different capacity now that I’m older and moving into adulthood. One of my favourite things to do now is just set aside time for us to have dad-daughter dinners, one-on-one, and talk. We ask each other for advice, and enjoy that we have different perspectives on issues.
What’s the best life advice he has given you that continues to guide you?
There are so many. My dad always stressed that it was important for my sisters and I to make good friends – and to be a good friend in turn. I don’t think that’s a very common thing parents want to pass on to their kids but it has shaped who I am in a large way. Mum and him always encouraged us to have friends over and were never overprotective about us spending time outside or at friend’s houses so we grew up to be quite social and welcoming as well. In fact, it has trickled down to the way we spend time with our friends in young adulthood. Our house is a second home, and he’s like a surrogate dad to many of my close friends. They know they can go to RHOON for anything from drinks to life advice.
What qualities do you admire about your father?
His curiosity, youthful energy (he attends more parties and is often out later than I am!), commitment to his friends (my dad is a “SOLID” friend), never-say-no attitude, and the intent and purposefulness with the way he spends his time.
What’s the most memorable gift he has given you?
Honestly, everything. I am especially grateful that he made it possible for me to go to university overseas, even though it was expensive and would have meant that I’d away from home for a long time.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve shared?
Last year in August, my dad and I did a solo trip to Sweden to visit my sister Ethel. It will always be one of my most treasured memories. A single week of travelling together, being together 24/7, makes for quality time that years of family dinners never quite create the circumstances for. We really got to have many heart-to-heart conversations over great food, and lots of laughs as well. As a labour of love on my part, we devoted an entire day to ABBA, whom my dad loves. We started at the museum, and ended at the Mamma Mia! experience. At the end of the day, I had thought I might lose it if I’d heard another ABBA song but it was a lot of fun to see him so happy!
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Bertrand Peh, Susan Peh, Melissa Peh, Desiree Peh, Mark Leong and Adrian Peh.
Adrian Peh, father to three
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
What I enjoy the most is watching my children grow up – from childhood to adulthood, and always being there for them throughout their journey. It is most gratifying and priceless.
What about your daughters makes you proud?
My daughters are loving, caring and kind. They are also strong, capable and determined young ladies with a good sense of humour. There is always a lot of happy energy and laughter with them around, especially when they decide to cook at home. They also get along very well together and I am very proud of them.
What are the most meaningful gifts they have ever given you?
The most meaningful gifts are all intangible, such as their unconditional love, care and happiness.
What are the fondest memories you have of them?
The fondest memories are being with my daughters on family holidays. We make it a point to travel together, as a family, at least once a year.
Each of these memories is special in their own way, be it enjoying food or just travelling and chatting together in various countries and through different seasons.
What was the most challenging time for you with them?
These were the growing-up years in school. There is a 5 year gap between Melissa, our eldest daughter, and Desiree, our youngest daughter. Bertrand, our son, is in the middle. When they were much younger, I used to fetch them, with my wife, to school every morning to three different schools. It was usually a rush trying to get all of them ready in the early morning, have their breakfast and not be late for school! Thank God these tricky years are over and they are able to manage on their own now.
Bertrand Peh, Susan Peh, Melissa Peh, Desiree Peh, Mark Leong and Adrian Peh.
Melissa Peh, eldest of 3, on Adrian Peh
Tell us about your earliest memory of your father.
My earliest memories of my dad were of him tutoring me when I was a kid. I remember him coming home tired from work, but still making the effort to help me with my homework.
What are some rituals you share with him?
We have regular family cookouts on weekends. Every family member cooks a dish and we always look forward to my dad’s special spaghetti vongole!
What’s the best life advice he has given you that continues to guide you?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Always do your best – the outcome does not matter.
What qualities do you admire about your father?
I admire my dad’s work ethics and his undying love for the family. He works tirelessly to provide for the family, going to work as early as 7.30am on some days. No matter how tired he is, my dad is always there for us through thick and thin. He also strongly believes in giving back to the community, serving on the board of various charities. I hope to be like him someday!
What’s the most memorable gift he has given you?
The best gift he has given me is his unconditional love and support. Without his sacrifices, guidance and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve shared?
We are very blessed to have a hands-on dad who is very much involved in every aspect of our lives. We share many memorable moments, making it difficult to pinpoint a single moment as each one is special.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments was of my first overseas dance competition in Perth when I was 11 years old – my dad woke up extra early on the day of the competition to do my hair in a ballerina bun. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. I have fond memories of my dad fetching me to and from ballet classes, showering me with words of love and encouragement and always looking out for me, ensuring that I have proper meals despite my busy schedule.
Bertrand Peh, Susan Peh, Melissa Peh, Desiree Peh, Mark Leong and Adrian Peh.
Desiree Peh, youngest of 3, on Adrian Peh
Tell us about your earliest memory of your father.
There is a particular memory that is always on replay – my dad waking up early in the morning on Saturdays to drive me to ballet class when I was taking lessons then at the Singapore Ballet Academy. He would always make time for us despite his busy schedule. Usually before ballet class, we would either have breakfast at Ya Kun or have my favourite chee cheong fun (steamed rice rolls).
What are some rituals you share with him?
We go to the supermarket over the weekends to get groceries. Sometimes we’ll pop by one of the bakery shops and have a sneaky bite.
What’s the best life advice he has given you that continues to guide you?
“Don’t cry over spilled milk”. Not to dwell on the past as that does not do you any good. Always think about the present and the future and how you can be a better version of yourself.
What qualities do you admire about your father?
My father is a man of discipline, courage, perseverance and high morals.
What’s the most memorable gift he has given you?
The most memorable gift he has given me is his undying love and support in whatever I want to do.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve shared?
One of the most memorable moments I’ve shared with my father was probably when I graduated from law school in the UK.
