'I have to keep going for my son': S'porean man's journey as a single father at 27

Raymond Wong, a single father at 27, became a single parent when his wife left him and their 6-year-old son, Rayden. "I saw this coming when my son was around four to five years old," Wong recalled. "She didn’t bother. She would go out often and come back late at night, while I was busy working." Wong's wife's hands-off approach led to countless arguments between the couple, resulting in their eventual split, with Wong receiving sole custody of Rayden.

However, Wong's struggles were far from over. Within the same period, both of Wong's parents suffered strokes; his mother recovered, but his brother passed away after spending two months in the intensive care unit. Wong, who was already a father at the time, found himself dealing with the loss of his brother while trying to provide for his family.

Despite the immense challenges, Wong remained determined. He credits his supportive superiors at work for their empathy and encouragement, reminding him to stay strong and keep going. Wong threw himself into work, taking on as much overtime as possible to maximize his earnings and build financial stability for his family. He also took care of Rayden and his elderly parents, often foregoing personal wants and needs to ensure their well-being.

Wong's relationship with his son has been crucial throughout this journey. Rayden has grown up understanding the demands of his father's work and has become a source of comfort and motivation for Wong. In 2024, Wong found love again through his colleague Fahzirah, who he bonded with over shared interests and eventually married in early 2026.

Wong's journey as a single father has been marked by resilience, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family and colleagues. Through it all, Wong remains focused on providing for his son and parents, making sacrifices that he believes have given him a reason to keep pushing forward.