31 August 2025
“No, too expensive,” my dad said hesitatingly, denying my request for a SGD 5 lollipop (a fortune for sweets back in the ‘90s), when I was eight.
“You never buy me anything,” I snapped, seething as I watched other dads buy lollipops without pause.
His face fell. He opened his wallet, pulling out the only SGD 5 note he had. I was filled with guilt as I unwrapped the lollipop. Somehow, it didn’t taste as good as I expected.
Decades later, this feeling still haunts me, long after he passed away in 2020. My family and I didn't have a lot of luxuries growing up. For awhile, my parents and I shared a room, sleeping on mattresses laid across the floor. We had a secondhand mini fridge that Dad bought, tucked in the corner.
But there was no shortage of love. Dad woke up extra early to accompany me to school, taking the bus from Choa Chu Kang to Clementi, before going to work at Orchard Road.
Later, as I juggled part-time jobs through school, he patiently guided me through every challenge – something I try to emulate in my decade-long career in DBS, first as a Customer Service Officer, and now as a SME Relationship Manager, where I help enterprises grow from start-ups into thriving businesses. I take pride in making their banking journey smoother and more enjoyable, every step of the way.
In 2020, my world fell apart. We’d planned to have steamboat for dinner. But that day, during his usual walk, Dad suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a park. I rode the ambulance with him, holding his hand for the last time. I was broken, but I tried to stay strong for my family and wife – who was pregnant with our third child.
When my bosses from DBS came to pay their respects at the wake, I could barely speak. They consoled me and said, “Take all the time off you need. We’re here for you.”
I didn’t heed their advice. The silence at home was deafening, and I went back to work, seeking distraction.
Instead, I found solace in my colleagues. Just like how they’d supported me through the births of my children (I have four now!), this time was no different. With every joke, every check-in, I began to breathe easier again.
These days, my wife and I are up at 5.30am, diving into our daily marathon of controlled chaos. I often feel like a father duck, herding my hatchlings out the door. I couldn’t do it without DBS’ flexible work arrangements – working from home 40% of the time, and up to six months 100% with every newborn.
Even though Dad’s no longer here, I still feel his presence – in how I mentor businesses, in how I raise my children, and even in my third child’s constant requests for mee pok with chilli (Ah Gong’s favourite).
I am so grateful that I’m able to fulfill my passion of helping businesses grow, whilst being in an environment that nurtures my multiple roles: colleague, husband, father – and always, my Dad's son.
Dad, if I had the chance, I'd choose you to be my father in every lifetime.”
- Sheldon Chia, Relationship Manager, DBS Bank
World's Best Bank 2025, 2018 - 2022
Euromoney, Global Finance, The Banker
Asia’s Safest Bank, 2009 – 2025
Global Finance
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