Allen Ha, Co-founder, DADs Network

Thank you for inviting me to speak on this special occasion of Father’s Day. Today, I want to reflect on the crucial role fathers play in families, and the ten-year journey of our non-profit organization, DADs Network.

Across the world, extensive research confirms what many of us instinctively know: fathers do matter. Studies show that an engaged and present father has a direct, positive impact on a child’s self-esteem, academic success, future job prospects, and the stability of their relationships whether at work or at home for the long term.

On the contrary, when fathers are absent or disengaged, the consequences ripple beyond the individual child and affect society as a whole. Singapore’s Correctional Services identified a heartbreaking pattern among inmates: many of them either harbored resentment toward their fathers or had no father figure at all. Recognizing this, both government and private sectors invested in initiatives to support and equip fathers, understanding that strengthening fatherhood can help reduce crime and social issues.

Here is another example. Over the years, I’ve worked with other CEOs and leaders on employment initiatives for young people. What we’ve consistently found is this: while academic excellence and technical skills may be there, soft skills—such as resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset—are often underdeveloped. These traits, essential in today’s world (especially with AI reshaping industries), are deeply influenced by parental and father figures during a child’s formative years.

Governments and corporate social initiatives now spend enormous resources trying to equip young people with skills they could have naturally developed while growing up. It’s a massive cost to society, one that could be greatly reduced if more fathers could actively mentor and coach their children.

Hong Kong is high-pressure, fast-paced, and demanding. Navigating work and family is challenging. A six-year study of 3,000 students revealed a concerning trend—students rated their fathers as distant, both physically and emotionally. As the child grew over the 6 years, that distance only grew.

Traditionally, fathers were expected to provide financially, but not necessarily engage relationally. When my mother saw me changing my firstborn’s diaper—she was in shock. It was foreign and unnatural to her.

But here’s the good news: today’s fathers want to be involved, especially in their children's early years. However, cultural norms and systemic barriers in education, work environment, they continue to undermine efforts of fathers trying to bond with their children from birth to young adulthood and beyond.

So the big questions remain:

- How do fathers bond with their children when they’re young?

- How can that bond be nurtured through teenage years and sustained for life?

At DADs Network, we recognize that fathers of all background want the best for their children. Yet, in Hong Kong’s competitive landscape, parenting often gets outsourced to tutors, coaches, and structured activities. These external resources are great, but where’s the balance?

Fathers should ask themselves:

1. Am I prioritizing my relationship with my child?

2. Am I creating an environment where they feel safe to be vulnerable and curious with me?

Without deep engagement, fathers risk losing touch with their children over time. Unfortunately, this remains a common pattern for families in Hong Kong. 

We have worked with 150 schools throughout Hong Kong impacting tens of thousands of families. The results are exciting:

- 95% of fathers commit to regular one-on-one time with their children.

- 80% continue these special father-child occasions even after six months.

- 90% of families report increased happiness and life satisfaction.

Still, fathers need more support. Unlike mothers, men often struggle to find community. 60% of Hong Kong adults don’t know where to seek help when facing difficulties. DADs Network is here to provide safe spaces where fathers connect, co-learn, and support each other.

Our approach is about lifelong learning—not textbook instructions or one-off programs. After all, your child is not a project; every child is unique. Fatherhood is an invitation to evolve, grow, face challenges, and enjoy life together.

Ten years ago, we started as pioneers—today, we’re still growing, and we’re deeply grateful. Our methodology, backed by rigorous university research, has received top government recognition, including the Outstanding Social Capital Project Award.

Yet, we’ve only reached 1% of families in Hong Kong. The majority still remain unaware, and research confirms that most father-child relationships struggle over time.

There is always hope. After 10 years, we are now ready to scale. According to the Critical mass theory, once we can get 25-30% of the families to adopt what we have been doing, this can become mainstream, to turn things around for our families and our society. There are so many communities and schools across Hong Kong that we have yet to reach. We invite leaders, educators, and everyone who believes in fatherhood to join us—whether through donations,

volunteering, or collaboration, if we can come together, there is hope to reshape fatherhood in Hong Kong.

To every father in Hong Kong: You are already making a difference, simply by showing up, playing, laughing, and embracing childhood curiosity with your kids. Fatherhood is not just a duty—it’s a joy. It’s about discovering who your child is, evolving alongside them, and keeping the bond strong for a lifetime.

I’ve been asked to choose a song, and I turned to my adult sons for ideas. They picked "Even Though I’m Leaving" by Luke Combs—and the lyrics truly touched me.

So here it is. Happy Father’s Day.