At 53, Muchsin Dahalan is a father to four children, a senior manager, and a long-time volunteer with the Singapore Red Cross. His steadfast commitment extends beyond his family and work, transcending stereotypes and borders, to bring love — in the form of help — to the nations. This Father’s Day, he lets us in on what it means to be a dad and a man for mankind. 

I have been with Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) since 1996, where I started as an Instructor. I have served in various departments, including Training, Medical Services and Logistics — all of which have prepared me for my current role as Senior Manager in Training Assets Development where I oversee the operational readiness of the low and high elements across the three OBS Campuses. 

When Passion and Profession Align

I began volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) in 2016 after attending the inaugural Overseas Disaster Deployment Training (ODDT). Shortly after completing the course, I was deployed to Myanmar for my first mission and discovered that the skills and training I had received in my profession — such as risk assessment and management, wilderness first aid, and navigation — were directly applicable and highly valuable. This experience affirmed the relevance of my professional background in disaster response and deepened my commitment to volunteer service. Since then, I have continued my journey with SRC and currently serve as a trainer for the ODDT programme and a volunteer leader for Global Engagement.

A Balancing Act

There have been challenging moments balancing volunteer work with fathering duties — especially when deployments or missions require travel or long hours. These situations often mean being away from my family and missing out on important milestones and daily routines, such as helping my children with homework or even having dinner together. 

However, I always ensure my family knows where I’m going, why I’m going, and how long I’ll be away. It helps them understand that I’m not leaving them, but responding to people in need — something I also encourage them to be proud of. When I’m home, I make it a point to be truly present. Whether it's having meaningful conversations, doing activities together, or simply being available emotionally. It’s not just about time spent, but how it’s spent. 

I share stories about the people I meet, and what I’ve learned. This way, my family is always involved and feels like they are part of my journey. 

Tough-minded, Tender-hearted

Since 2016, I have actively participated in multiple overseas humanitarian missions across eight countries with a focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), health education, hygiene promotion, and disaster response. 

I’ve been to Nepal and Mozambique but the most impactful mission was right next door, in Kelantan, Malaysia, during the 2024 floods. I had met a couple who lost a great deal in the disaster. The floodwaters had damaged the contents of their home, swept away their water tanks, and tragically killed their livestock. Even then, despite their losses, they did not ask for anything. All they wanted was a listening ear. 

I was deeply moved by their courage, and reminded that recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure, but also about healing hearts. 

Men For Mankind

To me, Father's Day is a meaningful time to appreciate my father's sacrifices and reflect on the love, dedication, and hard work he has put in to ensure a better life for our family. Beyond the celebrations, it serves as a reminder of all the ways he has shaped me to who I am today — whether through his guidance, strength, or the sacrifices he's made. 

Now, as a father myself, positive masculinity has come to mean balancing traditional qualities like strength and responsibility with traits like empathy, kindness, and being open about my emotions. It’s about showing respect for others, taking responsibility for my actions, and building supportive relationships with my family. 

Positive masculinity encourages me to be honest about my feelings and take care of both my mental and physical health. It’s about moving away from harmful stereotypes and focusing on personal growth, self-care, and being a good role model for my children. 

Father Knows Best

In volunteering, we often have to give up our time, comfort, and resources to help others. I would encourage my children to understand that sometimes true service requires selflessness and sacrifice. Despite the challenges, it is always important to show compassion for others regardless of race or religion. 

I would strongly encourage my children, and the next generation, to volunteer. Volunteering teaches invaluable life lessons that go beyond just helping others. It builds character, fosters empathy, instils a sense of responsibility and purpose in life, and offers a deeper understanding of the world through exposure to the various challenges faced by different communities. 

I hope younger men grow up knowing that strength isn’t about hiding your emotions — it’s about being brave enough to face them. I want them to understand that it’s acceptable to cry, to talk about mental health, and to admit when they’re struggling. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s honesty.

If I could give the young men reading this a piece of advice, I would ask you to become men who show up. Be present fathers, faithful partners, and dependable friends. Be men who protect — not to control, but to uplift.