Features
'I will care for her until I can't': S'porean single father, 80, on his daughter, 40, with special needs
As long as he can.
September 24, 2025, 10:50 AM
Tan Kian Song, 80, first noticed his daughter, Hui Qun, struggling to walk when she was around one or two years old.
This was about 40 years ago.
As she grew up, Tan realised she could listen to what he was saying, but could not talk back.
He took her to a doctor, and Hui Qun was officially diagnosed.
So what was it like to find out your daughter had special needs?
Tan was circumspect about the revelation.
"I felt I had no choice but to resign to this fact. It's already happened."
Hui Qun, now 40, is, in her father's own words, more rebellious.
Tan has also aged. From someone who rarely felt tired, he now admits to getting fatigued much more easily.
He counteracts that exhaustion by getting as much rest as he can.
"I lie on my bed to rest after I take a shower. This is how I relax."
Despite that exhaustion, Tan has not thought of giving up at all.
"I haven't thought of giving up. As long as I am able to, I will take care of her. I shouldn't abandon her after bringing her into this world. She would be so pitiful if I abandoned her."
It's been a long time since Tan found out from the doctor why his daughter was not talking. But that doesn't mean she can't communicate some things perfectly well.
"Sometimes, when I come home, she will turn on the fan for me. Sometimes, she helps me throw the trash. This warms my heart as she has filial love for me."
Here's the full video of Mothership's interview with Tan.
Rui En, partnering with Gryphon Singapore, has a collection of collagen-infused tea mooncakes, along with a limited-edition Mao Shan Wang snowskin mooncake.
Proceeds from every box will go towards supporting Tan. You can get the mooncakes here.
Image from Mothership
