WHOLEHEARTED
Ken Khoo, executive member of the Breast Cancer Foundation Home is where the heart is – it’s also where this father of five believes the value of giving back is instilled.
It’s almost immediately apparent whenever Ken Khoo steps into a room. His infectious laughter and warmth are dead giveaways – an outward manifestation, perhaps, of a generous spirit of charity and compassion. An executive member of the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), Khoo engages actively in philanthropic endeavours. His source of joy, however, stems from the moments when his children emulate these altruistic qualities, making sacrifices and occasions of reprimanding worthwhile.
What kind of an impact are you trying to create in your capacity as executive member of the BCF?
My role in the BCF includes raising funds and awareness, such as through coming up with schemes that advocate the early detection of breast cancer. Recently, we held a golf fundraising event and opened a Breast Cancer Centre in Sin Ming.
People often ask me, “You’re a man, so why does the issue of breast cancer matter to you?” But they need to understand that it’s not simply a woman’s problem. According to statistics, one in 13 women in Singapore will get breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s not a small number. If someone you know has breast cancer – it could be your wife, sister, mother, daughter or aunt – you’re going to have to get involved. It’s important that the men in their lives function as pillars of support, so women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have to face it alone.
Amid your busy schedule, how do you maintain a healthy relationship with your children?
I have five kids in total (four boys and a girl) ranging from the ages of 17 to 29. As the kids have grown up, it’s been increasingly tough to get everyone together, especially since some of them are studying overseas. Still, I try to spend time with each of them, mostly going out for meals or playing golf, and flying out on weekends to see them.
What have your children taught you about yourself and about life?
In the past, children were not allowed to talk back to their parents as a sign of respect – I’m old-fashioned in that regard. In the digital age, however, it’s often the other way around. When I tell my children something, they might turn around and say, “Dad, actually you’re wrong because Google says… (this and that).” Of course, they mean well. As a father, I would like to think that I’m always right, but I’ve learnt to be more tolerant and accepting, in listening to what my children have to say.
Conversely, what values do you hope to impart to your children?
First and foremost, to instil harmony and unity within the family. It’s not uncommon – especially among larger families – to see underlying animosity breed into infighting. There will come a time when my wife and I won’t be around, so all five of my kids will need to be able to look after and depend on each other.
Working with the BCF, I’ve shared with my kids about the philanthropic work I’m engaged in. I hope their upbringing translates into a keen understanding of the importance of giving back to society when we’re in a position to do so. Regardless of their financial status or social background, they must treat others around them with equality and be eager to lend a helping hand.
The Macallan is available for purchase in Singapore at the brand’s boutique at Raffles Hotel. Refurbished last year, The Macallan Boutique features an archival gallery, whisky lounge, boutique and private salon. Guests can sample The Macallan’s awardwinning whiskies while admiring some of the most revered, limited-edition expressions the distillery has produced to date. In collaboration with Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Macallan’s Private Dining Experience curates exclusive menus by the hotel’s acclaimed chefs, paired impeccably with the Scottish distillery’s finest whiskies.