It’s Father’s Day 2025. And across Singapore, dads are running full-court presses trying to balance career, family, and staying in the game. Some are sprinting from boardrooms to bedtime stories. Others are barely hanging on through overtime Zoom calls. And plenty are quietly wondering: “Am I dropping the ball at home?”
That’s why this story matters.
Ng Han Bin — former basketball star, Singapore Slingers player, and national team medalist — knows what it takes to win in a high-pressure arena. He’s played before roaring crowds. He’s trained through blood, sweat, and buzzer-beaters.
Source: ABL Court 2 Court
But these days? His biggest challenge isn’t on the hardwood. It’s on the home court.
With two young kids — four-year-old Emery and ten-month-old Cameron — Han Bin is now running a different kind of offense: one built around presence, patience, and priorities.
In this Father’s Day feature, we take you courtside into Ng Han Bin’s new game: how this basketball star is redefining fatherhood, what sacrifices he’s made, and the lessons every Singaporean parent can take from his playbook.
Because as Han Bin reminds us — no career win compares to the victory of being fully present when it matters most.
Dads, lace up. It’s time to run your best game yet.
‘Be You’—The Mindset That Guides Han Bin as a Dad
For someone who’s spent years cultivating a “win” mentality on the court, Han Bin now teaches a very different kind of victory at home.
“What I discovered through the game over the years is really the whole attitude towards learning, trying and failing and trying again,” he shares. “And I think when we parent our children these days, we try to integrate that into our daily lives… We encourage them to constantly try rather than trying to get the result that they want. And it’s okay to fail.”
Source: Ng Han Bin
It’s a message he repeats often to Emery and Cameron. In fact, one phrase has become a bit of a family mantra: “Be you.”
“I once told my daughter, ‘It’s okay, be you.’ And she just kept saying it—‘be you, be you.’ It stuck with her,” he laughs. “That’s also why my basketball branding is a lot about being yourself.”
Segmenting Life
For someone who built his life around basketball, stepping away from the sport wasn’t an easy call. But as Ng Han Bin sees it, great players know when to switch up their game plan.
“I think one thing I learned from playing professional basketball is really segmentizing your day,” Han Bin explains. “And in a way, not just your day — but periods of your life.”
In his playing days, Han Bin ran his life like a high-intensity training block. “When I was younger, I knew that was the period my body would allow me to play basketball,” he says. “So I focused a lot on the game.”
That phase brought him Singapore Slingers contracts, SEA Games medals, and the thrill of competing at the highest level.
But eventually, life called for a different kind of hustle.
Now, with two young children, Han Bin knows he’s in a whole new season.
Source: Ng Han Bin
“This is a phase where they are more clingy to us. They need us more during this period of time,” he says. “Although this could be the prime time of our career, it’s important to be aware that we are not overworking, especially in the Singapore culture of more and better and more glamorous things like that. I think it’s good to be reminded that our children need us.”
The Sacrifices That Shaped His Fatherhood Journey
And so Han Bin made a conscious pivot — even when the pull of the court was strong.
He had big plans for coaching after retiring from pro basketball.
“I always knew I wanted to be a coach and expand my coaching business,” he shares.
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In fact, during COVID, an opportunity came up: a low-cost rental space perfect for launching his academy.
“But the same time, what pulled me back was that my child was on the way,” he explains. “I realized I wasn’t willing to devote all my time to building the academy. I’d rather be present for my child—these years won’t come back, but the academy can be built later.”
The decision was clear: the early years with his daughter were irreplaceable, while the academy could always be pursued later. Looking back, he’s grateful for the choice, having built a strong bond with his daughter.
That meant cutting down on coaching. It meant saying no to overseas playing opportunities, despite teammates urging him to join them again on the road.
“I literally just cut down on coaching, cut down on playing,” he admits. “And that was when I put on a bit of weight!” he laughs. “But I have no regrets.”
Source: Ng Han Bin
Because for Han Bin, those sacrifices have led to something greater: a deep bond with his daughter and son.
“She’s quirky like me,” he says with a smile. “I built a good bond with my daughter. I have no regrets when it comes to that.”
Now, as the kids grow older, he’s starting to carefully reassess — perhaps easing back into some limited coaching or playing in the future.
“I recently went back to playing, and it has been refreshing,” he says. “But it helps me put things into perspective and readjust my schedule. I would look at how I can adjust even more so that I can be there for my children even more.”
And when asked about returning to overseas competitions? Han Bin is clear-eyed.
“Sometimes when we play for overseas competitions, we have to travel. And that means being away from the children. It’s something I’m not entirely comfortable with,” he says. “We’ll see. There’s not much years left in my tank as well — maybe one or two years.”
But for now, the priority is clear. This season is about family first.
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“It’s about working together with your spouse and respecting each other’s opinion,” Han Bin says. “Because nobody is really taught how to parent. We just have to adjust along the way.”
And that’s exactly what he’s doing — one intentional choice, one phase at a time.
Why Fitness Matters More Than You Think in Fatherhood
You’d think that after retiring from professional basketball, Han Bin could afford to slow down. But fatherhood had other plans.
“I met a former teammate who’s 42 and super fit,” he recalls. “He told me, ‘That’s an excuse.’ It was a wake-up call for me.”
Han Bin began reevaluating his lifestyle, starting with how he showed up at the playground.
Source: The Straits Times
“When you’re at the playground, you’re not just bringing them there. You’re really getting involved, running with them. To do that, you need to be of a certain fitness level.”
These days, he’s up at 6–7 a.m. attending workout classes. “Ever since then, I was able to do a lot more and feel less tired throughout the day.”
His advice for other dads this Father’s Day? Prioritize your own fitness—not for vanity, but for your kids.
“When we are fit enough, we can keep up with their energy.”
Real Talk About Food Guilt and Healthy Habits
Like most parents, Han Bin wants his children to have healthy eating habits. But he’s learned to take a balanced approach.
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“One thing my dietitian emphasizes is not to overthink your food,” he says. “When you taste things that are technically not so healthy, you feel a lot more guilty. I think it comes naturally when parents want to provide healthier options for children.”
But it starts with leading by example.
“When you have healthier food choices, kids mimic you. ‘Papa, what is that? What are you eating?’ Then they want to try it.”
Creating Meaningful Memories—Not Just Minutes
In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being with your kids, but not really being with them. Han Bin gets it—and works hard to avoid it.
“When you’re outdoors, put your phone aside,” he says. “Be present with them and engage in the activities. Create memories together.”
For him, those memories are priceless.
“You know how kids, they go straight to the point. When my children remind me weeks or months later about the places we visited, it shows they truly enjoyed it. That reminds me it’s not just about being in the same space with them, but being engaged.”
Teaching Life Lessons Through Play
You don’t need a whistle or a playbook to coach your kids through life — though for Han Bin, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Years on the court taught him that the best lessons aren’t about winning — they’re about trying. So whether it’s a playground slide or a tricky new skill, he approaches each moment like a teaching opportunity. The message? You’re safe here. Mistakes are part of the game. And when you fall, someone’s always there to catch you.
It’s a mindset born from years of coaching — and now passed down in everyday moments of play. Because for Han Bin, what matters isn’t whether his kids succeed the first time. It’s that they keep showing up, one brave attempt at a time.
The Secret to Co-Parenting Success
No one’s born knowing how to be a perfect parent—and Han Bin is quick to admit it.
“Nobody is really taught how to parent. We just have the idea of being a parent before we become one, but nothing really prepares you for it,” he says.
What helps? Mutual respect.
“It’s about working with your spouse and respecting each other’s opinions. If someone puts more effort into researching something, I respect that. We go with what makes the most sense together.”
Why Fatherhood Is the Most Rewarding Game of All
For someone who once chased professional victories on the court, Han Bin now treasures a different kind of win: time spent with his kids.
“I miss playing so much,” he admits. “But being with my children… it helps me put things into perspective and readjust my schedule.”
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If that means turning down opportunities to be more present at home, so be it.
Your Turn… How Will You Show Up for Fatherhood This Father’s Day?
Han Bin’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to choose between personal passions and being a great dad, you just have to be intentional about how you balance them.
So this Father’s Day, take a page from his playbook. Put your phone aside. Hit the playground. Join that dance session. Be present.
Because in the game of fatherhood, the best win is the memories you create along the way.
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