In Singapore, where the value of family runs deep, Ben Phua, 69, has become a powerful symbol of love and commitment. His life today is centred on his 14-year-old son, Zai Quan, who was born with multiple disabilities and is non-verbal. Every day, Ben wakes with a single goal: to give his son the best quality of life possible.
What makes Ben’s story remarkable is not just his fatherly love but his courage in the face of adversity. A cancer survivor, Ben has also battled a serious spine injury, yet he continues his daily caregiving duties without complaint. His resolve reflects an unspoken heroism—one rooted in perseverance, dignity, and quiet strength.
Parenting Through Pain and Purpose
Ben’s day starts before sunrise, preparing meals, administering medication, and managing every aspect of Zai Quan’s care. He changes diapers, soothes his son through meltdowns, and communicates with a child who cannot speak back—using love as his language. It’s a full-time job that few are equipped for, let alone in their senior years.
Even with his back condition limiting mobility and constant fatigue from past treatments, Ben has never considered stepping away. “He’s my son. If I don’t take care of him, who will?” Ben once shared with The Straits Times. His unwavering focus is not just on survival, but on enabling Zai Quan to experience joy and connection.
Fighting for Inclusion and Visibility
Ben also plays an advocacy role, often speaking about the invisible struggles of families caring for children with severe disabilities. He highlights the emotional toll, isolation, and systemic gaps many parents face in similar situations.
He participates in community circles that push for better inclusion in schools, transport, and public awareness. His story reminds us that not all heroes wear uniforms—some simply wear love and responsibility on their shoulders, day in and day out.
A Quiet Hero for SG60
As Singapore commemorates 60 years of independence, Ben Phua’s story resonates as a quiet but powerful portrait of national values—resilience, duty, and heart. His daily sacrifices symbolise what it truly means to build a caring society from the ground up.
In a nation that prides itself on innovation and infrastructure, Ben is a reminder that our strongest pillars are people like him—those who care not for applause but for the well-being of the ones they love most. Through him, SG60 gains not just another name, but a legacy of compassion.
