In a heartfelt interview, George Kwong, who is a father, grandfather, and health advocate based in Nadi, opens up about the meaning of Father’s Day and the evolving journey of fatherhood.
With three children and five grandchildren, Mr Kwong speaks not from theory, but from a life deeply committed to his family.
For him personally, Father’s Day wasn’t always something he recognised or celebrated.
“I grew up in a village where Father’s Day was unheard of,” he recalls.
It wasn’t until later in life, particularly after becoming a father himself, that he began to appreciate the significance of the day.
Over the years, the meaning has deepened.
Today, Father’s Day is a moment of reflection, a time to remember his own father’s values, to appreciate the bonds with his children, and to thank God for guiding the family through life’s challenges.
The 74-year-old said the greatest reward is seeing his children and grandchildren grow into responsible, caring, and faith-filled individuals.
“Watching them make choices that reflect values passed down from my father and me is satisfying,” he said.
Mr Kwong resides in the western part of Fiji, in Nadi, where he serves with the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As the regional co-ordinator, his work spans ten Pacific Island nations, promoting wellness and leading the 10,000 Toes Campaign, an initiative aimed at combating non-communicable diseases across the Pacific.
Despite the demands of his career, he said family remains central to his identity.
He is blessed with two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.
He exudes joy when talking about them.
He shared that his pride is not in grand gestures or accolades, but in the everyday accomplishments, especially seeing his children become independent, raise families of their own, and remain close-knit in times of need.
“They continue to rally each other…and cover each other’s back whenever the need arises,” he added.
Like many fathers, Mr Kwong admits that his understanding of fatherhood has changed over time.
He shared that in his early years as a parent, the focus was survival —providing for the family, meeting needs, and ensuring stability.
But as time passed, his perspective matured.
“Fatherhood is about much more, it’s about mentoring, being present, and intentionally modeling values.”
These values include faith in God, integrity, discipline, and a commitment to living within one’s means, principles that his own father once taught him.
He now sees his role not just as a provider, but as a guide, a mentor, and an example.
He strives to be someone his children and grandchildren can look to for wisdom and direction, particularly in an increasingly complicated world.
Mr Kwong admits, fathering in today’s society comes with unique challenges.
“From the pervasive influence of technology to the temptations of drugs and materialism, today’s youth face pressures that previous generations were shielded from,” he said.
He’s concerned about his grandchildren, growing up in a world that often blurs the line between right and wrong.
“There are two camps in the world. The good and the evil.”
Mr Kwong said it’s essential to be intentional about which “camp” one’s family belongs to.
“It’s not enough to hope children will make the right choices, parents must actively guide, teach, and support them in developing resilience and sound judgment.”
When it comes to difficult topics like drugs, violence, and peer pressure, he believes in starting early.
“Children can understand safety and good choices.”
Mr Kwong emphasises daily connection, talking with children, spending quality time, and reinforcing the message that the family is always a safe haven.
He also believes strongly in teaching life skills, not just moral lessons.
From how to handle peer pressure to learning the value of gratitude, Mr Kwong sees each lesson as a building block for lifelong resilience.
“Faith in God, integrity, discipline – these were values taught to me and my siblings by our parents, and now we pass them on.”
Despite all he has done for family, he said he doesn’t seek praise or recognition.
When asked how he feels when his children celebrate him on Father’s Day, he responds with, “It can be both humbling and heartwarming”.
For him, knowing that the sacrifices, values, and lessons have borne fruit in the lives of his children is the greatest reward.
He doesn’t require elaborate celebrations. Simply being together, or virtually connected through technology, is enough.
He shared that the laughter of his grandchildren, the shared stories, and the chance to count their blessings as a family are the most meaningful gifts he could ask for.
Mr Kwong’s advice to young fathers raising children today, is to be present!
“Spend time with your children, listen to them, and be the role model.”
He encourages dads to start early with life lessons, be intentional about spiritual guidance, and never underestimate the influence of consistency and presence.
He shared that the world may not always change for the better in our lifetimes, but each father can make a difference in the small spaces where they live, work, and serve.
“We can strive to be agents of change,” he said.
He wants to leave a legacy where his children will remember him for his, service and love.
Mr Kwong said he hopes his children and grandchildren recall a father who loved unconditionally, walked with God, admitted his faults, and served others with humility.
Today on Father’s Day, his message to all fathers is to be present, love deeply and lead by example.
“Be present, love deeply, and lead by example. Your influence goes far beyond words.
“Consider our children fortunate to still have their father around and spare a moment for those that are less fortunate who have lost their fathers or never had the chance to know a father’s love.”
