KUALA LUMPUR, 21 Nov 2017:
“Malaysia Dads” – a compelling series of photos featuring 11 fathers sharing everyday moments at home with their young children – will be on display at the MyTown Shopping Centrehere till Nov 30 and thereafter remain open at the National Art Gallery till March 31 next year.
These feature 10 dads chosen as finalists in the Malaysia Dads photo competition launched last month by Ikea Malayai and the Embassy of Sweden – to mark the introduction of the company’s paid paternity leave policy.
One photo features Ikea Malaysia co-worker Muhammad Rizal Sunalim, who is among the first 26 fathers in the company here to claim one month paid leave.
“Ikea has always taken an interest in life at home for families,” said Lars Svensson, sustainability and communications director at Ikea Southeast Asia.
“Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people – and that includes our own co-workers. This year, we introduced one month of paid paternity leave across all offices in Southeast Asia to enable new fathers to care for their babies in that incredible first month.
“It is a small step that has made a big difference to fathers in our organisation, as well as their partners. We also hope to inspire Malaysians with the Swedish work-life culture that we embrace.”
Also on display will be the “Swedish Dads” thought-provoking exhibition by photographer Johan Bävman.
The photos provide a down-to-earth peek into the lives of dads who took extended parental leave; examining why these fathers chose to stay at home with their children, what the experience has given them and how their relationship with their partners and children have changed.
Svensson said Ikea Malaysia drew inspiration from “Swedish Dads” and saw hundreds of dads across Malaysia submit photos – demonstrating how many share a passion for parenting and getting involved in daily childcare.