Unlike women’s support groups, men’s support groups are few and far between. To help narrow the gap, Brian Liu co-founded men’s well-being and growth initiative Bros Before Woes along with two friends in 2023. “We were sharing the ups and downs of our life stages—at that point a single guy, a new father, and a father with a toddler—when we noticed that these are difficult transitions men don’t seem to have much support for,” he recounts.
Liu’s corporate career has seen him hold senior roles at the likes of Bose and Lazada- Alibaba, and his specialisations include learning, leadership, and organisation work.
In addition to helping men develop healthy male identities, Bros Before Woes aims to help them develop meaningful relationships and to become positive influences in their communities.
As it stands, of the 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, around 65 percent were men. Loneliness and low self-esteem are more often than not associated with this tragic statistic.
“When men don’t have social connections to tether them to this side of eternity and lose sight of their own value, it can feel like they’re pushed over the edge.”
Brian Liu on the male loneliness epidemic
Every month, Bros Before Woes hosts a “Bro’s Night” gathering where participants connect over food and drinks, and have in-depth discussions prompted by an anchor question. Key topics typically revolve around challenges, identity, triggers, and the loads men tend to carry. Up to 30 men attend sessions these days, and around 80 attend open events.
The initiative also supports men in their journeys to becoming better versions of themselves through an eightweek programme. Among other things, participants are asked to confront their demons, acknowledge their challenges, and face up to experiences they tend to “conveniently or violently want to forget about”, Liu says.
These steps are crucial since growth happens only through this process, he adds. To encourage a collective effort, participants are also encouraged to hold space for the other men in the cohort.
Liu views a good man as a safe one—a dependable individual who faithfully handles what he is entrusted with. He keeps others and himself safe, making decisions that serve him instead of leading him down a path of self-destruction. This is more so when no one is watching, he avers.
His biggest obstacle in running a men’s support group in Singapore has been a good problem: having to keep up with growing demand. “I know this answer sounds insane, but we honestly haven’t had any challenges. Every event is oversubscribed due to high demand.”
For this reason, Bros Before Woes is seeking like-minded partners for collaborations. “They should be people who are passionate about this cause and want to contribute to the conversation on these issues.”
Contrary to popular belief, Liu makes clear, men are not resistant to deeper conversations. They simply lack access to an appropriate avenue. “At our events, men who meet each other for the first time are game to get right into it. They have noholds- barred conversations.
“They are able to open up because we set the stage with clarity, intent, and the safety they rarely experience anywhere else, even at home.”
Photography Mun Kong
Art direction Ed Harland
Hair Michael Chiew/Hairform Salon using Goldwell and KMS Hair
Makeup Sarah Tan using Chanel Beauty
Photography assistant Melvin Leong
