According to the National Development Council, the proportion of the population aged 65 and older is expected to exceed 20 percent this year, officially marking Taiwan’s entry into a “super-aged society.”
In response to the profound challenges posed by demographic shifts, DBS Foundation has launched the Impact Beyond Dialogue forum across its six core markets. The initiative seeks to address the pressing needs of aging societies by mobilizing cross-sector collaboration to develop innovative solutions — enhancing the quality of life for seniors, improving healthcare and nutrition, reducing social isolation, and fostering intergenerational workplace inclusion. It aims to position longevity not as a challenge, but as a transformative force for societal progress.
DBS Bank Taiwan yesterday hosted the Taiwan leg of the Impact Beyond Dialogue forum, officiated by DBS Taiwan general manager Sier Han Ng and National Development Council Deputy Minister Peng Li-pei (彭立沛).
Photo courtesy of DBS Taiwan
Under the theme “Turning Point in a Super-Aged Era: Shift Mindsets × Rethink Solutions × Rebuild Resilience,” the forum convened government officials, business leaders, social entrepreneurs and community partners to explore how an aging population can be reimagined as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth.
“Population aging is no longer a future scenario — it is our present reality,” Sier Han Ng said. “Businesses must move from passive response to forward-looking innovation and play a proactive role in driving positive impact. At DBS, we are committed to doing well by doing good.”
Karen Ngui, head of the DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, said that a super-aged society calls for a fundamental mindset shift, not just addressing the needs of seniors, but creating a more inclusive and age-integrated society.
“DBS Foundation will continue investing in partnerships that promote intergenerational understanding, enhance accessibility, support workplace inclusion, and encourage early financial and retirement planning. Through public-private-civic collaboration, we hope to catalyze systemic change,” Ngui said.
The forum’s first panel, “Rethinking Mindsets, Embracing Change,” focused on redefining perceptions of aging and the shift from reactive to proactive approaches. Featured speakers included Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), former vice president and premier, and Academia Sinica distinguished research fellow; Ngui; and Lee Jo-ji, CEO of Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation.
Together, they shared insights from business, government and civil society on how to embrace the opportunities of a super-aged future.
The second panel, “Building a Resilient Future through Social Innovation,” was moderated by Dr Chou Chuan-chiou of Puli Christian Hospital. Panelists included Kinshan Chi, founder of Goldenville; Kang Shih-chung, founder and CEO of Smart Ageing Tech Co, Ltd; and Shelly Wu, head of the 104 Senior Talent Business Group.
The discussion explored innovative approaches in co-housing, age-tech and workplace reintegration. An exhibition featuring 10 social innovation organizations also showcased solutions in smart care, community design and senior employment, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.
As part of its ongoing efforts, DBS Foundation announced the launch of the Impact Beyond Awards, which invites corporate proposals addressing critical social needs. The inaugural edition will focus on aging, aiming to identify transformative solutions that enable seniors to live with dignity and purpose in the second half of life. DBS Foundation believes that population aging, often seen as a challenge, can be transformed into opportunity through new mindsets and the growth of the longevity economy.
Since its establishment in 2014, DBS Foundation has worked to improve the lives and livelihoods of underserved communities by providing access to basic resources, promoting financial and digital literacy, and supporting high-potential social enterprises.
As part of its long-term commitment, DBS Group has pledged to invest S$1 billion (US$759 million) over the next decade from 2024, and mobilize 1.5 million volunteer hours from employees to support its vision of creating impact Beyond Banking, Beyond Borders and Beyond Generations.
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