The DBS Foundation yesterday announced the launch of two flagship programs, “Silver Motion” and “Happier Caregiver, Healthier Seniors,” in partnership with CCILU Ltd, Hondao Senior Citizens’ Welfare Foundation and the Garden of Hope Foundation to help Taiwan face the challenges of a rapidly aging population.
The foundation said it would invest S$4.91 million (US$3.8 million) over three years to foster inclusion and resilience in an aging society.
“Aging may bring challenges, but it also brings opportunities. With many Asian markets rapidly becoming super-aged, the DBS Foundation is working with a regional ecosystem of like-minded partners across the private, public and people sectors to redefine aging and shape a future where everyone — regardless of age or circumstance — can age well with dignity, purpose and joy,” said Karen Ngui (魏洪英), head of DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Photo courtesy of DBS Bank Taiwan
“For example, our micro-jobs initiative with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities in Singapore helps seniors to contribute meaningfully to society, enhance social connections, and live more purposefully and independently. In Hong Kong, we work with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service on initiatives that address key needs — such as enabling seniors to conveniently access essential support and social care from their homes or residential care facilities, and ensuring food security among the underprivileged through food rescue and distribution efforts. In China, we work with Huakang Health, an innovative enterprise that’s on the forefront of dementia and elderly care services,” she added.
DBS Bank Taiwan general manager and CEO Ng Sier Han (黃思翰) said: “As a bank deeply rooted in Asia, DBS recognizes that social inequality and population aging have become pressing issues across the region, especially in Taiwan. Hence, as the largest foreign bank in Taiwan, we aim to leverage our business and resources to create impact beyond banking. Together with DBS Foundation, we’re working with like-minded partners across sectors, including social enterprises, to create impact at scale, embodying our belief in ‘Doing Well by Doing Good.’”
The DBS Foundation has partnered with CCILU, Asia’s first B Corporation-certified footwear company, and the Hondao Senior Citizens’ Welfare Foundation to launch the three-year “Silver Motion Program.”
Centered on sports technology and community engagement, the initiative encourages seniors to build regular exercise habits through local community participation. By integrating data analytics through the Line messaging platform, the program provides personalized exercise recommendations and uses gamification to motivate seniors to maintain consistent walking routines.
The project also includes muscle endurance assessments and the distribution of health-tech insole gift sets for underprivileged seniors. Over three years, it aims to benefit 8,200 elderly people and train 250 professional coaches specializing in senior fitness and active aging.
To enhance Taiwan’s elderly care network, the DBS Foundation not only focuses on seniors’ well-being, but also recognizes that quality long-term care relies heavily on the mental and emotional resilience of caregivers.
Workforce Development Agency data showed that as of November last year, Taiwan had 248,680 migrant social welfare workers, more than 99 percent of whom were foreign domestic caregivers, underscoring their vital role in the nation’s long-term care system.
However, given the blurred boundaries between their work and personal lives, many caregivers experience high levels of psychological stress.
Extending its support to the mental health of this essential caregiving workforce, the DBS Foundation has partnered with the Garden of Hope Foundation to launch the “Happier Caregiver, Healthier Seniors Program.”
Centered on mental wellness and community-based support, the program offers multilingual psychoeducation, counseling and therapy services, integrating online and in-person community events and workshops to ensure accessibility.
It would also train social workers and volunteers to enhance cultural sensitivity and counselling skills. Over the next three years, the initiative aims to benefit more than 50,000 migrant domestic caregivers and reach 1,040 social workers, care recipients and family members, realizing the vision that quality eldercare begins with healthy caregivers.
The DBS Foundation is deeply committed to addressing Taiwan’s diverse and pressing challenges related to aging and vulnerable communities. Beginning this year, the foundation has committed nearly NT$260 million (US$8.5 million) within three years, partnering with five ecosystem partners to launch four flagship initiatives. The programs focus on providing essential needs and fostering financial inclusion, while building stronger connections across local communities.
In addition, the foundation’s Impact Beyond Award aims to supercharge innovative businesses with transformative solutions to pressing societal issues. This year’s installment is focused on aging societies; winning businesses stand to receive up to S$1 million each in prize funding to scale their work. More information is available at www.dbs.com/foundation/impact-beyond-award.html.
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