Beyond Barriers
SCROLL DOWN
SCROLL DOWN
From rock bottom to rising up. Meet Mahdian, a spirited youth from Manggarai, Jakarta, who once struggled to find his way. That was until he joined FoodCycle Indonesia, a purpose-driven organisation supported by DBS Foundation that changes lives with skills, hope, and heart. Today, Mahdian isn’t just surviving — he’s serving, bringing hot meals and warm smiles to others in need
From housewife to hometown hero - meet Vinnarasi. She used to spend most of her time at home, like many women in rural India. But everything changed when she joined Haqdarshak, a platform that helps people access government welfare schemes. With their training, Vinnarasi became a field agent, and now she’s out there helping others get the support they deserve. Haqdarshak’s journey with DBS Foundation started back in 2015. They won our social venture challenge, got a grant in 2018, and have been our community programme partner since, working to build digital and financial skills for today’s and tomorrow’s seniors.
Meet Hao An. A teenager from Taiwan’s Bunun tribe, he grew up in the heart of the mountains in Nantou County. Life hasn’t always been easy. Like many indigenous youths, Hao An faced limited access to education and opportunities. But everything changed when he joined Vox Nativa, a school with a mission, and a choir you won’t forget. Backed by DBS Foundation, Vox Nativa helps youths like Hao An grow in confidence through music, mentorship and learning that really means something. It’s all about unlocking potential - from that first spark of talent to a life of purpose. Now, Hao An’s on a mission to make his tribe proud. With his never-give-up spirit and new skills, he’s ready to take on the future
From the bustling streets of Shanghai, this is the story of Xu Wei. After being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Xu Wei’s world turned upside down. But instead of giving up, he found purpose at Buy42, a social enterprise in China that empowers persons with disabilities through dignified employment. Starting as a staff member in one of its secondhand stores, Xu Wei rose to become Director of Operations, showing that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship - it’s about growing through it. Today, he also supports the Stress Relief and Regeneration Workshop, a community programme supported by DBS Foundation that aims to impact 120,000 youths in major and rural cities throughout China.
From the heart of Singapore, this is the story of Eileen. Like many seniors, she once faced the fear and uncertainty of learning new digital skills. But instead of stepping back, she stepped forward - embracing change, gaining confidence, and inspiring her peers to do the same. Through a DBS Foundation programme with IMDA, Eileen joined thousands of seniors empowered with the skills to navigate our fast-changing digital world. And this year, we’re deepening our partnership with IMDA to accelerate digital literacy and inclusion – because we believe everyone, at every stage of life, should be able to age with dignity, purpose and joy.
When the 9 to 5 ends, a different kind of work begins. These are the stories of DBS employee volunteers, called People of Purpose, who go above and beyond their duties at the bank. They spend their “After Hours” making a positive impact on our communities in Singapore, giving back with time and effort – whether through skills, or just sharing a smile with others.
From Singapore and across the region, changemakers are powering innovative solutions to reimagine ageing across Asia. From empowering seniors to live with dignity with a simple-to-use SOS button that preserves their independence, to training Gen Zs to become live-in caregivers for a purposeful career, and even changing eldercare perceptions.