DBS Foundation bolsters support for vulnerable seniors with SGD 7.3 million programme that addresses nutritional and social isolation gaps
Singapore, 29 Mar 2025 - An ongoing effort to uplift Singapore’s vulnerable will be getting an SGD 7.3 million boost, as the DBS Foundation doubles down on addressing problems of social isolation and insufficient nutrients among lower-income individuals aged 60 and above.
Photo 1: DBS Foundation announced a new SGD 7.3 million programme to tackle nutritional and social isolation gaps among vulnerable seniors, and prepare them for healthier and more fulfilling lives as they age. From June 2025, it will reach out to 6,000 vulnerable seniors across 12 ageing towns over two years. [from left to right: Mr Louis Ng, DBS Singapore Country Head Mr Lim Him Chuan, Minister K Shanmugam, Ms Carrie Tan, Head of DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications Ms Karen Ngui, Head of POSB Mr Nelson Neo]
DBS Foundation is introducing a new programme to enhance vulnerable seniors’ physical and social well-being and prepare them for healthier, more fulfilling lives as they grow older. From June 2025, it will reach out to 6,000 vulnerable seniors across 12 ageing towns over two years
[1]
and provide them with
twice-weekly
nutritious meals. It will also mobilise the bank’s 14,000-strong workforce to befriend the seniors via
monthly
bonding and enrichment activities, as well as
quarterly
grocery shopping trips, among other activities.
This is part of
the bank’s suite of measures to commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday
and underscores its commitment to standing alongside its customers and the community.
Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications said: “At DBS Foundation, we’re committed to uplifting those with less. With Singapore becoming a super-aged society next year
[2]
, there’s an urgent need to do more to enable everyone to age well with purpose, dignity and joy. Many vulnerable seniors struggle with nutrition and social connectedness – basic needs that are essential to one’s well-being, yet extremely complex to tackle and not something a quick fix can change. Through this programme, we hope to create change that goes beyond short-term relief, ensuring that they are not only supported today but empowered for a better tomorrow.”
The new programme was announced at the “DBS Foundation Community Pop-up Market” at MPC@Khatib today, which was graced by Grassroots Advisers of Nee Soon GRC GROs Minister K Shanmugam, Mr Louis Ng and Ms Carrie Tan.
Photo 2: Grassroots Advisers of Nee Soon GRC GROs and Team DBS pose for a photo at the final instalment of the DBS Foundation’s community pop-up market at MPC@Khatib. With the support of some 2,000 employee volunteers, DBS Foundation has held 38 pop-up markets across Singapore over the past seven months, benefitting over 30,000 lower-income households.
This is the final instalment of a series of 38 pop-up markets that were held across the island over the past seven months. At these pop-up markets, lower-income households select around SGD 100 worth of groceries and everyday essentials for free, while also picking up practical financial planning and nutrition tips. DBS Foundation contributed SGD 3.8 million and deployed 2,000 DBS volunteers towards this initiative, which was launched to support lower-income households amid higher living costs. Tapping on the outreach network of various community partners, more than 30,000 households have benefitted from these pop-up markets.
A holistic programme to boost nutrition and foster a sense of community
Social isolation and nutritional deficiencies are significant and often interlinked concerns. Research has found that social isolation and loneliness can greatly impact longevity, health and well-being – for older individuals, this could include heightened risks of medical and mental health conditions, as well as a compromised lifespan and quality of life
[3]
. Old age could also bring about loss of muscle and strength, which contributes to frailty
[4]
. Whilst such issues may affect many, if not all, seniors, they can be particularly pronounced for those without the support and resources to navigate them.
DBS Foundation will work with community partners in the 12 ageing towns to address these gaps by facilitating regular social engagements among the seniors and improving their nutritional intake and knowledge. Over the course of a year, enrolled seniors in the same neighbourhood will come together for the following experiences:
Every week
: Enjoy two balanced meals to support their nutritional needs, while picking up tips on how to make better food choices.
Every month
: Participate in a specially curated social activity – including games, cook-offs and other fun experiences, as well as workshops on key topics such as financial/ digital literacy and mental wellness, and more.
Every quarter
: Go on a supermarket shopping trip where they can purchase SGD 60 worth of groceries and household essentials.
This programme builds on the DBS Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities and address the needs of ageing societies, as well as empower everyone from all backgrounds and stages of life to age with dignity, joy and purpose. Last September, it introduced a series of new initiatives – namely the Impact Beyond Award, Impact Beyond Dialogue and Impact Beyond Summit – aimed at convening the wider impact ecosystem to harness the power of collective thinking and spark action.
APPENDIX: Additional quotes from some of DBS Foundation’s community partners
"THKMC takes pride in our participation in the DBS Foundation Community Pop-Up Markets, dedicated to uplifting vulnerable groups within our society. As we look forward to the DBS Foundation’s SG60 programme, we are confident it will serve as a powerful platform to enhance community bonds, foster resilience, and unlock new pathways for greater social inclusion." – Mr Jason Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities
“The DBS Foundation Community Pop-Up Market has been a vital platform for connecting vulnerable seniors with essential resources and social support. Lions Befrienders is extremely grateful for DBS Foundation, a longstanding partner with whom we’ve driven numerous initiatives in support of seniors in Singapore. We look forward to the DBS Foundation’s new SG60 programme which will further strengthen these efforts, empowering communities with greater access to care and meaningful engagement.” – Ms Karen Wee Siew Lin, Executive Director, Lions Befrienders Service Association (Singapore)
[1]
A year-long programme that will be rolled out to 3,000 seniors per year, totalling 6,000 seniors over two years
[2]
A country is super-aged when more than 21% of its population are aged 65 and above (source:
Ministry of Health Singapore
)
[3]
World Health Organisation (Demographic Change and Healthy Ageing):
Social isolation and loneliness among older people: advocacy brief
[4]
Source:
Study flags loss of muscle and strength in people as they age | The Straits Times
[END]
About DBS Foundation
Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.
In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.
Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.
For more information, please visit:
www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation
DBS Bank Ltd | 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central @ Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3,
Singapore 018982 | Co. Reg. No. 196800306E
Tel: 65.6878 8888 | www.dbs.com
