From Shanghai to Singapore: DBS Foundation drives cross-border innovation for ageing solutions
Singapore, China, 08 Jul 2025 - DBS Foundation today held the first cross-border edition of its signature Impact Beyond Dialogue series, titled “Shanghai-Singapore Innovation for a New Silver Economy”. The invitation-only event hosted over 60 attendees from both markets, including government representatives, businesses and other ecosystem players.
DBS Foundation held its first cross-border Impact Beyond Dialogue in Singapore today, convening government representatives, businesses and academic experts from Shanghai and Singapore to exchange insights and spark collaborative efforts in reimagining ageing societies
This high-level dialogue focused on unlocking economic and social value within ageing societies by exploring collaborative pathways and innovative solutions. It convened speakers from Singapore’s Ministry of Health, the Singapore Consulate-General in Shanghai, Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and Shanghai State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, as well as business leaders and academic experts in the longevity sector.
Several purpose-driven longevity businesses supported by DBS Foundation also spoke at the event. These include DBS Foundation grant alumni GentleFoods (SG) and Shanghai Medishare Network Technology (CN); as well as Buddy of Parents (SG) and HuaKang Health (CN), both winners of the inaugural DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award.
Speakers exchanged insights on themes pertinent to most, if not all, ageing societies: healthcare and eldercare services; bright spots in the longevity economy, such as opportunities in the real estate and finance industries; and the role of technology and innovation in transforming the ageing experience. Beyond driving conversations, the dialogue also served to spark new connections and possible collaborations among both markets’ attendees.
Mr. Loh Tuck Keat, Singapore Consulate-General in Shanghai
, said: “Singapore and China celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations this year; the relationship adequately reflects our strong and multi-faceted cooperation with China. Today’s dialogue is timely and relevant, as a rapidly ageing society is a common challenge facing Singapore as well as many cities in China, including Shanghai. There is much that Singapore and Shanghai, as well as China, can work together on and learn from each other. I thank DBS and DBS Foundation for their hard work to gather the private sector. I am confident that the dialogue today will build links for our government and companies to collaborate. I believe that our cooperation with Shanghai to unlock ageing societies’ potential will be a success and serve as a model for other similar cities in China and beyond, as we build a more inclusive, resilient, healthy and vibrant society for our seniors.”
Developing sustainable and inclusive ageing solutions has become a shared priority for China and Singapore, as both markets move toward becoming super-aged societies, with their populations aged 65 and above growing rapidly.
In commemoration of the 35
th
anniversary of China–Singapore diplomatic ties, DBS Foundation seeks to leverage this dialogue to spark cross-border, ecosystem-wide collaborations in reimagining ageing societies – thereby advancing the shared vision of a future where everyone can age well. Prior to this dialogue, the DBS Foundation has been holding localised versions in its key markets such as Singapore and Indonesia.
Driving such conversations is part of DBS Foundation’s ongoing efforts to address the urgent needs of ageing societies and unlock the possibilities within. For example, earlier this year
it announced the four winners of its inaugural Impact Beyond Award
, which supercharges businesses with transformative solutions to ageing issues. Hailing from Singapore, China, Hong Kong and India, the winners received award funding totalling S$3 million to scale their impact.
Quotes from DBS and DBS Foundation
Ginger Cheng, CEO of DBS Bank (China)
: “As a bridge between China and Singapore, DBS has always actively engaged in deepening all-round cooperation between Shanghai and Singapore. Hosting this bilateral dialogue on ageing in Singapore for the 35
th
anniversary is both a tribute to this milestone and another innovative practice of DBS' mission to create impact beyond banking. Ageing is not a constraint but an opportunity to restructure the silver economy value chain. As an ecosystem builder, we will connect cross-sector resources in finance, technology, and healthcare to support innovative enterprises and impact partners, co-creating collaborative models for ageing solutions and advancing a shared Sino-Singapore impact ecosystem that offers replicable approaches for Asia.”
Lim Him Chuan, Country Head of DBS Singapore
: "We’re honoured to host this meaningful cross-border dialogue, which reflects our shared commitment to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing. Singapore and Shanghai share parallels in our approach including driving inclusivity, partnership, and innovation to empower seniors to age well, as well as transforming ‘silver challenges’ into ‘silver opportunities’. By coming together to share knowledge, we hope to help shape more resilient, age-inclusive societies.”
Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications
: “As life expectancy rises, we must ensure those added years are lived in good health – physical, mental, social and financial – and with purpose and dignity. Ageing is a shared journey that affects all of society, shaped by our collective mindsets, choices and systems. This requires us all to play a part in reimagining what ageing can look like for us – both seniors of today, and seniors of tomorrow. We’re honoured to bring Shanghai and Singapore together in our first bilateral DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Dialogue, and hope the insights will benefit all as we work towards creating impact beyond banking, beyond borders and beyond generations.”
[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
