DBS Foundation, with government dollar-for-dollar matching, contributes SGD 3 million to further accelerate digital inclusivity and increase AI literacy

Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, joins representatives from DBS, DBS Foundation, IMDA and Lions Befrienders at a Gen AI workshop for seniors. This marks the start of a new and expanded three-year partnership between DBS Foundation and IMDA to drive digital inclusion.an earlier partnership between DBSF and IMDAAn enhanced, multi-pronged effort to drive digital and Gen AI literacy

Contributing SGD 3 million (inclusive of the government’s dollar-for-dollar matching) to the DfL Fund: The DfL fund provides grants to individuals and non-profit organisations driving digital inclusion projects. DBSF’s funding will specifically support projects that address urgent needs in ageing societies.

Co-developing a first-of-its-kind beginners’ guide to Gen AI for seniors in collaboration with IMDA and CSA: The guide aims to inform seniors about the uses of Gen AI, the dangers, such as the spread of misinformation and deepfake scams, and safety tips when using Gen AI.

Rolling out 1000 digital and AI literacy workshops island-wide over three years: In addition to topics such as digital payments and anti-scam education, the new workshops will also include the new Gen AI curriculum.

Introducing a peer-learning initiative that enables seniors to teach their counterparts everything from digital payments to tips on how to spot and avoid scams, as well as partnering community partners to reach out to isolated seniors.

Lim Him Chuan, DBS Singapore Country Head, said: “As Singapore prepares to transition to a super-aged society, we want to ensure that everyone is empowered to embrace digitalisation and participate meaningfully in the evolving digital world. Besides widening access to technology, we are enabling beneficiaries to understand what Gen AI is and how it works, as well as to boost their confidence to navigate it well. More importantly, through the hands-on learning experiences facilitated by our colleagues in the bank, we hope to create opportunities for everyone across generations to collectively shapean AI-integrated world that they can thrive in.”

Doreen Tan, Assistant Chief Executive of Strategic Planning and Digital Readiness at IMDA, said: “IMDA’s partnership with DBS Foundation since 2022 shows what is possible when we come together to build digital skills in the community. We are excited to deepen this partnership under the national DfL movement for another three years, to reach even more Singaporeans. Thanks to DBS Foundation’s support and passionate volunteers, we have seen seniors grow confident in using e-payments and master digital skills, including using AI for daily living tasks. This is what the DfL movement is about – rallying like-minded partners to make sure every Singaporean can thrive in our digital future."

Mr Ong Kok Wee, Assistant Chief Executive (Policy & Corporate Development) of CSA, said: “As we become more reliant on technology in our daily lives, this also means that we are more vulnerable to cyber threats. CSA has been working with IMDA and DBS Foundation to reach out to seniors to help them learn cyber hygiene tips to stay safe online. With this beginners’ guide to AI, we seek to highlight to seniors the many empowering and creative uses of Gen AI, and the accompanying dangers, such as deepfakes and scams. This is to enable our seniors to enjoy the benefits that Gen AI brings while staying vigilant against the risks.”

Volunteers from DBS and IMDA guide seniors on how to use common Gen AI tools in daily life, such as planning a holiday itinerary.: the bank’s SGD 1 billion commitment over 10 years to uplift lives and livelihoods of vulnerable segments DBSF launched a SGD 7.3 million programme [END]About DBS Foundationwww.dbs.com/dbsfoundation