
Hong Kong and Singapore share a common demographic future, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The Dialogue served as a high-level platform for exchange between two of Asia’s leading cities on how to build more resilient and inclusive longevity societies, while improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
The Hon. Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, said in her opening remarks: “Housing is more than providing a place to live; it is closely connected to wellbeing, community participation and quality of life. We must continue to build communities that are inclusive, caring and supportive of people at different stages of life. Through continued collaboration among the Government, businesses, social sector and academia, we can develop more innovative and practical solutions that support ageing in place, strengthen community networks and enable seniors to live purposeful and fulfilling lives.”
Mr. Eric Teo, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Hong Kong, said in his opening remarks: “Today’s forum is very timely. It allows us to share experiences, challenge assumptions and deepen exchanges. In particular, the five dimensions of "Rewirement" practised in Singapore, covering preventive health, care, inclusive contribution, community networks and senior-friendly living environment. Singapore and Hong Kong have always drawn inspiration from each other’s successes, picking up finer points from each other as case studies in our policymaking. Let’s work together to turn ageing from a challenge to be managed into an opportunity to be shared.”
One of the highlights of the event was the fireside chat titled “Enabling Purposeful Ageing”.
Ms. Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, said during the discussion, “To build greater social and financial resilience in the societies we live in, many of which are rapidly ageing, a whole-of-society effort is required. How we respond to this profound demographic shift matters. If there is one thing we are learning, meaningful impact happens when sectors work beyond traditional boundaries, as complex issues cannot be tackled in silos. With this in mind, DBS Foundation will continue to work closely with ecosystem partners to create sustainable and scalable social impact.”
Mr. Antony Leung, Chairman of Nan Fung Group and Chairman & Co-Founder of New Frontier Group, shared, “We need to rethink both healthcare and working in an age of longevity. Prevention, learning, recognition and social connection should remain central throughout life. Instead of defining people by age, we should focus on their abilities, aspirations and potential. Purposeful living is about continuing to grow, contribute and stay connected for as long as possible.”
Professor Rebecca Choy Yung, Founding Chair of Golden Age Foundation, said in her closing remarks, “Golden Agers should not be defined by conventional retirement age. With their education, experience and capabilities, they represent immense economic potential and social value. Golden Age Foundation will continue to empower Golden Agers through lifelong learning and community participation, enabling them to remain a driving force for society and helping to build a more caring and inclusive longevity society.”
The Dialogue successfully brought together cross-sector representatives from Hong Kong and Singapore to explore pathways for the sustainable development of longevity societies, drawing perspectives from urban development, business innovation, private capital, and community participation. The exchange underscored the value of ecosystem collaboration in addressing demographic change and laid the groundwork for deeper dialogue and partnership between the two cities.
Extending the Dialogue’s commitment to fostering exchange and collaboration, DBS Foundation is serving as Strategic Content Partner of the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit 2026, held from 30 July to 1 August 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At the Expo, DBS Foundation is showcasing nine local partners it supports, spanning social enterprises and community programmes that address the evolving needs of an ageing society. Through interactive experiences and sharing sessions, visitors can explore practical solutions and community-led approaches across areas such as ageing-in-place, inclusive employment, community building, family financial literacy, gerontechnology, and cognitive health.
In addition, Ms. Karen Ngui spoke at the Summit’s Opening Forum, “Golden Age+: Connect · Collaborate · Co-innovate”, where she discussed how collective action across sectors can help shape more resilient and inclusive longevity societies. Meanwhile, Ms. Alphae Chen, Managing Director and Head of Group Marketing and Communications, DBS Hong Kong, will be speaking at the thematic forum “Co-innovating Caring Communities”, highlighting how DBS Bank and DBS Foundation are working with local partners to foster stronger community connections and deliver meaningful support to vulnerable groups in Hong Kong.
“Enabling Purposeful Ageing” fireside chat, moderated by Professor Rebecca Choy Yung, featuring Mr. Antony Leung and Ms. Karen Ngui as speakers, with The Hon. Winnie Ho, JP participating as respondent.


DBS Foundation served as the Strategic Content Partner of the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit 2026 and hosted an exhibition booth throughout the event.

Ms. Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, speaking at the Opening Forum of the Golden Age Expo and Summit 2026.
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 (approximately HKD 5.7 billion) 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
About Golden Age Foundation
Golden Age Foundation (GAF) is a multi-sector platform that fosters the development of smart ageing cities in Asia. By generating innovative ideas that bring positive impact to society and developing the golden age movement with creative events and training programmes, GAF empowers golden agers – individuals aged 45 and above – to continue to contribute to society and lead purpose-driven lives. GAF advocates for a paradigm shift to empower golden agers to plan ahead for the second half of their lives and become society’s new driving force. By organising the golden age movement imbued with innovative life-long learning programmes and community engagement activities, GAF creates new opportunities for individuals to rewire their perception of retirement by establishing healthy and positive ageing mindsets and actions that benefit society.
For details, please visit: https://goldenage.foundation/