DBS Foundation

What does it truly mean to live well as we live longer? Following a series of Dialogues held across our key markets this year, 300 changemakers gathered in Singapore on 7 November for the DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Dialogue – Regional Edition to explore a pressing question: “Are we adding life to years, or just years to life?” The conversation was anchored by two teams of expert voices in a lively debate – the highlight of the Dialogue – that challenged assumptions, stretched our thinking and encouraged us to reimagine what ageing can and should look like. Thought-provoking Future Labs sessions added further depth, unpacking some of the many dimensions of ageing: physical and mental well-being, financial resilience and social connectivity. One message was clear: longer lives must also be better lives. Watch the highlights video to hear some of the ideas, insights and inspiration that emerged at the Dialogue! #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondDialogue #ageingsocieties #socialimpact

As Singapore becomes an increasingly digital society, how do we ensure that every generation - especially our seniors - has the skills and confidence to thrive? Earlier this month, DBS Foundation teamed up with our colleagues at POSB for the Digital for Life Festival at Heartbeat@Bedok. Organised by IMDA, together with their ecosystem of partners, it was a meaningful event that brought digital learning to the heartlands and equipped the community with practical tips to strengthen their digital confidence. At the DBS Foundation and POSB booth, many seniors were excited to try our Gen AI Explorer game – an interactive experience designed to familiarise them with Gen AI's uses and risks, such as deepfakes and scams, in daily life. Many left our booth after completing the game, armed with new knowledge gained and DBS Foundation merch. A big thank you to our DBS People of Purpose volunteers for being there - guiding participants through the Gen AI Explorer game, sharing anti-scam tips and more. Your support goes a long way in this shared journey towards empowering seniors to stay connected, confident and protected in a fast-changing digital world, and shaping a more digitally inclusive society for all. We were also honoured to host President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at our booth. Monica Datta, Team Lead, DBS Foundation and Nelson Neo, Head of Retail Banking and POSB joined him to share more about DBS Foundation’s longstanding partnership with the IMDA to scale digital inclusion in Singapore. At the DBS Foundation, we are committed to supporting the vulnerable and fostering inclusion in our ageing communities, so that everyone can face the future with confidence. Learn more about our efforts: https://go.dbs.com/3XiLMO0 #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeondBanking #DigitalforLife #AgeingWell #SocialImpact

By 2050, 1 in 4 people in Asia and the Pacific will be 60 or above. This means that the future of ageing will be shaped not just by innovation in healthcare, but by the communities we build to meet seniors' changing needs. In the final instalment of our ‘Changing the Future of Ageing’ Series, we spotlight Huakang Health Industry Group Co Ltd, a 2024 DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award winner that is redefining community-based eldercare in China. A leader in integrated eldercare, Huakang Health Industry Group Co Ltd provides a ‘home, community, and institution’ healthcare model for China's ageing population. To address a highly siloed and fragmented eldercare system, they combine wellness living, community services and smart technologies - paving the way in providing holistic care for seniors. As a pioneer in dementia care, they operate Shanghai’s first specialised dementia care facility and contribute to research and policy development in this area. We are proud to partner innovative trailblazers like Huakang Health Industry Group Co Ltd who are reimagining what it means to grow older and lead a more vibrant and meaningful life. The 2025 DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award is now open! Awardees stand to receive up to SGD 1 million to scale their impact. If you have an innovative solution that could transform the future of ageing in Asia, submit your application at: https://go.dbs.com/48ctwdZ Application closes on 12 January 2026. #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondBanking #ImpactBeyondAward #Ageing #SocialImpact

Philanthropy today is evolving – from acts of giving, to acts of building. At last month’s Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, Head of DBS Foundation Karen Ngui joined speakers from Ayala Foundation, Inc., Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth to discuss how strategic, collaborative and needs-based philanthropy can drive sustainable and scalable impact. It was an insightful exchange. The Ayala Foundation shared its approach to making “big bets” and focusing efforts on programmes that deliver the greatest social value, while the Gates Foundation highlighted how catalytic capital can help unlock larger pools of private and public funding. At the DBS Foundation, these perspectives deeply resonate with our belief that meaningful impact requires more than funding alone – it’s about bringing together capital, expertise and the wider ecosystem to create impact at scale. This anchors our approach to creating impact, as we work on our mission of uplifting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Asia. Since 2014, DBS Foundation has catalysed the growth of over 160 businesses for impact by providing grant funding, capacity-building, access to opportunities and more – these businesses have since gone on to raise 10x the funding we provided. In parallel, we work closely with partners across the people, public and private sectors to co-create new programmes and solutions to address societal needs. By joining hands with these partners, we have touched 10 million lives in our first decade – a testament to the power of collaboration. Because creating impact isn’t just about giving back; it’s about building forward, together. #SocialImpact #StrategicPhilanthropy #ImpactBeyondBanking

Last week, the DBS Foundation community gathered for a spirited debate. The motion was, “Are we adding years to life, or just life to years?” We explored what longer lifespans really mean – not just medically but also economically, emotionally and socially. Are we merely extending the number of years we live, or are we enriching those years with purpose, dignity and joy? As we live longer, our assumptions on how we live, work and participate in society are being reimagined. One area that requires rapid reshaping, is how we think about retirement. Keen to hear your views on this – do vote in the poll and share your thoughts with us in the comments! And stay tuned, for we'll have experts share their insights in the coming weeks too. #AgeingSocieties #Ageing #SocialImpact

#DidYouknow: Asia is home to more than 600 million seniors in 2024 – a number set to double by 2050. As our region ages at an unprecedented speed, healthcare systems will be put under immense pressure. So, who will be caring for us in the decades ahead? In the second ‘Changing the Future of Ageing’ Series, we spotlight two DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award winners who are innovating ways to enrich the lives of ageing communities, and redefining caregiving in Asia. In India, Life Circle Health Services Pvt. Ltd. is transforming home-based eldercare by professionalising caregiving – especially by empowering youth from rural communities in India through caregiver training, certification and job placement. This initiative not only improves access to reliable care, but also creates sustainable livelihoods to provide the youth with a brighter and secure future. Evercare Health in Hong Kong is strengthening its care infrastructure with an AI platform that connects families and eldercare centres to healthcare professionals. Through smart-matching technology, it is improving access to dependable care for more than 1 million patients each year – enabling seniors to age-in-place with independence. These visionary businesses are testament to how innovation and technology can transform caregiving as we know it to be, and create a strong support system for seniors of today and tomorrow. The 2025 DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award is now open for applications! We're calling for entries from innovative businesses across Asia that are addressing the needs of ageing societies. Winners stand to receive up to SGD 1 million to scale their solutions and impact across communities. Applications close 12 January 2026. Submit your applications at: go.dbs.com/impact-beyond #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondBanking #ImpactBeyondAward #Ageing #SocialImpact

Ageing isn’t just a challenge – it’s an opportunity. That was the consensus at our recent #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondDialogue - Regional Edition, where we brought together 300 changemakers from across Asia to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: the future of ageing societies. From health equity to financial resilience and social connectedness, three Future Labs sparked bold ideas. The day ended with a spirited debate: Have we added life to years, or just years to life? Despite differing views, one truth stood out. As Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, puts it, what’s most critical is breaking the cycle of disadvantage – so a better one can begin. That’s why we launched the Career Readiness Programme with Institute of Technical Education (ITE) – committing SGD 14.5 million to fund 24,000 study awards, mentorship and financial literacy training for students from lower-income families. The government will match DBS Foundation’s donation dollar-for-dollar and contribute the same to the ITE Endowment Fund. Highlighting the importance of community partnership, Guest-of-Honor Jasmin Lau, Minister of State at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, shared, “Each partner brings something special, whether it is expertise, resources or a shared vision, to create a powerful network of support." The event ended on a high note with a heartfelt intergenerational performance brought about by the award-winning ITE Concert Band and ITE Centre for Music and the Arts, led by a special guest conductor, Him Chuan LIM, Country Head of DBS Singapore. A big thanks to the businesses, community partners and longevity experts for the robust discussion and collaboration. Together, we can create a future where longevity is matched by purpose and dignity. Visit the DBS Foundation webpage to discover more insights on the Impact Beyond Dialogue - Regional Edition: https://go.dbs.com/3LGHoWl #AgeingSocieties #SocialImpact #FinancialResilience #InclusiveGrowth

Twenty years ago, Ryan Goh (pictured right, left photo) spent his days balancing lessons at the Institute of Technical Education with shifts at a neighbourhood bookstore. Growing up in a lower-income family, working part-time was how he stretched his weekly allowance. “It was tough to stay focused when you’re exhausted from work,” recalls the 38-year-old. “So I know exactly what many ITE students, especially those who face financial pressures at home, are going through.” Today, Ryan is a Data Analyst at DBS, a Master’s degree holder from the National University of Singapore and a three-time mentor to ITE students. His advice to mentees who work part-time mirrors his own journey: “Don’t give up on your studies despite the challenges – it will shape you into a more resilient person.” Ryan’s experience is common among ITE students from lower-income households who often take on part-time work to make ends meet. But doing so can take a toll, affecting their ability to stay focused in class, participate in development programmes or complete their education. To ease these pressures, DBS Foundation and ITE have launched the Career Readiness Programme, a holistic initiative that combines financial support, mentorship and financial-literacy education. Over three years, DBS Foundation will commit SGD 14.5 million – the largest one-off donation to ITE to date – to provide 24,000 study awards for students from lower-income families. In recognition of this milestone contribution, the Singapore government will match the donation dollar-for-dollar to further bolster support for students in need. Beyond financial assistance, the programme will support ITE Work-Study Diploma trainees by pairing them with DBS employee volunteers who will mentor them for smoother transition into the workforce. ITE students will also participate in financial planning bootcamps covering topics such as CPF, savings, insurance and investments – equipping them to make informed financial decisions as they begin their careers. For Year 2 student Jack Piay (pictured left, third photo), who also works part-time, guidance from his DBS mentor, Credit Trader Christopher Pang (pictured right, third photo), has been invaluable. Christopher encouraged him to think about financial planning early – advice that has changed how Jack approaches money and his future. The partnership was launched by Minister of State at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau, DBS Country Head of Singapore Him Chuan LIM, Chairman of DBS Foundation Ho Tian Yee, Head of DBS Foundation Karen Ngui, ITE Chairman Andrew Chong and ITE CEO Low Khah Gek. --- Follow us on LinkedIn for more stories on reimagining ageing in Asia! #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondBanking #ImpactBeyondDialogue #financialliteracy

When guardianship was set up for his client with dementia, Relationship Manager Bryan thought this would keep him safe. Instead, the client was asked to sign blank cheques, an attempt was made to access his safety deposit box, and his house was discreetly put up for sale. In this episode of Behind the Spark, Bryan recounts his fight to protect his client’s finances, home, and legacy when trust was betrayed by the very people meant to defend it. This case inspired one of the storylines of Season 4 of DBS Sparks, when Claire Lee (played by Jamie Xia) tries to protect her client, Mdm Mui, who has dementia, from her own nephew. Behind the Spark reveals the real people and their stories that inspired DBS Sparks, our award-winning web series about banking and bankers. --- Enjoy our conversations on reimagining ageing in Asia? Follow us on LinkedIn for more! #LifeatDBS #DBSFoundation #ImpactBeyondBanking

Have We Added Life to Years, Or Just Years To Life?   Asia’s population is living longer than ever. But does longevity necessarily mean a better life? While advances in healthcare, higher incomes and empowered seniors paint a hopeful picture — the rising costs of care, digital exclusion and social isolation tell another story.   Join us at DBS Foundation’s Impact Beyond Dialogue on 7 Nov for The Big Debate where experts on both sides of the argument will go head-to-head in a spirited exchange: one arguing that we are thriving in our extended years, the other that we are merely surviving them.   Be sure to register and tune in on 7 Nov to discover what it truly takes to live - and age - well.