Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs
Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences
Excellencies and friends from the international community
Ms Janice Chia, Founder and Managing Director, Ageing Asia
Distinguished guests, partners, and leaders in the field of gerontology
Welcome to the World Ageing Festival and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival (GIF). This year, we’ve teamed up again with Ageing Asia to explore the world of ageing, with a special focus on the exciting intersection between entrepreneurship and gerontology.
A Proactive Vision for the Future
2. As we all know, the issue of ageing populations is a global one. And in Singapore, our population is not just ageing – but ageing rapidly while simultaneously having one of the world’s lowest fertility rates and longest life expectancies. Therefore, the topic of ageing is not just relevant but of utmost importance to us in Singapore.
3. Singapore has prioritised innovation and artificial intelligence to transform healthcare delivery to make it more cost-effective and less dependent on human resources. As a country, we have been forward-looking in supporting independence and well-being for a super-ageing society through the use of technology. This includes government initiatives, such as HDB subsidies for items that improve mobility and safety in flats, and community-driven ones like the SUSS’ partnership with SG Assist for the Age+ Living Lab that showcases assistive technologies. There are possibilities for innovation to ensure a lively and inclusive future for everyone.
SUSS’ Role in Advancing Gerontology and Entrepreneurship for Social Good
4. As an applied university, SUSS is committed to using education, training, research, and service for the betterment of society, and to forge partnerships with government and industries to drive impactful change and innovation.
5. For over a decade, Gerontology has been a cornerstone discipline at our university. We have established a robust network with care organisations and are dedicated to training more individuals to serve and work in the community care sector. I hope you have the chance to meet with our students, alumni, faculty members and graduates at the booths and exhibition, or seminars in the coming two days.
6. The University also makes a difference in practice and advocacy. Through our Impact Startup Challenge, students collaborate to trial their ideas and develop solutions for a society with an ageing population. They can participate in the Venture Builder programme to receive training and stipendary support to transform their ideas into impactful businesses.
7. Now, here is the thing – that being an entrepreneur often means you have to be young – that is not true. Older people, too, have a lot of valuable life experiences and insights to create businesses. SUSS believes that entrepreneurship goes beyond age limits – that is why we have started initiatives to help entrepreneurs who are 50 years and above to build influential startups, such as the Designing Impactful Ventures (DIVE) Programme and a Silver track in the Venture Builder programme.
8. I’d like to mention two startups that have emerged from this two programmes and are doing well in the Gerontology space – they are Glorious and Matchwise.
9. Let me talk about Glorious first. Ms Junus Eu, who graduated from SUSS’ Master of Gerontology programme, spent a decade in venture capital before establishing Glorious in 2023, with a partner. The startup provides a B2B Software as a service (SaaS) solution to automate repetitive admin matters in care organisations and offers on-the-go training for care workers. Designed specifically for care suppliers, the platform reduces these burdensome tasks to allow care workers to focus on what truly matters, that’s the well-being of our seniors. To date, they have raised $100,000 and are building their product closely with care organisations.
10. In addition, despite having incorporated in December 2023, the team has already started their groundwork last year by speaking to more than 500 stakeholders in the eldercare space globally to scope out the most pressing problems in the space.
11. Another example, Matchwise, the brainchild of Mr Jonathan Lim, a Human Resource Management student and Mr Kelly Glueck (pronounced Gloo-ehk), a Business Analytics student, when they met at the SUSS Impact Startup Challenge in Taiwan last year and decided to get together.
12. MatchWise is a job platform that optimises the job application process for those aged 50 and above seeking either stable income or flexible gig work. Recognising the value of diverse perspectives in generating the best solutions, they embraced SUSS’ DIVE programme graduate, Mr James Lee, a young senior himself. By leveraging synergies with the individuals their app targets, they have expanded their capabilities. Mr James Lee now serves as a crucial co-founder of MatchWise.
13. Their partnership highlights the positive impact of cross-generational cooperation by bringing together perspectives and technical skills, while the seniors provide essential knowledge and a strong grasp of practical problems to find solutions through innovation.
14. I have shared some of SUSS activities that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in gerontology, which benefit students and seniors in creating a better future. We hope these activities will foster a culture of teamwork and innovation for people across all ages. I encourage you to learn more as you explore the booths and exhibits at this festival.
Conclusion
15. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our donor, Ngee Ann Kongsi, for their steadfast support of our initiatives. I also extend my appreciation to Ageing Asia for working with SUSS on this important area.
16. Last but not least, I express my sincere gratitude to the speakers, partners and guests at this festival – may your time here be filled with fruitful connections, inspiring ideas and impactful collaborations. Thank you very much.