Sunshine Seniors pose for a celebrity-like photo with the SUSS banner.
At 67 years old, Ricky Law defies the stereotypical elderly figure as the sprightly founder of Sunshine Seniors. In fact, he is on a mission to dispel ageing labels often associated with being a financial burden, lack of productivity, old and slow and aims to portray seniors in their best quality and form.
His vision stems from building a cohesive senior community to share their resources and rich knowledge bank. Simply because, compared to seniors of the past, the elderly today have made significant strides in education, health, and financial stability; they are evolving and equipping themselves with knowledge and resources accumulated over decades.
Sunshine Seniors was therefore naturally conceived to serve as the platform to unite seniors across all age groups to harness the wealth of experience and talent within the ageing community.
"With K.E.N.T., we CAN,", Sunshine Senior’s slogan is a constant reminder that seniors can leverage their Knowledge, Experience, Networks, and Time (K.E.N.T.) for the benefit of the community. It operates with a mindset of empowering seniors to be active contributors to the community, shifting the narrative from passive recipients of care to active participants.
Sunshine Seniors enjoying their weekly walks.
Together with his newfound community, Ricky launched a decentralised walking group programme where every member is a leader and a supporter. Aimed at encouraging physical activity while fostering social connections, camaraderie and leadership, members took the initiative to lead walking groups and suggest various routes, including walks in the museum.
Sunshine Seniors are all smiles during “The Mind, The Look, The Joy” programme.
In a parallel effort, Gerra Chong and Lin Tar Kuan, the youthful forces behind Sunshine Seniors, pioneered "The Mind, The Look, The Joy” initiative. This programme fosters meaningful collaboration between Generation X and Baby Boomers through a unique community e-marketplace, bridging age disparities and promoting harmonious intergenerational cooperation.
Mabel Yue, a member of Sunshine Seniors, shared that participating in these activities not only improved her physical health, but provided companionship and shared experiences.
Sonia Wong, co-founder of Sunshine Seniors, receives her award at the 2023 Ageing Startup Pitch Stadium.
Sunshine Seniors’ ethos of mutual support and empowerment was prominently showcased during the 2023 Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival (GIF) co-organised by SUSS and Ageing Asia. The team played a pivotal role in representing their community, and their victory at the Ageing Startup Pitch Stadium segment underscored their resilience and ingenuity.
During the GIF, Ricky advised aspiring entrepreneurs, "Leverage your strengths, openly recognise your weaknesses, and seek assistance when necessary. Stay open-minded and collaborate with individuals of all ages. Put aside your ego for the sake of personal and professional development." This philosophy mirrors Ricky's own approach during the course of his venture, highlighting the importance of collaboration and continuous learning while staying true to one's ethos.
Janice Hong, another team member of Sunshine Seniors who initially discovered the community through her participation in the entrepreneurship programmes offered by SUSS Entrepreneurship, has found immense value in the community and is currently developing her business idea. She advised those hesitant to join similar SUSS programmes, "Let down your guard and give things a try. Come forward and pursue what you enjoy, knowing that you have the support."
Do not miss the chance to participate in the upcoming
GIF 2024 on 8 May! If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, seize the opportunity to enrol in the
SUSS Minor in Entrepreneurship Programme to gain access to resources, mentorship and networks!