The Honourable Dr Lam Ching-choi, Member of the Executive Council, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People’s Republic of China, and Chief Executive Officer, Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong SAR
Dr Wu Chiaw Ching, President, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Esteemed Donors, Partners, Guests
Appreciation & Well-Wishes
As the co-host of the 2023 World Ageing Festival and the inaugural SUSS Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival, it is my honour to offer my warmest congratulations to all prize winners, participants, organisers and partners of this incredible event.
This Innovation Festival – the first in Asia – was launched at the World Ageing Festival to discover and nurture high-potential innovations for a rapidly greying population in the region.
This festival has been a great showcase of some of the most outstanding ideas and collaborations to push the frontiers of successful ageing across the private and public sectors in Singapore and the region.
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is extremely proud to be a key player in this endeavour, able to leverage its deep expertise and wide network in gerontology to build Singapore’s human capital in this field, through training and developing highly specialised professionals.
I am also delighted to share the Venture Builder Programme under The Ngee Ann Kongsi Social Impact Hub which SUSS established with the kind donation of Ngee Ann Kongsi. The program has produced a few start-ups, and one of which is POPWOW GEMS, a social enterprise founded by our Bachelor of Social Work Student, Ms Muzdalifah Anuar.
POPWOW GEMS offers a platform for women to join activities, access resources, products and services as well as connect with a community of like-minded Muslim women seeking a more active lifestyle. Approximately 30% of POPWOW’s over 500 active members are above 50 years of age, and benefit greatly by gaining greater independence and improvement in their quality of life.
Moving forward, SUSS would like to extend the Venture Builder Programme to members of the public who are 50 years and above, have the knowledge and the aspiration to provide social solutions and deliver social impact. SUSS hopes to engage them as an integral part of the Active Ageing and Inter-Generation initiatives as we believe they have much to contribute.
To all the prize winners, I congratulate you for your hard work, dedication and talent. You have demonstrated an exceptional level of skill and expertise in your field, and your accomplishments are a true testament of your passion to serve society.
Your outstanding ideas are a source of pride for yourself and an inspiration to many of us. SUSS is proud to be the host and sponsor of the Geronpreneurship Innovation Pitch Challenge and look forward to seeing your ideas come to life soon.
To all participants, I commend you for your courage and determination in taking on this challenge to realise our desire for an age-friendly inclusive future.
I wish you success in your future efforts to pursue your passion and goals.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers and partners of this event.
Your hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts have made this event possible.
As a university that is dedicated to social good, SUSS looks forward to more collaborations with you in creating greater social impact in the years to come.
Have a wondering evening.
Thank you.