One of Steven Yeo’s first edicts as the new executive director for the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA), a social service agency that seeks to improve the quality of life of caregivers and their senior charges, was just a simple name change.
He switched up the organisation’s annual marquee event, CWA Caregivers Week, to a Caregiving Week. Though a subtle shift, the adjustment underscores the 60-year-old’s approach to tackling Singapore’s rapidly ageing population as a collaborative one.
His philosophy is informed by more than three decades of international business and management experience spanning both multinational corporations like Intel and non-profit social organisations, such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Steven has worked as advisor and managing consultant to several health and technology companies. He continues to serve as vice president for the Bone Marrow Donor Programme and president of NUS Business School Alumni Association in Singapore.
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Steven Yeo: Hopes to see greater use collaboration in social service agencies
In a way, the various hats that Steven has worn throughout his career have armed him with the skills and perspectives necessary to further CWA’s goals within Singapore’s eldercare ecosystem.
That is, to facilitate dignified and independent ageing for seniors at home and within their communities, while also supporting caregivers with the resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
To those ends, the current programmes run by CWA include a host of regular health, wellness and interest programmes – not unlike the activities run by active ageing centres – at its headquarters in Ghim Moh; monthly caregiver support groups, with the aim of providing mental and psychological support for these guardians while creating a mutual support network; and home-based personal care, which provides affordable caregiving support to families who need it.
And while maintaining the affordability of these services amid rising costs is difficult, expanding them as Singapore matures into a super-aged society will be an even taller task – which is why Steven believes that the social service agencies in the country need to come together to meet the challenge.
He goes on to list the example of a call centre providing support to vulnerable seniors living alone, which he says is currently “being replicated” at numerous social service agencies in Singapore.
However, Steven admits that this is easier said than done.
Steven Yeo: Technology necessary for Singapore’s ageing journey
That is also why Steven is now looking to actively pilot the use of technology at CWA. Though he can’t get into the details for now, he hints at tech-enabled solutions which can help with one half of the organisation’s core mission – helping seniors age-in-place with dignity.
"With innovations like generative artificial intelligence, I think that new solutions like an AI-powered 'person' that can converse with seniors and keep them engaged might be on the horizon. These can’t replace humans, but it can supplement the scarce resources we have in Singapore and help more people."
CWA Caregiving Week, themed a "A Lifeline For Seniors", will be happening 16 to 21 September. It focuses on supporting and empowering seniors and their caregivers. The week will culminate on 21 September with Caregiving Fest, an open-to-public event bringing together talks, booths and performances to inspire the community to come together in caring for Singapore. More information here.
