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How DBS is rewriting the story of ageing
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Ageing tends to get framed as a looming crisis. Headlines lean on metaphors like a “silver tsunami”, as if longevity were a threat rather than a social triumph. In this episode of BT Podcasts, produced in collaboration with DBS, Howie Lim sits down with Karen Ngui, managing director and head, DBS Foundation and DBS group strategic marketing and communications, who offers a far more expansive view. Her argument is simple but powerful. Societies are not just getting older. They are getting longer lived. And that opens the door to reinvention, contribution and joy across every stage of life.
Ngui’s starting point is a mindset shift. Singapore becomes a super aged society next month, yet she sees an opportunity rather than a burden. Older adults today have an extra 20 years between formal retirement and the end of life. That is a reservoir of skill, energy and experience with enormous potential if we stop treating ageing as decline. And crucially, she says, we need to understand ageing as a lifelong journey that begins at birth. Preparing well in youth, supporting families early and building intergenerational communities are what makes ageing in place possible later.
Produced by: Howie Lim, Claressa Monteiro & Chai Pei Chieh Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
graphics: HYRIE RAHMAT
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Deloitte Southeast Asia
Careers at Deloitte
Deloitte’s Amplify Programme in Singapore
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chan juin jieg
Karen Ngui
managing director and head, DBS Foundation and DBS group strategic marketing and communications
The conversation traces how DBS Foundation puts this philosophy into practice, from KidSTART and its ITE partnership to digital and financial inclusion programmes designed to keep seniors connected rather than left behind. Ngui argues that dignity, purpose and joy cannot be delivered by any one institution requiring a genuine whole of society effort, where government agencies, corporates, charities and social enterprises work in concert, not in silos.
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What anchors the episode is Ngui’s optimism. She speaks candidly about turning 65, running marathons and refusing to be defined by age. Her point is not sentimentality. It is that Singapore can close its 10-year gap between health span and lifespan if we start early, plan wisely and work collectively. If you want a clear, uplifting view of how ageing societies can flourish rather than fear the future, listen now. For more episodes, go to bt.sg/podcasts and if you have feedback or an episode idea, please get in touch at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.
A different lens on ageing How reframing longevity shifts ageing from a burden to a demographic dividend.
Preparing across a lifetime Why support for youth, families and seniors must be linked, not treated separately.
Inclusion as daily necessity How digital and financial literacy empower older adults to thrive, not withdraw.
Collaboration that moves the needle Why systemic change depends on partnerships rather than isolated interventions.
Why listen