Keppel renews partnership with Dementia Singapore with $1 million donation
Keppel Ltd. (Keppel), through its philanthropic arm, Keppel Care Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting dementia care in Singapore by pledging $1 million over the next three years. This significant contribution marks a renewal of its long-standing partnership with Dementia Singapore, the nation’s leading social service agency specializing in dementia care, advocacy, and support.
The renewed collaboration was formally launched at Dementia Singapore’s 35th anniversary gala dinner, held in conjunction with World Alzheimer’s Month, a global campaign that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by people living with dementia and their families. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. Other distinguished attendees included Mr Kevin Chng, Chief Financial Officer of Keppel, Mr Ho Tong Yen, CEO of Keppel Care Foundation, Dr Philip Yap, Chairman of Dementia Singapore, and Mr Jason Foo, CEO of Dementia Singapore.
The occasion underscored the importance of partnerships between corporations and social service agencies in addressing one of Singapore’s most pressing social challenges—the rising prevalence of dementia in an ageing population.
The Call for an Inclusive Society
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Patron of Dementia Singapore, delivered a moving message that captured the essence of the cause. He emphasized that building an inclusive society must extend to enabling persons with dementia to live meaningful and dignified lives.
“When we think of ourselves as an inclusive society, it must mean allowing everyone with dementia to have meaningful lives,” he said. “It is about understanding that dementia is not just a medical condition but a deeply human experience, and how relationships and care really matter. I thank Dementia Singapore and its partners for being at the forefront of this movement.”
His words highlighted the importance of both societal empathy and systemic support to tackle dementia not merely as a healthcare issue, but as a human and community challenge.
Keppel’s Commitment to Dementia Care
Keppel’s $1 million donation reflects the company’s broader mission of contributing to the well-being of the communities where it operates. This latest initiative aligns with Keppel’s ongoing work in the senior living sector, where the company has been developing innovative solutions to address the needs of an ageing society.
Mr Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel, explained the motivation behind the renewed partnership:
“Keppel believes in contributing to the community wherever we operate. With Singapore’s ageing population, the need for dementia care services continues to grow. Keppel is pleased to renew our support for Dementia Singapore, which will further strengthen the support system for persons with dementia and their caregivers, and expand access to support for members of the public who may encounter challenges with dementia or dementia care.”
This commitment builds on Keppel’s philosophy of sustainable philanthropy, where long-term partnerships and targeted initiatives are prioritized to create enduring impact.
How the Donation Will Be Used
The $1 million pledged by Keppel will be channeled into several key initiatives that target both persons living with dementia and their caregivers, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and reducing stigma.
- Subsidies for Needy Clients
Approximately half of the pledged donation will be directed toward subsidizing attendance fees for low-income clients at Dementia Singapore’s four New Horizons Centres, which provide day care and cognitive stimulation for persons with dementia. This ensures that financial limitations do not prevent individuals from accessing much-needed services. - Voices for Hope
This programme empowers persons with dementia and their caregivers by providing them with a platform to share their experiences and reduce the stigma surrounding the condition. It emphasizes advocacy, education, and creating a dementia-inclusive society. - Memories Café
A creative initiative that provides opportunities for social interaction in a relaxed, café-style environment, Memories Café helps reduce isolation by allowing persons with dementia and their care partners to engage meaningfully with others in the community. - Care Integration
Recognizing the central role caregivers play, this programme provides structured support to caregivers, helping them better manage the challenges of dementia care. It also funds a dedicated public hotline, offering immediate assistance and advice to individuals struggling with dementia-related issues.
Together, these programmes represent a comprehensive approach—from care delivery and caregiver support to community outreach and stigma reduction.
Dementia Singapore’s Perspective
For Dementia Singapore, Keppel’s renewed partnership is not just about financial support but about ensuring the continuity of impactful programmes that have already transformed lives.
Mr Jason Foo, CEO of Dementia Singapore, expressed his gratitude:
“Keppel’s generous contribution is vital to the continued success of Dementia Singapore’s most impactful initiatives, aimed at addressing the unique and diverse needs of those living with dementia. Truly, a dementia-inclusive society will require more than just a change in societal attitudes, but more sustainable efforts to improve awareness and empathy, and support within the community as well.”
He further emphasized that the partnership enables Dementia Singapore to scale its services and maintain the high quality of care that has defined the organization’s work for 35 years.
Rising Need for Dementia Care in Singapore
The renewed partnership comes at a critical time. Singapore, like many developed nations, faces the challenges of an ageing population. According to local health studies, the number of people living with dementia is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. This rising prevalence has a direct impact not only on healthcare systems but also on families, caregivers, and society at large.
Dementia Singapore has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, providing services that extend beyond medical treatment to encompass psychosocial support, advocacy, and public education. With corporate partners such as Keppel stepping up, the organization is better equipped to meet growing demand and drive societal change.
A Broader Vision of Corporate Responsibility
Keppel Care Foundation, established in 2012, has consistently supported initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, and community development. Its renewed partnership with Dementia Singapore demonstrates a strategic alignment with Singapore’s national priorities, especially in creating a society that is inclusive and resilient in the face of demographic shifts.
The foundation’s work highlights a holistic approach to corporate giving—where financial contributions are paired with advocacy, collaboration, and a focus on long-term impact. By renewing this partnership, Keppel is also sending a powerful signal to other corporations about the role of business in supporting social causes.
