Chairman, AWWA Elderly Services,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning!

In 1996, I had the pleasure of attending the Asian Women’s Welfare Association’s 25th Anniversary Dinner. I was impressed by the work of the Association in reaching out to the needy through the provision of a wide range of services. Today, I am pleased to officiate at this opening of the Association’s 2 new projects for the elderly, ie the READYCARE Centre and the Seniors Activity Centre.

1999 is the UN International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). I am glad to see voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore rise to the occasion to do more for the elderly, especially those with limited resources. I especially want to commend the Asian Women’s Welfare Association for taking up the challenge of doing more for the elderly. What the Association has done is a first-of-its-kind service. The more commonly understood term is 3-in-1 service. You have established 3 different services for the elderly located in the same HDB block –

(i) a Home for residential care;

(ii) a Rehabilitation and Day Care Service; and

(iii) a Centre for Social activities.

Location of services together means greater convenience and a saving of cost for those in need. Other voluntary welfare organisations should learn from your experience.

I have been informed that the Association will soon be expanding its residential services. The Community Home has already received approval from the authorities to expand to the fourth level to meet the demand for services. Additional facilities for computer and skills training will be added to keep pace with the elderly who are better educated and healthier today so that they can be meaningfully occupied. It is not an ambitious project. I see it as the Association’s philosophy in keeping its ears constantly to the ground and meeting the challenges of the current and future needs.

The Asian Women’s Welfare Association has done well in the area of elderly care. With modest resources, it has maximised its outreach to the elderly.

My best wishes to the Association for its continued success in all its future endeavours. I have no doubt that your efforts in meeting the needs of the disadvantaged and less fortunate will be the community’s gain.

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