Initiative unveiled to help 2,000 low-income families

For many low-income families, upgrading their living environment addresses immediate material needs, but deeper challenges remain. Cheng noted that children from these backgrounds often lack access to diverse educational experiences and structured learning guidance.

"Through the holistic development enrichment curricula offered in this program — ranging from hands-on workshops to financial literacy training — we aim to provide immersive learning opportunities that broaden their horizons and boost their confidence in integrating into society," Cheng said.

The initiative seeks to support children's growth by enhancing their educational foundation, strengthening social awareness, fostering an understanding of the natural world, developing logical thinking and innovation, and introducing financial literacy concepts to encourage independence, according to the introduction.

By addressing these key areas, the program aims to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the future.

The effectiveness of the home renovations will be tracked through before-and-after comparisons and household surveys. Educational programs will be assessed through participant engagement metrics, feedback surveys, and live attendance data. In the long term, the program will see at least 80 percent of participating children develop stronger social skills and a greater interest in learning.

"By equipping each family member with future-oriented skills, we aim to unlock their potential and drive both personal and societal progress," Cheng said.

In addition, the DBS Foundation has been committed to providing essential needs to low-income and the underprivileged groups in Asia. In recent years, the foundation is stepping up efforts to promote sustainable solutions for longevity.

"We must collaborate across sectors to develop solutions that improve living span and build a more inclusive and sustainable aging society," Cheng said.

In September 2024, the DBS Foundation launched the DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award, aimed at supporting innovative solutions for aging. Enterprises are encouraged to leverage technology or any innovative solutions to enhance elderly healthcare and foster lifelong learning, she added.

Zhou Wenbo contributed to this story.