Synopsis and Programme
UNCOMMON DIALOGUE: TACKLING THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN A SUPER-AGED SINGAPORE
Population ageing is arguably one of the most significant trends of our generation. It is common knowledge that our population is rapidly ageing. Singapore is set to reach ‘super-aged’ status in 2026 in which more than 21% of our population will be aged 65 years and above, this is set to increase to 1 in 4 by 2030. It is evident that the government has been preparing for this eventuality through policies, grants, infrastructure, capacity and capability building in health and community care. Arguably, most national and community-based efforts have been centred around the physical/health aspects of ageing, and less so on the mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders brought on during the ageing process.
Are we at the cusp of a mental health crisis in a super-aged Singapore? What are some possible challenges, and how do we mitigate the impact and provide sustainable solutions to build a more connected community?
Programme
Pre-Event Booths offering insights into Reminiscence Facilitation and Advanced Care Planning
Performance by MWS Beneficiaries
Opening Address by MWS CEO, Mr Calvin Ngo
Panel Discussion – Tackling the Mental Health Crisis in a Super-aged Singapore
Legacy Giving by Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend Ltd
Closing Address by MWS BOG Chairperson, Mr Eugene Toh
Panellists and Speaker
UNCOMMON DIALOGUE MODERATOR Mr David Wong Cheong Fook
Mr David Wong is a Chartered Accountant and former EY partner. The recipient of multiple National Day Awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, he is the former Chairperson and Treasurer of the MWS Board of Governance and currently serves as the Board Advisor. David is the current Vice-Chairman of the National Council for Problem Gambling and Trustee for YMCA Singapore.
UNCOMMON DIALOGUE PANELLIST Dr Raymond Leong
Dr Raymond Leong is the Group Director of Healthcare Services in Methodist Welfare Services.
He is the former Health Advisor for Shell Petroleum Pte Ltd and Medical Director in Clinical Affairs at Tsao Foundation.
Raymond has held multiple appointments within the primary healthcare setting and a keen interest in healthcare management and clinical governance.
UNCOMMON DIALOGUE PANELLIST Dr Ng Wai Chong
Dr Ng Wai Chong is a practising community aged-care physician and Founder-CEO of NWC Longevity Practice, a social enterprise providing consultancy, training and research related to aging and longevity.
He volunteers at many charities and government committees that focus on the support and care of vulnerable adults and older persons.
Dr Ng works with international development agencies on technical assistance projects related to developing sustainable and inclusive long-term care and end-of-life care service-systems in developing economies in the Asia Pacific Region. He is an InterRAI Fellow for Singapore.
UNCOMMON DIALOGUE PANELLIST Emeritus Professor Kua Ee Heok
Professor Kua Ee Heok is an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at National University of Singapore, and Emeritus Consultant of National University Hospital and Mind Care Clinic at Farrer Park Hospital.
Professor Kua received his early training in Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry from Oxford and Harvard University respectively. He later obtained a Doctorate in Medicine from NUS.
He was the former Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in National University of Singapore, CEO and Medical Director of the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore. A recipient of multiple global and regional grants and prizes, Professor Kua also has an illustrious local public record and was conferred PBM and BBM, National Day Awards from the Prime Minister’s Office.
LEGACY GIVING PRESENTER Mr Christopher Tan
Chief Executive Officer
Providend Ltd
Christopher has more than two decades of experience in the wealth management and financial planning industry.
Professionally, Christopher is a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the Financial Planning Association of Singapore. He sat on the Management Committee of Securities Investors Association (Singapore) (SIAS) from 2009 to 2017 and was reappointed in September 2022. In 2014, Christopher was appointed by the Singapore Government to be part of the CPF Advisory Panel.