Lee Kim Eng, 71 Desire to teach what she has learned
"My mum is a very hardworking lady who loves her family and is devoted to whatever she does. She is a strong believer in self improvement and in giving back to the community and for these reasons, I am sure she will be a source of inspiration to the other seniors out there."- Ms Chua May May
Mdm Lee Kim Eng's work in community service has spanned over 20 years. Depressed over the passing of her husband in 1985, helping others gave her a new focus and sense of purpose. Since then, she has won numerous accolades for her dedicated community involvement.
With a firm desire to help others and spread cheer, she joined the Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre in 1999 to conduct singing classes for senior citizens. She now has 20 students under her care. She is also a volunteer with Love Cope, an organisation which provides free transportation to elderly folks, and puts her cooking skills to use whipping up meals for the old and needy at Kallang CC.
Of course, Mdm Lee's children and grandchildren are also the beneficiaries of her excellent cooking – Tuesday nights are reserved for the customary family dinner. And despite her relative lack of formal education, Mdm Lee personifies lifelong learning. She joined a Mandarin toastmasters' club to improve her public speaking skills, and has taken classes in IT, Hanyu Pinyin, English, singing and dancing.
Haji Mohamed Hassan Haji Hatib, 67
True representation of the "never say old" attitude
"My dad has retired many years ago but it seems that he has never retired. He still leads an active lifestyle and takes good care of his health. A loving husband to my mum, a caring dad to me and my husband, a doting grandpa to my son, a warm uncle to the neighbours and a friendly figure to people around him, my dad is my idol!" - Ms Haslina Hassan
Haji Mohamed Hassan is one person who has never let age get in his way of life. Even at age 67, he is as active as he can be in all aspects of his life.
His day starts with his routine morning exercises. Then he helps his wife with household chores by washing the family car, marketing and doing the laundry, or takes long walks. An involved grandfather, Haji Mohamed Hassan – who is a retired school teacher – tutors his grandson in Mathematics, Science, Malay and Islamic Knowledge, and imparts his life experiences as well historical knowledge of Singapore to the youngster.
Outside the home, Haji Mohamed Hassan is actively involved in the mosque, where he is an Imam. He is also a familiar figure in his neighbourhood. He joins boys in playing table tennis and teaches them more about the game. He often stops to talk to his neighbours and helps them out, making him a popular figure in his neighbourhood.
With his love for walking, it is no wonder that Haji Mohamed Hassan makes regular trips to New Zealand, where he gets to do his favourite long walks and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time.
Daisy Chee, 71
A nature lover with an interest in photography and deep-sea fishing
"Daisy has been my immediate neighbour since 1995. She is not only caring and thoughtful but her positive outlook on life impresses me greatly. With her achievements, zest for life and exemplary moral values, I am sure she will make an excellent Active Ageing Ambassador". - Emily Lim
She has always looked to further broaden her knowledge in whichever field she is interested. Apart from photography, she has tried her hand at improving her IT skills for creative purposes, more than just for surfing the net. She has a keen interest in palmistry, Feng Shui and numerology, and is also part of a Toastmasters club where she has earned herself the title of Best Speaker for the month.
Of late, she has taken up fishing, and has won two top prizes in competitions organised by community centres. She goes for regular deep-sea fishing trips, is a nature lover and has even taught her pet budgies to act, dance and speak in English, Malay and Mandarin.
She takes her health very seriously and spreads messages of health to friends and relatives. Her weekly lessons on impact aerobics, Latin Ballroom Dancing and Line Dancing help to keep her fit.
Sunanda Devi Senan, 70
Spreading joy through volunteering
"Mrs Senan's volunteering has brought much benefits to others, including herself. She brings joy and laughter to many. Those under her care look up to her and aspire to be like her. And being a volunteer, it has brought great satisfaction and personal achievement to her. She truly embodies the true essence of this Award".- Sree Narayana Mission
With a heart, mind and soul of gold, Mrs. Sundanda Senan has devoted many years to community service. She is an active volunteer with Sree Narayana Mission, holding roles as a member of the Executive Committee, as well as in other various sub-committees. A strong believer in life-long learning, she is a keen mature woman who is always looking for new ways to acquire knowledge and skills for personal development. She set up computer classes to educate the day care and live-in residents of Sree Narayana Mission (SNM).
With a friendly and approachable demeanor, she establishes friendships easily, making her a favourite among volunteers, staff and the residents of SNM. She is well-liked among her peers due to her pleasant nature.
Not forgetting her health and leading others by example, she practises a proper diet and exercise regime. Following the philosophy of "Health is Wealth", she pioneered a series of exercise classes for women.
Harbhajan Singh s/o Chanan Singh, 67
A nurse, a mentor and an exemplary citizen
"Mr Singh has contributed significantly to the nation, workplace, community, professional organisation and his family. He is indeed a role model to society and an active working senior, and a model grandparent who continues the legacy for caring at personal and community levels." - Tan Tock Seng Hospital
With over 40 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Mr Harbhajan Singh is an individual whom many look up to for knowledge. A Senior Nurse Manager at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he is passionate about his work, mentors his fellow co-workers and passes on his invaluable experience and knowledge to the younger generation of nurses. He is a symbol of courage, having provided exemplary service to the Ministry of Health during the SARS epidemic.
Inspiring not just in his career, he is also actively involved in the community, where he has participated in various grassroots organizations and devoted his time to serving the public. Putting his nursing knowledge to use, in 1982, he was the brainchild of a community medical advice programme in Ang Mo Kio, offering free medical check-ups and health advice. Even now, he periodically advises the Sikh community on healthy lifestyles.
Mr Harbhajan Singh practices what he preaches – he goes regularly to the gym, and participates in health events. Despite his work and community commitments, he also finds time to spend with family – he has four grandchildren and devotes considerable attention to them, inculcating in them the Sikh culture and taking them to social, cultural and sporting events.
