Standard Chartered: Empowering our Seniors with Digital Literacy

More than 1,200 seniors from various Active Ageing Centres (AACs) operated by Social Service Agencies (SSAs) gathered at Gardens by the Bay over three enjoyable afternoons, bonding, exploring and navigating the iconic attraction using their mobile phones.

This “Gardens ‘Byte’ the Bay” initiative was organised as part of Standard Chartered’s global employee volunteering month in June, in support of the national Digital for Life movement. It has mobilised partners from the private, people and public sectors to help Singaporeans embrace digital as a lifelong pursuit and enrich their lives through digital technology.

Gardens ‘Byte’ the Bay Experiential Learning

Over 1,200 Standard Chartered employee volunteers spent a day with the seniors at Gardens by the Bay teaching them digital skills which are essential for daily living. Supported by a team of Digital Ambassadors from IMDA’s SG Digital Office (SDO), they used content from IMDA’s Digital Skills for Life (DSL) framework, which includes learning how to connect their mobile phones to cellular or Wi-Fi networks, finding information online, planning for their commute, and safeguarding themselves against common online scams such as phishing.

The event offered participants a fun and engaging hands-on experience, which helped reinforce their digital learning. The seniors, ranging from their 50s to their 90s, put their newly-acquired digital skills to good use, snapping photos of their favourite flora and fauna, and exchanging messages on WhatsApp with their friends, as they toured around the scenic location.

Seniors who are keen to continue growing in digital skills and knowledge can also visit SG Digital Community Hubs and learn from SDO’s Digital Ambassadors.

Driving Digital Literacy and Inclusion

Standard Chartered is committed to building an inclusive digital society in Singapore through helping senior citizens keep pace with technology and live confidently in their golden years. Mr Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered, said: “As our community continues to evolve digitally, it is important for large organisations like us to play our part to bridge divide and alleviate inequality in society.”

As part of the Bank’s drive to build a more inclusive digital society and continued support for the national Digital for Life movement, it has partnered with IMDA and SSAs such as FaithActs and Presbyterian Community Services in a six-month “Project V” initiative to organise monthly digital literacy workshops at various AACs from August 2024 to January 2025. These workshops are expected to involve some 250 staff volunteers and benefit over 450 seniors.

Find Out How You Can Play a Part

Join the Digital for Life movement in promoting lifelong digital learning and empowering the community to enjoy the benefits of digital technology. Support us by starting a ground-up project for the community, volunteering in our partners’ programmes or donating to the Digital for Life Fund. With your support, we can work towards building an inclusive digital future for everyone!

Find out more about how you can contribute as a Digital for Life Partner.