DBS Foundation and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service
Co-Hosted the Second Edition of
“Equip Today, Empower Tomorrow” Community Carnival

Promoting Digital Health and Financial Literacy to Build Thriving Communities —
Over 100,000 Underprivileged Individuals to Benefit

Hong Kong, 8 November 2025 – DBS Foundation (“DBSF”) and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (“HKCSS”) embarked on a 3-year strategic partnership in November 2024, aiming to impact over 100,000 elderly individuals and underprivileged families across Hong Kong to improve their livelihood. This collaboration focuses on two community-based programmes designed to address key societal needs: digital health management in an ageing society, and family financial education and communications, as well as anti-scam awareness.

• “SilverConnect” improves healthcare access for the elderly and their caregivers at home and residential care facilities through the development of a tele-practice platform and various gerontechnologies, promoting the approach of “early detection, early intervention”.
• “Treasure Wealth, Treasure Love” Family Financial Education Programme promotes a holistic approach to financial education, family communications and anti-scam awareness to strengthen the resilience of low-income families.

Building on the overwhelming success and enthusiastic community participation in the inaugural Community Carnival in July 2025, DBSF and HKCSS are proud to present the second of the “Equip Today, Empower Tomorrow” Community Carnival from 7 to 9 November at Lok Fu Place. The carnival invites seniors, caregivers and underprivileged families to engage in hands-on experiences including health screenings, interactive gerontechnology trainings and essential financial literacy games that combine budgeting skills with digital tools. A dedicated anti-scam booth and a series of seminars also offer practical information to help the public to stay vigilant and strengthen their ability to guard against scams, equipping them for a healthier and vibrant future.

Ms Cherie YEUNG, Acting Deputy Director (Strategy) of the Housing Department, HKSAR Government, said, “This meaningful event enables the public to learn about financial management and healthcare through interactive experiences, helping them to prepare for a better future. In recent years, the Government has introduced a series of measures to encourage upward mobility through the housing ladder. The element of caring for the elderly in this event aligns closely with the direction of this year’s Policy Address. The Housing Authority will launch the ‘Flat-for-Flat Scheme for Elderly Owners’, which will allow eligible elderly owners of Subsidised Sale Flats to purchase a smaller flat or a flat in a more remote area after selling their original one in the secondary market. In doing so, they can get additional cash to cover their living expenses, while urban or larger flats can be released for families in need to apply for.”

Mr Raymond CHAN, JP, Executive Director (Enforcement and AML), Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said, “Scams don’t just inflict direct financial harm; they can also lead to mental distress for victims, their families and friends. We have long supported banks in empowering citizens with broader financial literacy that will help them avoid falling victim to scams. The HKMA will continue to combat scams with the banking industry and the Police by promoting public awareness of the need to safeguard personal and bank account information, and encouraging the public to share information about scams with friends and family. By working together, we can make our community more resilient and secure for everyone.”

Ms Alphae CHEN, Managing Director and Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Hong Kong, said, “DBS Foundation believes that when underprivileged communities have access to the right resources and knowledge, they gain the confidence to overcome challenges and thrive. Through this Carnival, we hope to connect more people with our ‘SilverConnect’ and ‘Treasure Wealth, Treasure Love’ programmes—supporting seniors and families in building stronger health and financial resilience. We are grateful to HKCSS and our community partners for bringing these impactful initiatives into the heart of the community and into people’s homes.”

Dr Jessica TAM, Business Director of Hong Kong Council of Social Service, said, “We are profoundly honoured to collaborate with DBS Foundation once again on the successful return of the ‘Equip Today, Empower Tomorrow’ Community Carnival. We recognise that proactive preparation for both physical and financial well-being today serves as the essential foundation for building a prosperous future. With the steadfast support of DBS Foundation, we are bringing integrated health management and family financial literacy into the community, empowering grassroots families to build holistic life planning capabilities. This includes not only fostering sound financial planning for the future but also strengthening resilience. We look forward to continuing our partnership with diverse stakeholders in building a community where every citizen can enjoy both health and happiness.”

Introduction of SilverConnect

Through the application of a one-stop “tele-practice platform” and diverse gerontechnology solutions, the programme provides a three-level health management and intervention model for seniors with different health conditions. This encourages seniors to establish healthier lifestyles early on and assists caregivers in improving care quality. Through Community Partners, the programme offers free health risk assessments and follow-up training, realising the principle of “early detection, early intervention.” At the same time, by providing gerontechnology solutions, therapists receive assistance in incorporating tele-rehabilitation elements into seniors’ care plans, increasing training opportunities for homebound seniors and improving rehabilitation progress, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

The programme aims to introduce tele-practice solutions into seniors’ homes, allowing them to receive appropriate care and support flexibly and independently, regardless of geographical and time limitations. This supports aging-in-place and home rehabilitation, with expectations to serve over 52,000 elderly and caregivers within three years.

For further information, please visit: https://www.silverconnecthk.com/zh-hant/

Introduction of Treasure Wealth, Treasure Love – Family Financial Education Programme

Through the collaboration with five Community Partners and Volunteers from DBS Bank, this programme aims to enhance the financial literacy of grassroots citizens in Hong Kong and promote effective communication within families regarding financial matters. The current target audience includes parents, children, youth, the elderly, couples, and new arrivals. The programme provides tailored financial education and consultation services to meet the specific needs of these diverse groups. The scope of services encompasses not only family financial management and planning, the development of positive financial attitudes, and communication skills among family members, but also practical knowledge on preventing financial scams, using credit cards wisely, and effectively managing the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF).

Over the past year, the programme has successfully organised over 320 financial workshops, group activities, and individual consultations. Additionally, HKCSS will host the “Family Finance and Communication Experiential Day” in various districts across Hong Kong. These events will feature interactive games and engaging displays to promote financial skills and encourage family dialogue among the public. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of family financial management and communication. The programme has already benefited over 12,135 people, with a projected outreach to over 46,300 individuals from underprivileged communities over its three-year duration.

Visit www.hkcss.org.hk/twtl-project for further information.

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About DBS Foundation

Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence. 
 
In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period. 
 
Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations. 
 
For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation

About The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)

The HKCSS is a statutory body established in 1947. Together with our Agency Members, we uphold social justice and equality in our mission to advance the well-being of the Hong Kong community. The HKCSS is committed to building an impact-oriented, collaborative, and innovative social service sector, and co-creating a better society with stakeholders across different sectors. The HKCSS has over 520 Agency Members, with service units throughout Hong Kong, providing high-quality social services to those in need. For more information, please visit: www.hkcss.org.hk

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