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At 81, Madam Aminah has lived independently since 2004. While her sons visit her a few times a week, much of her daily companionship comes from the Lions Befrienders Active Ageing Centre. There, she enjoys Bingo sessions, field trips, and homecooked meals with friends – activities that keep her engaged and socially connected. This fulfilling routine is only possible because of the dedication of DBS People of Purpose volunteers like Sharon Sim and her colleagues. Partnering with Lions Befrienders, Sharon and her team saw an urgent need to support socially-isolated seniors, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. They mobilised colleagues for door-to-door outreach, checking in on elderly residents and encouraging them to participate in active ageing programmes. Recognising that mobility challenges made grocery shopping difficult for some seniors, they also packed and distributed essential food bundles. For Sharon, this initiative was just one part of a larger mission. In 2023, she spearheaded a year-long programme leveraging her colleagues' skills to equip over 100 vulnerable individuals with digital literacy. From empowering disadvantaged women with digital learning to introducing children from lower-income families to Gen AI and mentoring youth with disabilities, the initiative reflected her belief that meaningful engagement comes from supporting others. Her passion for inclusion and empowerment is deeply tied to her role as Vice President of People Engagement and Communications, where she champions gender and social inclusion. It is also shaped by an early lesson from her mentor. At the start of her career, Sharon once spoke out at a forum, challenging a statement made by the speaker. Expecting praise, she was instead advised by her mentor to be more tactful. “Good communication isn’t just about being right – it’s about being respectful and choosing the right time to share your point of view.” That wisdom has guided her leadership style ever since. Today, Sharon not only empowers the vulnerable but also uplifts women in her own department, helping them thrive in a male-dominated tech industry. “I’ve been fortunate to meet many inspiring women who took a chance on me, and I hope to continue their legacy through my work at DBS,” Sharon shared. --- Learn more about DBS' employee volunteer movement and our bank-wide effort to tackle the urgent challenges of ageing societies at https://go.dbs.com/4jp5a4O . #LifeatDBS #DBSPeopleofPurpose #volunteering #inclusion #WomenInTech