Dr. Bee Wan, a 68-year-old social worker, social entrepreneur, and businesswoman, is launching a breakthrough podcast in Singapore. She aims to address important social issues and improve human conditions by engaging in fascinating conversations with insightful individuals. Dr. Bee Wan recognizes that podcasts have limited influence in Singapore, with only 16% of the population listening to them, primarily focused on food and entertainment. However, she intends to use podcasts as a platform to introduce breakthrough topics to Singaporeans and encourage their active participation.
She plans to cover various subjects such as real leadership, caregiving, mental wellness, and poverty eradication. Dr. Bee Wan proposes making Singapore a nation of caregivers by providing caregiving classes to all 16-year-olds, enabling people to care for their seniors at home. She suggests exploring the connection between gut health and mental wellness, leveraging Singaporeans’ love for food to address mental health concerns.
Dr. Bee Wan emphasizes the need for breakthrough thinking to tackle complex social issues. She highlights the troubling practice of seniors, aged 60 and above, performing menial tasks such as cleaning toilets and wiping tables for younger individuals. She questions why a developed nation like Singapore, with a high GDP and per capita income, allows this situation to persist. Dr. Bee Wan believes this issue requires innovative solutions and a shift in societal attitudes towards responsibility and compassion.
She shares a story about a 65-year-old cleaner who called a helpline daily to talk about her work, illustrating the loneliness and lack of appreciation experienced by these seniors. Dr. Bee Wan contrasts this with her observations in Tokyo, where younger individuals are energetically serving customers. She urges Singaporeans to consider the consequences of perpetuating such menial work for seniors and the implications it may have for future generations.
In conclusion, Dr. Bee Wan is passionate about driving positive change and invites social service professionals and the wider public to join her in weekly podcast discussions. She hopes to inspire breakthrough thinking, challenge traditional approaches, and create a compassionate and inclusive society in Singapore.
19 Comments. Leave new
This is so true. Starts us thinking on the realities of life in Singapore. All of us young and old can start to do a bit more to alleviate the dignity of people in Singapore. One small step each, will lead us to a gigantic step
Thanks very much Angie!! For your feedback and for joining us in the change! It only takes a spark to keep the fire going!
Important questions for the society we want to live in. Looking froward to hearing more.
Thanks Gerard! Listen to Dean’s podcast on real leadership in Singapore! Please share with your network and leave your feedback with Dean! Enjoy a blessed weekend with your loved ones!
Great start, looking forward to hear more.
Thanks very much for your support Chiun How! Please listen to Dean on Real Leadership in Singapore and share with your network! Thanks and enjoy a blessed weekend with your loved ones!
You hit on the right topic Bee Wan on seniors doing cleaning jobs which sometimes the youth take for granted … we certainly need to nudge the right behaviours esp in our young ! Everyone has a role to play and take civic responsibility Would we want our own mothers and fathers flushing toilets after irresponsible members of public leave a’ mess ? We need to not only be responsible citizens but also show empathy to elders who are taking on tough jobs
Hello Chiun How!
Thanks for your support! Hope you listen to Dean’s podcast on real leadership in Singapore! Please share with Vernon and your board and staff! Thanks again and wishing you a blessed weekend!
Thanks Rinkoo! Indeed you are spot on – empathy will lead us to breakthrough for our seniors in menial tasks! Esp when we are rewarding seniors to work longer! Wishing you a blessed weekend !
Thank you Bee Wan. This podcast is indeed needful in creating a greater awareness and in looking deeper within ourselves. It gives pause in the busyness of our lives in questioning our values, beliefs and behaviors. Do we see, hear, know?
Most insightful Chris! When we stop our busy preoccupation and listen and question – self reflection is the first step to being humane vs human doings! Enjoy a blessed weekend with your loved ones!
Thank you, Dr Tan. The podcast is great and it gives insight on day-to-day issues that are happening in society. The points which you touched on the elderly carrying out the cleaning works were really spot on and real. Looking forward to the next podcast!!
Thanks Lyn for your kind support! Deeply appreciate that as Marina Bay Suites Residence Manager, you always supported our vendors not to give seniors menial tasks! Well done and keep it up being such a caring person both at home and work!
Thank you Bee Wan for such wonderful initiative! I already have friends who are looking forward to hearing more and posting it on Spotify to get more audience.
A recent Straits Times article “Malaysian garbage truck driver is three-year-old boy’s unsung hero during Covid-19 pandemic” writes very well that “hard work – no matter the job – should be recognised. Society should have a more positive view towards such manual workers, as they are also earning an honest living to feed their families and contribute to the country,”
Malaysia could recognise such effort, what about us?
Wow Sheila! You are spot on and thanks for sharing about the 3-year Malaysian boy! Indeed once we are attentive to vulnerable around us, we become more sensitive and caring! Thanks again and listen to Dean’s podcast on how leaders can set the tone too! Wishing you a blessed weekend!
Good morning. Pui San & I were at the Pasir Panjang foodcourt for our lunch yesterday. Saw this lady (in black) in the background clearing dirty plates, etc.. from the Return Tray Station. Her back is bent, and she walked slowly going around doing her duty. She reminded me of the stories about cleaners shared by Bee Wan. When she passed me, I stopped her and asked if she had her lunch. She replied yes. Started a brief conversation with her about her work. When I gave her $10 as a token of appreciation for her contribution, she refused initially but finally accepted after much insistance from me. I told her my small contribution is to thank her for her contribution to the foodcourt. In addition to this experience, we filled our stomach with good affordable Hainaness chicken rice there.
June you have always been my model for caring for vulnerable esp after starting early intervention for children with social needs in Singapore and continue to care for seniors as we age! You and Puay San who through his arts, are caring changemakers！
Informative and Enriching! Will be posting on our ACES Care Spotify Channel!
Bee Wan listening to your podcast. You are an innovative, change maker and never stopped to explore new things.
I look forward to listening to all the podcasts