UNDER the warm glow of Chinese New Year lanterns and the cheerful presence of its elderly residents, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring seniors continue to live with dignity, care and security.
Joining residents at the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged for its Chinese New Year celebration, Chow said the festive season was a meaningful time to reflect on the contributions of the older generation who helped shape Penang into what it is today.
“Chinese New Year is a season of reunion, gratitude, and reflection.
“There is no more meaningful place to mark this celebration than here, among our seniors, the living history, wisdom, and strength of our community,” he said in his speech.
Chow noted that Penang is projected to become an aged state by 2040, making it crucial for both the government and society to prepare and strengthen elderly care.
“This is far more than a statistic. It is a responsibility. The way we care for our elderly today will define the character of our society tomorrow,” he said.
As chairman of the Home’s Board of Trustees, Chow said an initial transformation plan had been presented to ensure the institution remains sustainable and continues to provide quality care.
“What we envision is a ‘business with a heart’, an institution grounded in empathy and guided by discipline.
“Compassion remains our foundation, yet sustainability must be our framework,” he added.
He also called on corporate partners and stakeholders to play their part in supporting elderly care through collaboration, sponsorship and expertise.
“Let us move beyond conversations about the future. Let us build it together and extend our hands to those who once guided ours,” he said.
During the event, Chow also distributed red packets to residents, courtesy of sponsors and donors, bringing smiles to the festive gathering.
In support of the Home, Asas Dunia Berhad announced a RM100,000 contribution to assist in its ongoing and future initiatives.
Meanwhile, Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged chairman Datuk Ooi Hooi Kiang said the Home, established in 1925, has long been committed to caring for the poor and needy elderly through fully subsidised services.
She said the Home is now planning its next phase, which includes offering affordable residential aged care for seniors who may not qualify for full subsidies but cannot afford private facilities.
“We hope to expand our services to reach more seniors as Penang moves towards becoming an aged state by 2040,” he said.
Ooi added that the Home is also planning to introduce affordable daycare services for elderly persons to support working families.
“This initiative will help ease the worries of working adults who have immobile parents at home, while improving their well-being and productivity,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to Chow, trustees, donors, corporate partners, staff and volunteers for their continued support and dedication to the Home.
The celebration not only ushered in the festive spirit of Chinese New Year, but also reflected a shared commitment to ensure Penang’s elderly continue to be valued, cared for and remembered as the pillars of the community.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan