THE stage is set for parents and grandparents to strut their stuff at the Glamparents Showtime at W World in George Town on May 10 from 6pm.
Organised by Glammas, a community of passionate senior women, the show aims to raise funds for both D Home Mental Health Association and Rose Charities. The event is endorsed and supported by the state EXCO for Social Development, Welfare and non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Lim Siew Khim and strategic partners VS Models by Velvet Signature, ALIST Academy Malaysia, Global Story, De’ Elegant, Dream Makers & Orient Fitness.
Organising chairperson Baby Goh, who is the co-founder of Glammas with Engel Cheoh, said the show encourages retirees to stay active by participating in the fashion parade.
“The show is more than a performance. It’s a platform where our parents and grandparents step into the limelight, through dance, music and fashion show to share their journeys of resilience and rediscovery and of choosing to live fully, again,” she said.
“We believe that when seniors are given a platform, they don’t just shine – they inspire families, communities, and future generations.”
More than 500 participants are expected at the show, which will feature 24 children under the age of 15, 13 Glamparent couples aged 60 and above, as well as special performances by Glammas.
Lim highlighted that the initiative not only celebrates active ageing but also fosters intergenerational connections.
“When children, parents, and grandparents come together on the same stage, it feels different. It is simple, yet meaningful. This is the kind of community we aim to build under the Penang2030 vision – one that is inclusive, connected, and supportive of people at every stage of life,” she said.
Lim also noted that, according to the Current Population Estimates, Malaysia 2025 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Penang is now ranked fifth among the 12 states in Malaysia that have reached “ageing status.” At one time, she said, Penang ranked second.
At the national level, Perak remains the highest, with 10.3% of its population classified as elderly. A state is considered “ageing” when those aged 65 and above exceed 7% of the total population.
She added that with Seberang Perai Selatan recently declared an ageing district, all five districts in Penang are now classified as ageing districts.
“These are not merely statistics. They clearly show that ageing is no longer a future issue, but a present reality. This is why the concept of active ageing is so important. In Penang, we are taking steps to prepare ourselves to become an age-friendly state,” she said.
“Active ageing means ensuring our seniors remain engaged in society, independent for as long as possible, and live with dignity, purpose, and social connection. It’s not just about living longer, but living well.”
Lim commended both the D’ Home Mental Health Association for consistently promoting mental wellbeing and community support, and Glammas for redefining how society views ageing, particularly for women. She emphasised that growing older does not mean becoming less visible, but rather continuing to live with style, confidence, and purpose.
D’ Home Mental Health Association president Datuk Seri Leslie Lee expressed his appreciation to Lim for her continued support of his association’s initiatives and to the sponsors, strategic partners, and collaborators for helping uplift lives and build a more inclusive and compassionate society.
He shared that in 2025, his association supported over 800 clients through activities and work rehabilitation, responded to 937 Careline support calls, reached 691 clients via Hopey Hub, supported 483 caregivers, delivered 1,388 hours of counselling services, and was strengthened by the dedication of 171 volunteers.
“The Glamparents initiative reflects this same spirit. It celebrates confidence, self-worth, and the beauty of ageing with dignity. It reminds us that every stage of life deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated,” Lee said.
Also present were Rose Charities acting president Vince Yeoh, Velvet Signature’s Ivan Choo, Dream Makers’ Engel Cheoh and De Elegant Weddings’ Shareen Lai.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En