The Pioneer Generation Office (PGO) plays a crucial role in Singapore by spearheading outreach efforts to support its senior citizens. Established in August 2014, the PGO oversees the Pioneer Generation Ambassadors Programme, a volunteer-driven initiative designed to personally connect with seniors and their caregivers. These dedicated volunteers explain the various government schemes available to them, ensuring they understand and can access the support they are entitled to.
Initially focused on the Pioneer Generation, the Pioneer Generation Office expanded its outreach in August 2016 to include an additional 90,000 Singaporeans aged 65 and above. This expansion marked the third wave of engagement, driven by the Support Schemes for Seniors (SFS) programme. The SFS programme goes beyond the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life, encompassing schemes like the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Silver Support Scheme (SSS), and the GST Voucher scheme. This broader approach ensures that a wider range of seniors can benefit from government assistance.
The impact of the Pioneer Generation Office’s work is significant. Between August 2016 and September 2017, PG Ambassadors successfully engaged nearly 350,000 seniors, representing over two-thirds of Singapore’s total senior population. Furthermore, the PGO supported the Community Networks for Seniors (CNS) pilot program in Tampines, Marine Parade, and Chua Chu Kang GRCs. In these pilot areas, PG Ambassadors referred more than 800 seniors with complex needs to relevant agencies for case management, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing diverse senior needs.
Currently, the Pioneer Generation Office has a network of over 3,000 trained PG Ambassadors. This volunteer pool is presently sufficient to maintain ongoing engagement activities. Looking ahead, recognizing the increasing senior population, the PGO is actively recruiting more volunteers. They are forming partnerships with organizations like the National Volunteering and Philanthropy Council (NVPC), Council for Third Age (C3A), and RSVP Singapore to encourage greater community involvement. The Pioneer Generation Office welcomes individuals passionate about supporting seniors to step forward and become PG Ambassadors, contributing to this vital national effort.
