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Mr Alan Hatton-Yeo
Chief Executive
Beth Johnson Foundation, UK
Alan Hatton-Yeo (BA, MA, PGCE) originally studied Chemistry before retraining as a special education teacher. He worked in the field of education for seventeen years with roles including College Principal and Principal Education Officer of the then Spastics Society for England and Wales. Following a period working with the British Red Cross he joined the Beth Johnson Foundation as Chief Executive in March 1998.
The Foundation was established in 1972 to develop new approaches to ageing that link practice, policy and research. Currently its work includes specialist work around advocacy for people with dementia, health promotion for older people, mid life, volunteering, engagement and participation and intergenerational work. Alan’s current roles include:
- Director of the Centre for Intergenerational Practice
- Secretary of the International Consortium for Intergenerational Programmes
- Strategic lead for the Welsh Assembly Government on Intergenerational Practice
- Advisor to the United Kingdom Older People’s Advocacy Alliance
Recent Publication Include:
Hatton-Yeo, A. (2008). Programas intergeneracionales, solidaridad intergeneracional y cohesión social. In M. Sánchez (Ed.), Hacia una sociedad para todas las edades. La vía de los programas intergeneracionales. Barcelona: Fundación La Caixa.
Kuehne V and Hatton-Yeo A (2006) Editors; Global Challenges – Future Directions: Intergenerational Programs, Research and Social Policy Journal of Intergenerational Relations New York, Haworth Press.
Hatton-Yeo, A and Ohsako T (2000) Editors: Intergenerational Programmes: Public Policy and Research Implications an International Perspective. Hamburg: UNESCO
Hatton-Yeo, A (2006) Editor: Intergenerational Programmes – An Introduction and Examples of Practice. Stoke-on-Trent: The Beth Johnson Foundation
Hatton-Yeo A (2007) Intergenerational Practice: Active Participation Across the Generations. Oxford, Volunteering in the Third Age.
Mr Andrew Fung
General Manager
Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices
Andrew Fung is the General Manager of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP). TAFEP promotes fair, responsible and merit-based employment practices so that employees can realise their full potential and employers can achieve organisational excellence. Leveraging its unique tripartite identity, TAFEP works in partnership with employer organisations, unions and the government to create awareness and facilitate the adoption of fair and responsible employment practices. TAFEP provides a range of services, tools and resources, including training workshops, advisory services, and educational materials, to help organisations implement fair and responsible employment practices. TAFEP also receives feedback from the public on their discrimination experiences and provides advice and assistance to those who have experienced discrimination at the workplace.
Hire on Merit. Be a Fair Employer.
Dr Ann-Kristin Boström
Director of Education, Swedish National Agency for Education; and
Special Advisor, Swedish Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden
Ann-Kristin Boström is Director of Education in the Swedish National Agency for Education and Special Advisor for the Swedish Ministry of Education and Research. She has a background as a teacher and has a BA from Gothenburg University and a MA and a PhD from Stockholm University, Institute of International Education. She has made two evaluations of Lifelong learning in Sweden. One for CEDEFOP , European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, with the title “The extent to which vocational training policy is nurturing lifelong learning in Sweden”. The second evaluation was conducted for the Ministry of Education and the European Commission regarding the Sokrates and Leonardo programmes. Boström participated in an expert group for the Council of Europe, Steering Committee for Education, where she is one of the Swedish representatives.
Her special interest is lifelong learning, intergenerational learning and social capital. She is affiliated Research Fellow at Encell, and member of the European intergenerational network EMIL. She is part of an international network for intergenerational learning and member of the editorial board of the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. Boström has a special interest in the concept of lifelong learning and its current development in relation to social capital and well-being and has an international network in the area.
Dr Atsuko Kusano
Chair, Japan Intergenerational Unity Association
Professor of Shiraumegakuen University, Japan
Atsuko Kusano, Chair of the Japan Intergenerational Unity Association, has a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Tohoku University School of Medicine in 1993. Since 1985, she has held several academic appointments including as Professor in the Department of Education at Shinshu University. Dr Kusano is currently Dean and Professor in the department of Family and Community Support at Shiraumegakuen University.
Dr Kusano has lectured at numerous conferences and published articles on issues concerning aging population trends, family structural changes, and women’s issues in Japan, China, Denmark and Sweden. She organised Uniting the Generations: Japan Conference to Promote Intergenerational
Programs and Practices and Post Conference: International Academic Meeting on Intergenerational Issues and Initiatives at Waseda University in 2006. She is a member of editorial board of Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. Now she has been organising an academic organisation called Japan Society of Intergenerational Studies with the support of scholars, NPO, volunteer groups, administration, journalists and children. Dr Kusano organised Japan Intergenerational Study Tour in 2009.
She is a member of the International Federation for Home Economics and the Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in the U.S. She is co-author of The Role of Intergenerational Programs
for Supporting Children, Youth and Elders in Japan (SUNY Press, 1998) and co-editor of Linking Lifetimes: A Global View of Intergenerational Exchange. (University Press of America) She edited an intergenerational book called Intergenerational Effects in the View of Human Development and Building a Symbiotic Society. (Sangaku shuppann, 2009)
Ms Brenda Yeow Chien Chien
Board Member and Chairperson of Mentoring Programme / RSVP Singapore – The Organisation of Senior Volunteers
Miss Yeow Chien Chien Brenda, has contributed 43 years to education service before retiring in Jan 2006. She has served in various positions starting from a classroom teacher, to science textbook/curriculum developer in the Curriculum Development Institution of Singapore, to vice principal, principal and school inspector. During the last 20 years of her service she has served in various committees in the MOE and conducted various workshops for teachers. After retirement, she still renders part-time service to MOE such as chairing the Teacher Recruitment Interview Panels and as validator for the National Education Awards. Wanting to continue her passion in the education of children, she is currently serving as an advisor to an education supplier Hands On Learning and she co-writes its online newsletter.
Service to Community
Besides being a leader within the schools and Ministry of Education, Miss Yeow has contributed to the development of science education at national and international levels – organized science festivals/fairs/activities for students from primary school to junior college levels and workshops for teachers and presented papers at conferences. She has served as Chairman of the Science Teachers Association of Singapore and a member of the Singapore Science Centre Board for several years. In recognition for her service to science education, she was conferred the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1984. She was the Hon Treasurer of the Singapore National Academy of Science from Dec 2006 to Dec 2008. Apart from the professional associations, Miss Yeow is also a member of the Science Education Committee of CDAC and supervises the tutors in service. She is also a Board member of RSVP Singapore - The Organisation of Senior Volunteers and currently heads the RSVP Mentoring Programme Committee which plans and co-ordinates programmes whereby retirees are meaningfully engaged in inter-generational activities with primary school students. Miss Yeow is also a volunteer with PUB and Tsao Foundation; and a member of the Association for Early Childhood Educators Singapore (AECES).
Ms Donna M. Butts
Executive Director
Generations United, USA
Read Intergenerational Programs Promote Active Aging, Donna's article in The Journal on Active Aging
Since 1997, Donna M. Butts has served as the Executive Director of Generations United. Donna has more than 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations at the local, national, and international levels. Her career began in her home state of Oregon. Over the years she has held leadership positions for many youth development organizations including the YWCA, Covenant House, and National 4-H Council. Prior to joining GU, Donna was the executive director of the National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention.
In 2004, Donna was honored with the National Council on Aging's Jack Ossofsky Award for Leadership, Creativity and Innovation in Programs and Services for Old Persons. She was selected as a 2005 delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1998 she was appointed to serve on the National Kinship Care Advisory Panel. She has served as an invited expert to two United Nations convenings, the most recent on intergenerational solidarity held in late 2007. Donna is a graduate of Marylhurst College and Stanford University’s Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders. She serves on several boards including the International Consortium of Intergenerational Programmes, which she currently chairs, and the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, and is a respected author and speaker
Mr Gan Kim Yong
Minister for Manpower
Born in Singapore on 9 February 1959, Mr Gan is married with two daughters. He received his education in Catholic High School and National Junior College. He was then awarded the Overseas Merit Scholarship to read Engineering in Cambridge University and graduated with a Bachelor degree (Honours) in 1981. Mr Gan subsequently obtained his Master’s Degree in Engineering from Cambridge University in 1985.
He joined the Administrative Service in 1983 and served as Assistant Director in the Ministry of Trade and Industry overseeing domestic trade. He was subsequently promoted to Deputy Director for International Trade in 1987 before being posted to Ministry of Home Affairs as Assistant Head of Research in 1989.
Mr Gan left the Administrative Service in 1989 for the private sector. He joined NatSteel Ltd (then known as National Iron and Steel Mills) as a manager for Corporate Planning. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of NatSteel and CEO of NatSteel Resorts International and NatSteel Properties in 1996. He became the CEO and President of NatSteel in 2005.
In 2001, Mr Gan became a Member of Parliament for the Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC following the General Elections. Subsequently, Mr Gan stood in Chua Chu Kang SMC during the 2006 General Elections and won.
He served as a member of the Remaking Singapore Committee and a member of the Public Accounts Committee in 2002. He was also the Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education in 2005. Mr Gan was co-opted into the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in December 2008, and also serves as the Second Organising Secretary of the party.
Mr Gan was appointed Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for Manpower concurrently in 2005. He was promoted to Acting Minister for Manpower in April 2008 and to full Minister in April 2009.
He currently leads various national committees, including the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers, the Tripartite Panel on Community Engagement at Workplaces and also serves as Advisor of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices.
Mr Henry Quake
Chief Executive Officer, Council for Third Age, Singapore
Henry Quake joined Council for Third Age as its Chief Executive Officer since its founding in May 2007. His first career was with the Singapore Armed Forces. He retired in 1997 after serving 25 years in the SAF. His second career was in healthcare and education as Chief Operating Officer of a healthcare group where he managed both local and regional operations in Indonesia and China and later as CEO of an e-learning education and training company before moving on to his third career in semiconductor in 2003. Here he served as the CEO of the technology training arm of an IC Design Technology Group and Group Chief Operating Officer and later as Board Director and President of a software design centre in Bangalore, India.
He was also an active grassroots volunteer for 12 years (1984-1996). He was awarded the Public Service Medal National Day Award in 1993.
Ms Iris Marreel
Staff member
Projektebüro “Dialog der Generationen” Berlin, Germany
Iris Marreel holds a Master’s degree in Ethnology and Master of Public Health. Since 2001, she is staff member of the Projektebüro “Dialog der Generationen” in Berlin, Germany, the national service agency for intergenerational projects with the aim to promote the dialogue across generations (www.generationendialog.de).
Iris’ recent key activities include European and International Networking, coordination of two Grundtvig learning partnerships, “Network of Intergenerational Learning in Europe” (2003-2006) and “Intergenerational Learning in Schools in Europe” (2006-2007).
Since 2003, Iris is a member of the management committee of ICIP and since 2006, she is responsible for external editorial collaboration on articles in the category “program profiles” for the "Journal for Intergenerational Relationships" (http://jir.ucsur.pitt.edu/.)
Prof. Dr. (emer.) Juhani Ilmarinen
Founder, Juhani Ilmarinen Consulting Company
Former Professor and Director, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland
After finishing his M.Sc. in early 1970s in Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences in the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, Juhani Ilmarinen started his research career in the Department of Physiology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH). From 1974 to 1978 Ilmarinen got a visiting research position in Institut fur Arbeitsphysiologie, University of Dortmund, Germany and made his Ph.D. in Health and Sport Sciences (Work Physiology) in University of Cologne, Germany in 1978. After return to FIOH, his work was focused on the theme Ageing and Work and his multidisciplinary team created the concept of Work Ability and a method called Work Ability Index (WAI) for ageing workers. From 1992 - 2005 Ilmarinen was appointed to the Director of the Department of Physiology in FIOH. During his last three years in FIOH, from 2006 to 2008, Juhani Ilmarinen was a Professor and Director of the Life Course and Work - Theme, aiming to create social innovations for a better and longer worklife for all generations.
Professor Ilmarinen was the Secretary of the Scientific Committee Ageing and Work of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) from 1989 to 2006. During his service the Committee organised several workshops, symposia and conferences in Ageing and Work worldwide and published several proceedings. Through the Committee’s activities, the topic Promotion of Work Ability of Ageing Workers and WAI was implemented in 26 countries. Ilmarinen was also the Chairman of the Technical Committee Ageing of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) from 1997 - 2007.
Ilmarinen has more than 500 publications in occupational health, work physiology, work ability and ageing. He has published 8 books, e.g. a handbook of age management called ‘Towards a Longer Work Life’ in 2006. In November 2008, the first National Prize for Innovative Practices in Employment and Social Policy was given to professor Ilmarinen.
After retirement from FIOH Prof. Ilmarinen has established Juhani Ilmarinen Consulting Company (JIC Ltd). In 2009 he was appointed as Visiting Professor of Occupational Wellbeing and Work Ability at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. His on-going mission worldwide is to implement the evidence based model of Work Ability and to promote the situation of all generations with Age Management, Work Ability and Life Course concepts.
Dr Leng Leng Thang
Member of Steering Committee, Health Research Cluster
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Leng Leng is a socio-cultural anthropologist with research interest on intergenerational programming, intergenerational relationships, aging and gender. She has worked extensively on Japan, and is the author of “Generations in Touch: Linking the old and in a Tokyo neighborhood” (Cornell University Press, 2001). She is active both as a scholar and activist in the field of intergenerational programming and intergenerational relationships. She has numerous publications on the subject and is editorial committee member of “Journal of Intergenerational Relationships”, serving as chair of the program profile section for the journal. She also chairs the Commission on Aging and the Aged in the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences.
In Singapore, she actively promotes the concept of intergenerational programming to link the old and in various ways. This includes key involvement in the organization of workshops and conferences with different organizations to promote awareness and provide training to voluntary welfare agencies; working with agencies such as National Library Board, Community Development Council, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, various elderly/children/youth social service agencies interested in promoting the concept of intergenerational integration and bonding.
She has served as chair of a taskforce to promote grandparenting and intergenerational bonding under Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. She is currently chair of Fei Yue Family Service Centre which is active in family and intergenerational programs, among others. She also teaches the concept of intergenerational programming in the university module on community service and social action. Leng Leng obtained her Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with specialization on Japan. She is currently associate professor and head of Department of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore.
Mr Lim Boon Heng
Minister, Prime Minister's Office Singapore
| Education: | 1970 | Graduated from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K. with B.Sc. (Hons) in Naval Architecture. Joined Neptune Orient Lines. |
| 1978 | Promoted Manager, Corporate Planning and concurrently Manager, Liner Services of Neptune Orient Lines. | |
| Political Career: | 1980 | Elected Member of Parliament for Kebun Baru |
| 1984 | Re-elected Member of Parliament for Kebun Baru | |
| 1986-1991 | Chairman, Ang Mo Kio West Town Council | |
| 1988 | Re-elected Member of Parliament for Kebun Baru | |
| 1989-1991 | Deputy Speaker of Parliament | |
| 1991 | Elected Member of Parliament for Ulu Pandan Appointed Senior Minister of State (Trade & Industry) Appointed Chairman, National Productivity Board |
|
| 1993 | Appointed Second Minister (Trade & Industry) and Minister, Prime Minister's Office | |
| 1993 | Appointed Minister without Portfolio | |
| 1995 | Chairman, Productivity and Standards Board | |
| 1997 | Elected Member of Parliament for Bukit Timah GRC Re-appointed Minister without Portfolio |
|
| 2001 | Elected Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC Appointed Minister, Prime Minister's Office |
|
| 2002-2003 | Chairman, Standards Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING Singapore) | |
| 2004 | Chairman, PAP Central Executive Committee | |
| 2006 | Re-elected Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC Re-appointed Minister, Prime Minister's Office |
|
| Trade Union Career: | 1981 |
Joined the National Trades Union Congress |
| 1983-1987 | Assistant Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress | |
| 1987-1991 | Deputy Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress | |
| 1993 | Elected Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress; re-elected in 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003 | |
| Honorary Doctor of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, 1996 Honorary Doctor of Civil Law, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, 1996 |
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Mr Martin Tan
Honorary Secretary, National Family Council; and Co-Founder and Executive Director,
Halogen Foundation Singapore, Singapore
Martin Tan is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Halogen Foundation Singapore. He is also a member of the Leadership Team for Halogen Foundation International, a not-for-profit organisation committed to inspire and influence a generation of young people to lead themselves and others well. Martin was awarded The Outstanding Young Person Award by Junior Chamber International in 2007. Martin served as the Executive Director of RiverLife Community Services from 2002 – 2003 and was the Chairman of Teenwerkz (Teenage Development) Workgroup under Family Matters! Singapore (MCYS) in 2005. Martin currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the National Family Council and Deputy Chairperson of Marriage Central. A Council Member on the National Youth Council and committee member on Youth Network, Martin also serves as Board Member of National Library Board, Chairman of Public Libraries Advisory Committee and Trustee of The Library Fund Board of Trustees. Martin is married to Daphne with two daughters Maegan and Meredith.
Professor Matthew Kaplan
Intergenerational Programs and Aging, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Matthew S. Kaplan, Ph.D., is Professor of Intergenerational Programs and Aging at Penn State University. In this position, he conducts research, develops curricular resources, and provides statewide leadership in the development and evaluation of intergenerational programs. He has published several books including one for teachers and community educators, entitled “Side-by-Side: Exploring Your Neighborhood through Intergenerational Activities,” and two that explore the international dimension of intergenerational work: “The Role of Intergenerational Programs for Supporting Children, Youth and Elders in Japan” (with Kusano, Tsuji, and Hisamichi) and “Linking Lifetimes: A Global View of Intergenerational Exchange” (with Henkin and Kusano). He was co-founder of statewide organizations in Hawaii and New York aimed at supporting intergenerational programs and policies. From 2007-2008, he served as Research Associate at Beth Johnson Foundation where he worked with affiliates of its Centre for Intergenerational Practice on a study of intergenerational community development programs in England and Wales. His Ph.D. is in Environmental Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Professor of Social Gerontology and founder Director of the Research Institute for Life Course Studies at Keele University, and
President-Elect of the British Society of Gerontology, UK
Mim Bernard is founder Director of the Research Institute for Life Course Studies at Keele University and President-Elect of the British Society of Gerontology. Building on a background of innovative participatory action-research with older people in the voluntary sector (as Research Officer with the Beth Johnson Foundation), Mim joined Keele’s internationally known Centre for Social Gerontology in 1988, to help set up the first PG Diploma/Masters courses in Gerontology outside London. Mim has long-standing research interests in women’s lives as they age, in intergenerational relationships and in the development of new and healthy lifestyles in later life. She is now a leading figure in social gerontology nationally and internationally, and has 25 years’ experience of policy and practice-relevant research. Mim is the author/editor of 17 books and monographs, over 70 book chapters and journal articles, and many research reports. She is currently on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships: programs, policy and research and Policy Press’s new series Ageing and the Lifecourse.
Prof. Dr. Narender K Chadha
Professor of Psychology, Head and Director, Department of Adult, Continuing Education and Extension
Chairman, Board of Research studies in Humanities and Social Sciences
University of Delhi, India
Prof. Dr. Narender K Chadha is a senior Professor of Psychology, Head and Director, Department of Adult, Continuing education and extension, University of Delhi, India and also the chairman, Board of Research studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, university of Delhi. His areas of interest are psychometric, gerontology and Human Resources Development.
Apart from teaching and research, he is a trainer for many private industrial houses, government and public sector and the Non-Government organizations on various issues of National and individual interest. Over the years his work include research on intergenerational relationships, family, positive health, and national policy. He has worked extensively in other countries like France, Germany, New Zealand and USA on the aging population. He is known as the Champion of the cause of the senior citizens in India as a researcher as well as the activist.
He is on the editorial board of many journals in India and abroad including “Journal of Intergenerational Relationships”. He had served for two years as the Chair and for two years as co-chair of the ICIP
He actively takes forward the concept of intergenerational programming to strengthen the link between three generations in various ways and worked for the dignity of the senior citizens. He has undertaken large number of research projects sponsored by various ministries of the government of India like Indian Council of Social science research, Indian Council of medical research; University grants Commission, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of social justice and empowerment. He has supervised many students for their doctoral dissertation in the area of gerontology and on the committee of large number of academic and professional bodies.
He has published more than 100 articles and 20 books. Some of the recent publications are
Applied psychometry , 2008, age: New Delhi
Social Aging in Delhi Neighbourhood, 2001, Bergin and gravy: new York
Human Resource Management-issues and case studies. (2004) 2nd edition. Friends Publication: New Delhi
Aging and the aged-Challenges to Indian Gerontology. 2003. Friends Publications: New Delhi
Mr Peter Ong
Managing Partner of Rested Edge Advisory
From 2004 to early 2010, Peter Ong was Managing Partner of Gallup for Singapore, HK and South-East Asia. From 1995 to 2004, Peter was with Accenture; and from 1994 to 1995, Peter was with the Prime Minister’s Office where he began his career.
On 12.01.2010, Peter intentionally stepped out of his “comfort zone” to create Rested Edge Advisory, a business advisory with a twist. Rested Edge Advisory will employ the very best of learning, experiences, points-of-view (POVs) and philosophies which Peter has hitherto accumulated, and which he keeps formulating, reflecting and improving.
Peter is well-known and deeply respected as a Managing Partner, a Trusted Advisor, an Executive Coach, a Leader Developer, and a World-Class Consultant in Singapore, HK and South-East Asia. Through Rested Edge Advisory, Peter will provide Fully Customized Advisory in the areas of Leadership Development, Succession Management, Performance Management, Culture Transformation, Human Capital Enhancement, Strategic Planning, HR Transformation, National Improvement and Societal Advisory. From a Semi-Customized standpoint, Peter will offer Business Advisory on a retainer or “bill by hour” basis, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching Programs, as well as provide Talks and “Arm Chair” Conversations for his clients and their organisations.
Peter cares deeply about Society-at-large and the Well-Being of his fellow citizens. He is particularly interested in Behavioral Economics and its applications to Society like improving Engaged Citizenry and enhancing the “Soul of the City”. Peter sits on the board of Singapore’s National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), chairs NVPC’s HR Committee and is an advisor to its NPO Leader Development and Board Match programs. Peter is a member of 2 workgroups in Singapore’s recently convened Economic Strategies Committee (ESC). He served in ESC5 WG2 on Making Singapore The Best Global City for Talent and in ESC6 WG1 on Inclusive Growth for All. Peter is also involved as a focus group member for Quality of Life issues for URA’s Concept Plan 2011 Review.
Peter received a BA (Honours) degree from NUS in English Language in 1994 and an MSc degree from Leicester University in Training in 1997. Always the unconventional one, he married his secondary school sweetheart in University Year 3 and they have 2 boys aged 15 and 13. Peter’s hobbies include running, reading, writing, thinking up newer, better, cleverer ways of seeing and doing things, and envisaging the future by “seeing beyond corners, twice”.
Commissioner Rhonda Parker
Aged Care Commissioner, Australia
Rhonda Parker was appointed Aged Care Commissioner on 1 May 2007. Rhonda's interest in ageing and the 50+ market began during her time as a member of the Western Australian parliament, where she served three years in the cabinet. As Minister for Seniors, she developed the first across-government plan on ageing for Western Australia and was instrumental in developing Australia's first National Healthy Ageing Strategy, released in 2000.
After leaving politics Rhonda was Chief Executive of the Positive Ageing Foundation of Australia, an organisation dedicated to the research and promotion of successful ageing. In 2005 the Foundation merged with the Centre for Research into Ageing at Curtin University of Technology, where Rhonda was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor.
During this period, Rhonda also established a consultancy, working with industry and government around the country to provide strategic advice on the impact of the ageing demographic, as well as delivering her 'Science of Successful Ageing' seminars to the 50+ population. Rhonda previously served as a director of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, and has been a member of the Australian Speakers Bureau, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Australian Institute of Management.
Mr Terence Chia
Chairman, Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA), National Youth Achievement Awards (NYAA), Singapore
The NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni, which consists of those who have achieved the NYAA Gold Award, was established in October 1995. From its humble beginnings with just 18 pioneers, today it has expanded into a large base of close to 1,800 members. GAHA’s mission is to provide a platform that empowers youth and harnesses their diverse talents, energies, passions and aspirations in spearheading meaningful strategies and initiatives, which serve the local, regional and global communities in partnership with the NYAA. GAHA’s vision is a society passionately engaged in the interests and needs of its people. GAHA’s membership comes from a wide spectrum of society ranging from homemakers to lawyers, engineers and civil servants. GAHA has been involved in organising numerous community initiatives, and has represented Singapore at international and regional forums on APEC, UNEP, ASEAN and more. GAHA was conferred the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) for Community and Youth Services in 2000, the Commonwealth Youth Award in 2006 and the SYA Medal of Commendation in 2007.
Professor Sarah Harper
Director, Oxford Institute of Ageing
Professor of Gerontology, University of Oxford, UK
Sarah Harper is Professor of Gerontology at University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Institute of Ageing. Her research concerns globalisation and global ageing, and the impact of population change, in particular the implications at the global, societal and individual level of the shift in population ages from predominantly young to predominantly older societies. Current research interests include late life work and flexible retirement among the self-employed, and among those working in the new technology industry; age discrimination and employment practices; and the impact of labour market replacement migration on intergenerational relationships. Formerly a Professor in Public Policy at the University of Chicago, she has undertaken research in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific with particular interest in China, Japan and Malaysia. She is the first holder of the title of EPF Chair in Old Age Financial Protection at the University of Malaya.
Executive Director,
Mature Market Institute
MetLife, USA
Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., is Executive Director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute in Westport, Connecticut. She was appointed to the position in April 1997.
In this role, Dr. Timmermann is responsible for MetLife’s research, education and consultation on the multigenerational issues of aging. The goal of the Institute is to expand the knowledge of MetLife associates, consumers, employers, and opinion leaders about longevity and the generations and the impact on business, society and individuals. The Institute’s recent research on the generations has focused on engaging a multigenerational workforce and grandparents/grandchildren relationships.
Dr. Timmermann is a nationally recognized gerontologist with over 30 years of experience in the field of aging. Prior to joining MetLife, she held senior staff positions with several national aging organizations including the American Society on Aging, AARP and SeniorNet. Earlier in her career, Dr. Timmermann worked with corporate clients as an account supervisor in public relations and marketing agencies.
Dr. Timmermann writes for professional publications and is the Financial Gerontology columnist for the Journal of Financial Service Professionals. She is a frequent speaker on aging and generational issues at national conferences and seminars, and has been interviewed by major media including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and USA Today.
She has served in leadership capacities with a number of organizations including the Board of Directors of the American Society on Aging, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Chair of the Business Forum on Aging. Dr. Timmermann received the 2003 Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Education and Training (she focused much of her earlier writing and work on adult learning) and served as a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. She is listed in Who’s Who in America.
Sandy received a B.A. degree from the University of Colorado and M.A. and Ed.D degrees from Columbia University.
Ms Su-Yen Wong
Worldwide Partner and Managing Director
Mercer, ASEAN, Singapore
Su-Yen Wong is a Worldwide Partner and Managing Director of Mercer, ASEAN. She brings over seventeen years' experience helping companies develop business and organization strategies, improve operations, manage risk, and effectively implement change.
Previously she was a Director at Mercer Management Consulting where she worked with leading companies across North America and Asia in the high-tech, financial services, oil and gas, retail, and consumer goods industries. She has advised clients across Asia since 1995, and has previously been based in Boston, Bangkok, Seoul, and Hong Kong.
Su-Yen is a frequent speaker at conferences in Asia, including events organized by the Economist and Business Week. She is co-author of the Asian edition of How Digital is Your Business? (Crown Business, 2000). She has published articles and is often quoted in journals including the Economist, Wall Street Journal, The Straits Times and Business Times.
She is a regular commentator on news media such as CNBC and Bloomberg. In addition, she is a regular guest speaker at executive education programs at the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and INSEAD.
Su-Yen has also held product management responsibilities at Microsoft Corporation, and at Hallmark Cards. She also served as head of marketing for a technology solutions provider in the US. She holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) in music and computer science from Linfield College and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Senior Research Fellow, Healthy Ageing Unit School of Primary Care
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Monash University, Australia
Dr. Susan Feldman is a Senior Research Fellow, Healthy Ageing Unit School of Primary Care Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University. As a qualitative researcher she has been involved in multidisciplinary research and has worked extensively with older women to identify the range and nature of health and wellbeing issues facing them as they age. Over the ensuing years her work has expanded to include research on gender issues across the life span for older women and men from a range of cultural backgrounds and experiences.
She also has a keen interest in the relationships between generations and the impact that these have on the quality of individuals, family and community. She is especially interested in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) with regard to multigenerational relationships. Susan has researched and written extensively about the experience of widowhood on the health and wellbeing of older women.
Susan has had extensive experience of planning, evaluation and direct service delivery in the community and government, undertaking program management and policy development in a range of the health and community domains.Her books include: The Art of Ageing Well and the Art of Caring for Older Adults, Baywood Press 2007, A Certain Age: Women Growing Older, 1999 Allen & Unwin, Something that Happens to Other People 1996 Random House, and Family Violence: Everybody’s Business, Somebody’s Life. 1991, Federation Press.She is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Melbourne, Centre for the Study of Health and Society. Susan loves all kinds of music, gardening (although she really does not have one anymore), coffee and her grand children.
Ms Susan Langford
Director and Founder, Magic Me, UK
In 1989, following a career in graphic design and community arts, Susan founded Magic Me, now one of the UK’s leading provider of intergenerational arts projects and activities. This specialist charity annually serves over 450 people in the culturally diverse community of Tower Hamlets, East London, through projects led by artists from the performing, visual, media and literary arts. Magic Me also shares its extensive practical experience with a wider audience through publications, training and collaborative projects. In July 2007 Prime Minister Gordon Brown recognised Susan as one of only 33 people UK wide in his book Britain’s Everyday Heroes, saying “With gentleness and determination in equal measure, Susan has built a powerful model that is breaking down prejudice, building connections and touching lives.”
Susan co-wrote Sharing the Experience (Langford and Mayo, Magic Me, 2001) a practical handbook for people starting intergenerational initiatives and has contributed articles for diverse publications for nursing, education and arts audiences. She has a particular interest in how to prepare, train and support artists and other practitioners for the complexities of intergenerational work. Susan is a member of the Advisory Group of the UK Centre for Intergenerational Practice, a Management Committee member of ICIP and Editor of the ICIP Newsletter, published in three languages. Her current personal arts interests include designing and making stained glass windows and theatre.
Mr Thomas Fischer
Coordinating Senior Researcher
Institute for Innovation in Learning (FIM-NewLearning), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
Thomas Fischer (born 1967) holds an MA in psychology from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and received training in behavioural psychotherapy from the University of Bamberg, both universities are located in Germany. He is currently working as Coordinating Senior Researcher for Methodology Development & Intergenerational Learning at the Institute for Innovation in Learning (FIM-NewLearning) at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. His experience includes European and national research, development and project management for the European Commission and within international and national projects. He recently coordinated the European R&D project EAGLE (i.e. European Approaches to Intergenerational Lifelong Learning), is member of the IANUS network (i.e. European Guidelines on Learning in Later Life in Intergenerational, Intercultural and ICT-Based Settings) and co-author of the new project EMIL (i.e. European Map of Intergenerational Learning).
His main interests and activities are: i) research and development in intergenerational and later life learning e.g. through coordinating the first European observatory on intergenerational policies, programmes and practices and its successors; ii) action research in the areas of e-Inclusion and e-Innovation; iii) the implementation, maintenance and evaluation of blended e-Learning and Web 2.0 solutions in different areas and for different target groups (e.g. intergenerational learning, e-Working; for seniors, prisoners, drug addicts, women returning to work, persons with special needs); iv) market observation, forecast studies, statistics, indicator and index systems for Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in Education & Training (E&T) systems and for Lifelong Learning (LLL); ), v) research on e-Learning standards and quality aspects; and vi) research projects in the areas of clinical and forensic psychology and psychology and the law.
He is also external consultant and reviewer for national, European and international projects/organisations; member of the Steering Committee of the Network of Academics and Professionals (NAP) of the European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN); member of the Programme and Evaluation Committee for the Annual Conferences and Research Workshops of EDEN; member of the Programme Committee of Online Educa Berlin (OEB); member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships (JIR); Associated Board Member of the MENON Network EEIG in Brussels, Belgium; juror in national and European e-Learning awards; speaker and chair at national, European and international conferences, workshops and seminars.
He is currently tele-working for his institute having his desk at the Lambrakis Foundation in Athens, Greece.
Dr Valerie S. Kuehne
Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care and Vice-President External Relations
University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada
Valerie S. Kuehne, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care and Vice-President External Relations at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. She has been investigating relationships between older adults and youth throughout North America for over 20 years. With a background in pediatric nursing and professional experience working with all age groups, Dr. Kuehne has researched intergenerational relationships as they occur in families and in various community contexts, such as schools, child day care centers, and adult day care centers.
She has edited or co-edited three volumes, including the first focused on intergenerational program research. Dr. Kuehne has also written more than 20 publications that have appeared in such journals as Development Psychology, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Child and Youth Care Forum, Journal of Intergenerational Relationships and Child & Youth Services. She is frequently sought out for her expertise in intergenerational program research and serves as a speaker and consultant to community and university groups around North America and beyond.
Prof Youngwha Kee
Professor, Department of Lifelong Education, Soongsil University; and
President, Institute of Korean Local Development Education, South Korea
Youngwha Kee is a Professor of the Department of Lifelong Education at the Soongsil University. She is the President of the Institute of Korean Local Development Education (LDEI). She was the former president of the Association of Adult & Continuing Education in Korea. Her research interest lies in community and civic education, educational gerontology, community development and governance issues.
Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon
Minister of State
Minister of Community Development,Youth & Sports
Singapore
| Educational Qualifications | ||
| 1962-1965 | GCE 'O' Level (Nanyang Girls High School) | |
| 1965-1967 | GCE 'A' Level (Nanyang Girls High School) | |
| 1968-1971 | Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) (Nanyang University, Singapore) | |
| 1996 | Master of Business (Nanyang Technological University) | |
| Present Occupation | ||
| 12.08.2004 | Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports | |
| Office-holding Appointments | ||||
| 03.06.1999 | 22.11.2001 | Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Community Development) | ||
| 01.04.2001 | 23.11.2001 | Mayor (Bukit Timah CDC) | ||
| 24.11.2001 | 11.08.2004 | Mayor, South West District | ||
| Member of Parliament | ||||
| 12.12.1984 | 16.08.1988 | Yuhua | ||
| 03.09.1988 | 13.08.1991 | Yuhua | ||
| 31.08.1991 | 15.12.1996 | Yuhua | ||
| 23.12.1996 | 17.10.2001 | Bukit Timah GRC | ||
| 03.11.2001 | 19.04.2006 | Jurong GRC | ||
| 06.05.2006 | Holland-Bukit Timah GRC | |||
| Select Committees | ||||
| House Committee | Member | 7th Parliament, 1st Session | ||
| House Committee | Member | 7th Parliament, 2nd Session | ||
| House Committee | Member | 7th Parliament, 3rd Session | ||
| Committee of Selection | Member | 8th Parliament, 1st Session | ||
| Committee of Selection | Member | 8th Parliament, 2nd Session | ||
| Select Committee on the Maintenance of Parents Bill | Member | 8th Parliament, 2nd Session | ||
| Select Committee on Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill | Member | 8th Parliament, 2nd Session | ||
| Committee of Selection | Member | 9th Parliament, 1st Session | ||
| Career | ||
| 1971-1999 | Divisional Director of NTUC Admin and Research Unit Deputy-Secretary General of National Trade Union Congress |
|
| Other Appointments | ||
| 2001 | Chairman of Public Education Committee on Family | |
| 1998-1999 | Member of Inter-Ministerial Committee on Ageing Population Chairman of IMC Workgroup on Health Care |
|
| Awards and Decorations | ||
| 1995 | Woman of the year | |
| 1997 | Singapore National Co-operative Federation Rochdale Medal | |
| Interests |
| Reading, sports, meeting people, political and community work, cooking |
| Acronyms | ||
| GCE ‘O’ Level | Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) | |
| GCE ‘A’ Level | Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advance Level) | |
