Silver Sayang

About the Project

We are a dynamic multimedia philanthropy project with a mission to enrich the lives of elderly individuals through connection, care, and compassion. Our vision is to become a catalyst for happiness, focusing on alleviating loneliness and promoting mental well-being among seniors. Recognizing the growing need for meaningful engagement, we are dedicated to addressing the social isolation that can impact the elderly by creating a vibrant community where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

At the core of our initiative is a belief in the power of connectivity, awareness, and education. By bringing these elements together, we aim to develop strategies that help elderly individuals live more fulfilling lives. Our approach is holistic and inclusive, utilizing interactive exhibitions that celebrate the stories and wisdom of seniors, providing carefully curated care packages that offer comfort and joy, and offering simple but impactful communication that fosters human connection.

Through artful exhibitions, we aim to share and honor the unique journeys of elderly individuals, shining a light on their experiences and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Our care packages are crafted with thoughtfulness, including items that encourage well-being, self-care, and moments of joy. We believe that sometimes, the most profound gift is a conversation, and we are committed to providing ongoing, heartfelt communication that bridges generational gaps and enhances mental wellness.

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that happiness transcends age; it is a universal human right. Through our dedication to service, we aspire to make a positive impact that resonates deeply, helping the elderly embrace life with dignity, joy, and connection.

Stay up to date with latest news and activities on the team’s website here

Key Members

Anirudh Daga

I am Anirudh Daga, a student at UWCSEA (Class of 2026). As the co-founder and CTO of The Hopper Magazine, an online e-magazine dedicated to chess compositions, I merge my love for chess with my drive to create engaging platforms for the global chess community.

Beyond chess, I am deeply committed to philanthropy, using social platforms to promote and organize chess events that inspire participation and learning. I have conducted free online chess-solving sessions that attracted over 400 registrants, reinforcing my dedication to making chess more accessible and fostering a thriving community of learners.

Kureha Kasahara

Hello! I’m Kureha, a 17-year-old student with a passion for making a positive impact, especially in areas of education, mental health, and DEIB/J (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice). I was part of the winning project in 2024, where our team focused on supporting elderly mental health—a cause close to my heart. Additionally, I lead several initiatives at my school in Singapore that promote diversity and cultural appreciation in an international school environment. I’m excited to work with other changemakers and philanthropists through meaningful causes in this program!

Lu Yushan Flora

Hi, I’m Flora – a student who has a passion for philanthropy. I’m 14 and currently studying in Temasek Junior College. I’ve always been driven by a desire to help others and create social impact. Before participating in this program, I used to believe that only the wealthy could be philanthropists. I was quickly proven wrong and learnt that anyone has the potential to make a difference. I believe that philanthropy isn’t just about financial contributions. It’s about empathy, compassion, and the willingness to uplift others. Through this programme, I got the opportunity to learn more about philanthropy, what it takes to create impact, and most importantly, I got to work with students from different backgrounds. In school, I am not usually the one to voluntarily ask questions and express my thoughts. However, I met many developing bright leaders who inspired me to have more confidence to speak up. As one of the youngest members in this program, I had to step out of my comfort zone to interact and collaborate with people older than me, which taught me that age is no barrier to making a difference. During the programme, I got the opportunity to visit many places. I visited the OUE company for the first time and got the amazing opportunity to ask the Chairman questions. All of the classes in the programme were extremely informative and I left every session feeling inspired. This is a transformative programme that provides an experience that no one should miss.

Matteo W. Zanolli

Hi! I’m Matteo, and I’m fifteen years old. Since I was a small child, I always found that helping others has been a big part of who I am and what brings me satisfaction. Since then, I have made it a goal of mine in life to try to devote portions of my life to improving others’ lives. Going out of our way to help those in need is a huge portion of what makes us human. Compassion, empathy and joy go hand in hand and should never be underestimated. With that said, I am proud to be part of a new generation of philanthropists looking to make the world a better place.

Taiga Sanjo

Hello! I’m Taiga, a 16-year-old student at UWCSEA EAST (Class of 2026). I have had a profound interest in philanthropy and community service, especially in areas that promote education, cultural appreciation, and youth development. Within school, I lead several initiatives, including a football coaching service with childcare centres, where I combine my love for football with a commitment to making a positive impact by coaching young children in Singapore. Beyond this, I serve as the leader of the Activities Executive at my school, helping to organize initiatives that promote and celebrate our school’s activities programme and empower students to make a positive impact. I also lead the Japanese Community Club, fostering cultural appreciation and creating opportunities for students across year levels to connect and engage with Japanese culture.

My passion for philanthropy stems from a desire to create lasting, positive change and to support others through the resources and experiences I have. I’m excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals on the fascinating initiatives within this program!

Zhizhiu He (Marian)

Hi everyone! I’m Marian, a 16-year-old student. I have always believed that kindness is the foundation of a better world. Just like the butterfly effect, even if each of us takes a small step to treat others with more empathy and compassion, we can bring meaningful change to our communities. Through the NextGen program, I have further learned that empathy and authenticity are powerful tools to connect with people and address real challenges. By putting myself in other people’s shoes, I am able to better understand their needs, struggles, and hopes, which shapes the way I help them. Building upon this, I feel proud and honored to be a part of our philanthropy project to make a contribution and make a change to our community.

Making Strides Together

The Silver Sayang team continues to make meaningful progress on their thoughtful initiative to support the elderly community. The students are busy refining their concepts and gearing up for exciting next steps. See their project take shape below!

Bridging Generations with Heart

Team Silver Sayang recently hosted an immersive learning and exchange activity supported by the Singapore Good Soil Foundation at the Thye Hwa Kwan Active Ageing Centre in Singapore. This vibrant hub is where seniors gather to socialize, relax, and nurture close community bonds. During the event, the students engaged in spirited conversations and interactive activities with the seniors, gaining valuable insights into their preferences and everyday needs.

The centre manager’s heartfelt sharing of experiences not only inspired fresh ideas but also offered practical suggestions to refine their community solutions. With plans to return in March for another enriching session and upcoming exhibitions in both China and Singapore, Silver Sayang continues its mission to spread warmth and care across generations.