After 30 years in banking, 57-year-old Mr Benjamin Tan retired and was ready to try something new. He wanted to keep learning and found that opportunity through volunteering.
“I did not want to retire just to laze around. I needed to find a new purpose in this new season of my life,” said Benjamin.
That search led him to SPD in 2024, where he began by befriending seniors at SPD@Melody Spring Yishun, a senior care centre. What started as a simple desire to be useful soon became a weekly commitment spanning seniors, adults and children. Much like the deliberate decisions he made throughout his career, Benjamin approached this new chapter with intention.
A new rhythm in retirement
Benjamin first heard about SPD through his company events, and its work left a lasting impression. Retirement gave him the time to explore how he could contribute more meaningfully.
From seniors to adults and children
His volunteering journey soon expanded through SPD’s Enabling Skills for Life Programme, where he supports adults with disabilities in community activities, including hospitality duties at a beach resort in Sentosa. Benjamin meets them at HarbourFront and walks with them to the resort, where he also assists them with their tasks.
“I wanted to look for a role that was different and more physically engaging, especially after being behind a desk for many years,” he said.
The experience has been rewarding. Benjamin enjoys seeing the clients participate in the community, and over time, friendships have formed among the clients, volunteers and staff working side by side.
In January 2026, he added another role: a travel buddy under SPD’s Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children. Each Thursday, after volunteering with the ESLP clients, he accompanies six-year-old Jia Le from his pre-school in Bukit Merah to the SPD Ability Centre for his early intervention sessions.
The short car ride gives him time to build rapport through small conversations. Since he began this role, Benjamin, Jia Le’s mother and an SPD staff member have kept in touch through a WhatsApp group chat. He also sends a photo at each drop-off to let Jia Le’s mother know that her son has arrived safely.
“By doing this consistently, I hope it builds goodwill and trust with the family,” he said.
Today, that trust is evident.
Showing up matters
For Benjamin, the heart of volunteering is simple: show up, build trust and brighten someone’s day.
“I believe I have done my little bit to help these clients, regardless of age, have a happier and more joyful day,” he said.
And he is not done.
“As long as I am able to, I will keep showing up.”