
Acting CEO and Chief Purpose Officer of Montfort Care, Ms. Han Yah Yee, and Guest of Honour, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Member of Parliament and Advisor to Marine Parade GRC, enjoying the vibrant lion dance performance
Bringing joy and community spirit to Marine Parade, Montfort Care hosted its annual Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Lunch for stay-alone seniors at Goodlife Makan, a community kitchen established in 2016 to bring seniors together through food, connection, and purpose.
Adding to the festive cheer, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Member of Parliament and Advisor to Marine Parade GRC, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Together with Acting CEO and Chief Purpose Officer of Montfort Care, Ms. Han Yah Yee, Dr. Tan actively participated in the day’s activities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of inclusivity and celebration. The event was further supported by the leadership team of Goodlife, including Ms. Lau Yu Cheng (Director, Montfort Care) and Ms. Chris Koh (Deputy Director, Montfort Care).
This year’s reunion lunch welcomed 80 seniors, who are regular visitors to Goodlife Makan. These seniors engage daily in cooking, serving, and dining together as part of Montfort Care’s intentional approach to providing purposeful and active lives for seniors. Reaching seniors with limited socialising opportunities, Goodlife Makan provides access to food, a space for community development and meaningful social interaction. The colourful centre features a communal kitchen at its nucleus, symbolising how food can foster engagement, build life skills, and bridge generational gaps. Many seniors who began as beneficiaries have gone on to contribute as active volunteers and even baristas in its intergenerational café.
With the number of stay-alone seniors rising—from 58,000 in 2018 to 79,000 in 2022 1 and projected to reach 83,000 by 20302 —initiatives like Goodlife Makan are vital reminders that seniors are valued and cared for. Officially opened in 2016 by Guest-of-Honour Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, the vibrant 361sqm centre, located at a void deck in Marine Parade, has been serving the community ever since.
This year, the traditional sit-down reunion meal took on a carnival-style twist, featuring interactive food booths such as a “Lok Lok” steamboat station, claypot rice, and other festive treats, adding elements of discovery and fun. Seniors also participated in a variety of activities, including a scented herbal bag-making workshop, traditional games, and a nostalgic “Gua Zi” (瓜子) booth that encouraged connection and active participation.
A dazzling Lion Dance performance kicked off the event in spectacular fashion, offering an energetic welcome to the Guest of Honour while symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Following this, the Guest of Honour was invited to tour the booths, accompanied by Montfort Care’s leadership team, where Dr. Tan packed “Gua Zi” (瓜子) for seniors, grilled coin-shaped bak kwa alongside a senior volunteer, and prepared a set of “Lok Lok” together with another senior volunteer, fostering interaction and connection. This was followed by a joyful Lo Hei session, embodying abundance and unity. Dr. Tan also personally distributed Hong Baos to all the seniors, sharing blessings and smiles. In his remarks, Dr. Tan wished everyone festive joy, fulfilment, and the closeness of family, encouraging all to come together with both their loved ones and the Goodlife Makan family.
As the minister took his leave, the event reached its peak with a thrilling acrobatic Lion Dance performance. Seniors, attendees, and even nearby residents gathered to watch in awe, their cheers and applause filling the air, adding to the electrifying festive spirit. Towards the end, the festive atmosphere continued with the “arrival” of Cái Shén Yé, the god of fortune, delighting the seniors and spreading joy. The event concluded with a prize presentation for the “Guess the Number of Oranges” game, along with a lucky draw and special prize draw, wrapping up the day with excitement and happy memories.
Ms. Han Yah Yee, Acting CEO and Chief Purpose Officer of Montfort Care, reflected on the importance of the occasion, “Lunar New Year is a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate renewal and togetherness. At Montfort Care, our Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Lunch at Goodlife Makan has become a cherished annual tradition. This year, with our carnival-themed celebration, we’re offering our stay-alone seniors a fun and engaging way to get active and excited, from playing games to enjoying delicious food, all while embracing the festive spirit—a truly special experience they deeply appreciate.”
Montfort Care remains steadfast in its commitment to creating inclusive spaces where seniors are empowered to live fulfilling lives. Through initiatives like Goodlife Makan, it aims to ensure that no senior feels isolated, particularly during festive seasons, by fostering meaningful connections, providing a sense of purpose, and celebrating community togetherness.