About Us

WINGS is a non-profit education centre especially for women aged 40 and older. WINGS was launched as a joint project of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) and the Tsao Foundation on 20 June 2006.

With the backing of the women that we serve and support from donors and partners who believe in us, WINGS became an independent society in December 2007.

The Society for WINGS is now a registered charity with IPC (Institution of a Public Character) status.

Download our 2009/2010 Report here

 Download our 2008/2009 Audited Financial Statement here

Aims & Objectives

WINGS aims to provide the following services:

1. To educate its clients on:
- Health – Preventive Health Management techniques, and health literacy
- Wealth – Planning for their Financial future and Income generating activities
- Happiness – Self Esteem, Love within family and contribution to society
2. To support and/or provide income generating activities
3. To provide counselling services
4. To provide a referral service
5. To support and provide a safe place for friendship between its clients and for relevant support groups to meet

Our Services

1. Counselling – Emotional, Legal, Financial and Health
2. Talks & Workshops on Health, Financial Security and Relationships including contribution to Society
3. Support Groups – Menopause, Homemakers, Mothers & Seniors
4. Skills Training – Basic Computer, Cashiering, Basic English etc.
5. Job Referrals
6. Interest Groups – Handicraft, Read & Chat, Bridge etc.
7. Exercise Classes – Chair Yoga, Shapexercise, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing etc.

WINGS Craft Website

Visit Wingscraft website at www.wingscraft.com.sg to view the beautiful range of products. 

Our Values

WINGS is a secular, inclusive organisation that aims to work with all religious, ethnic and community groups to help older women age actively. 

Why do we need WINGS?

Old age affects men and women differently. (“old age means something quite different – and more troubling – for women than for men” – World Bank 1994)

Longevity – Old people are living longer and longer.  In 2005 1 in 12 residents were over 65.  In 2030, 1 in 5 residents will be more than 65 years old.  In 1965, at 65, there was a life expectancy of 8.3 years (=73.3 years).  In 2001, at 65, there was a life expectancy of 17.2 years (=82.2 years). 

Women outlive and outnumber men as they age, and there are five times more widows than widowers.  At the age of 60, there are equal numbers of men and women.  After the age of 60, women constitute more than 50% of the population.  After the age of 80, there are 1,720 females for every 1,000 males.

Education – Older women have less education and less income.  90% of women over 60 years old have less than Secondary 4 education.  25% of women are homemakers.  At retirement, men have 1.7 times more CPF than women.
 
Care Giving – Women are caregivers and this role has knock-on effects on the rest of society.  The spouse is the main care-giver in old age, and not the child.  (“Due to the gender-specific division of labour, women often have to care for older relatives....then their husbands throughout their life cycle, and when they need help after a life full of hard work, there is no one left to care for them” – Irene Zeilinger-1991)

Disabilities – More disease and disability incidence and poor health e.g. arthritis, osteoporosis, mental problems etc.

Widowhood – There is an extended period of widowhood, as women have a longer life span and marry older men.  Women are also less likely to remarry after divorce or spousal death.  30% of women aged 60-69 are widowed.  From ages 70 to 79 years of age, 60% of the women are widowed and figure rises to 80% for women over the age of 80.

Society of WINGS Board

WINGS is guided by a Board and run by 4 full-time staff. Partnerships with government agencies, voluntary welfare and grassroots organisations, and private businesses are a key WINGS strategy for maximum effectiveness.

 1  Dr Kanwaljit Soin  President  
 2 Ms Deborah Li Vice President   
 3 Mrs Tang Lay Hoon Honorary Treasurer   
 4 Ms Lee Yuit Chieng Asst. Hon. Treasurer   
 5 Ms Ong Li Mei Honorary Secretary   
 6 Ms Corinna Lim Board Member   
 7 Dr Audrey Chin Board Member   
 8 Ms Susana Concordo Board Member   
 9 Mrs Varadha Sivathasan Board Member   
 10 Mrs Wee Wan Joo  Board Member   
       

Staff

1  Ms Amy Tan   Executive Director  
2 Ms Yong Shan Juan         Development Manager
3  Ms Cynthia Aw  Programme Manager
4  Ms May Tan  Senior Programme Executive 
5  Ms Tan Soo Yuin Programme Executive and Counsellor
6 Ms Catherine Yeo Programme Assistant
7 Ms Seet Mui Tiang Accounts Executive

Our Supporters & Donors

WINGS would not be able to fulfill its mission if not for the generous support of many individuals and organisations. To our supporters and donors, we offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.  

$100,000 and above

  • Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
  • Lee Foundation
  • National Council of Social Services
  • National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre
  • Ng Siok Keow
  • Tsao Foundation & the Tsao family

 $10,000 and above

  • Annie Wee
  • Central Community Development Council
  • Chiang See Ngoh
  • Citigroup Global Markets
  • Council for Third Age
  • DBS
  • Low Sin Leng
  • Margaret Lien
  • Olivia Lum
  • Sajni Gill
  • Singapore Totalisator Board
  • SMRT
  • The Hour Glass
  • Trailblazer Foundation
  • World Scientific Publishing Co