Timeless Hopes, Endless Dreams
A Collaborative Mixed-Media Installation by SASCO@HongKahNorth and SASCO@Compassvale, supported by North-East CDC and South-West CDC.
Timeless Hopes, Endless Dreams is a community artwork that brings together the memories, dreams, and enduring hopes of seniors as Singapore marks its 60th year of independence. Created as a reflection on lived experiences and shared aspirations, the installation celebrates the idea that creativity, imagination, and contribution do not diminish with age—they continue to grow and evolve.
Over four months, 21 seniors from SASCO@HongKahNorth Senior Day Care Centre and SASCO@Compassvale Active Ageing Centre collaborated on this mixed media installation, supported by NorthEast CDC and SouthWest CDC. The artwork weaves together 2D collages and a 3D model cityscape, symbolising how Singapore’s past, present, and future are deeply interconnected—much like the life journeys of the seniors themselves. The installation was shortlisted and exhibited at the National Gallery Singapore as part of the SG60 WeCare Arts Exhibition in September 2025.
For many participants, this project marked their first experience with art-making and digital tools. With little or no prior exposure, the seniors stepped beyond their comfort zones to learn new creative and digital skills. Their willingness to try, adapt, and persevere reflects an enduring spirit of lifelong learning, resilience, and curiosity— values that continue to shape Singapore’s community fabric.
At its heart, the artwork embodies core values that have guided Singapore’s growth and will continue to shape its future:
Empowerment, as seniors gain new skills and confidence;
Expression, through the sharing of personal stories and memories;
Unity, as many hands and minds come together in a shared creative journey; and Imagination and Hope, as participants envision a kinder, greener, and more connected Singapore.
The spirit of the project is powerfully reflected in the story of one participating senior, Mdm Lee Yuet Fong Magdalene. During the exhibition launch, she was invited to present and introduce the artwork to Minister Edwin Tong. One photograph within the installation caught his attention—a blackandwhite image of Magdalene as a young Police Cadet during her secondary school years.
The photograph holds deep personal meaning for her. It recalls treasured memories with schoolmates and a formative period in her youth, including her participation in the National Day Parade as a member of the Police Cadet. As the installation was created in tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday, Magdalene felt that this image—capturing both personal history and national service—was a meaningful and fitting contribution.
Her story is also one of remarkable resilience. As a stroke survivor, Magdalene remains determined and positive, actively participating in activities at the Active Ageing Centre while focusing on her recovery. She does not allow her medical history to define or limit her involvement. Instead, she continues to engage, learn, and contribute with quiet strength and optimism.
Together, the voices and stories within Timeless Hopes, Endless Dreams remind us that age is not a barrier to imagination or contribution.
As one senior simply and powerfully expressed:
We may be older, but we can still learn, still imagine, and still contribute to Singapore.
