Couple lauded for helping seniors to navigate online CPF tools

They are among 44 recognised for efforts to boost digital govt services, user experience

- Zhaki Abdullah

Earlier in 2024, Ms Qhek Hwee Boon saw an elderly woman and her husband who appeared troubled at the Central Provident Fund (CPF) service centre in Bishan.

Upon inquiring further, the 55-year-old retired engineer, who was volunteering at the centre, learnt that the couple had rushed there after discovering the amount in the CPF Retirement Account of the husband, who used a walking frame, had decreased.

At the centre, they found out that some of the money in the retirement account had gone to premiums for CPF Life, the national longevity insurance annuity scheme.

Ms Qhek assisted the wife in downloading the CPF Mobile app and helped her change the language to Chinese—which she was more conversant in—as well as how to check for transactions on the app.

"She heaved a big sigh of relief," Ms Qhek said.

Since 2021, Ms Qhek and her husband, Mr Tham Wai Chung, 59, have volunteered as CPF e-Xperience guides, helping seniors to navigate the CPF Board's online tools as well as providing them with tips on avoiding falling prey to scams.

As part of their efforts, the pair have helped translate workshop materials to Chinese and mentored others as guides.