SG60 List: Ms P Keerthana – Building Empathy by Bringing Generations Together

At 29, Ms P Keerthana founded GenLab Collective in late 2020 after caring for her grandmother. She began with an online peer platform but switched direction to in-person intergenerational programmes once she saw how face-to-face connection truly builds empathy.

Creating Shared Spaces for Storytelling

Programme highlights include:

GenDate: Seniors and youth participate in curated activities designed to foster understanding.
Community Conversations: Forums bringing together academics, community partners, and participants to co-develop intergenerational engagement models.

These have already fostered meaningful bonds in multiple Active Ageing Centres and school–eldercare collaborations.

Ground-Up Growth and Institutional Support

Her ground-up efforts attracted backing from key national bodies: National Youth Council, Majurity Trust, NVPC, Singapore Kindness Movement, and partnerships with government agencies through SG-PO. This has enabled GenLab to scale sustainably.

Evidence of Impact

Community Heroes (CNA Voices) has documented youth initially reluctant becoming deeply engaged after GenLab activities—a testament to the transformative power of conversation. LinkedIn posts also reflect discussions about psychological safety and intergenerational facilitation hosted by GenLab.

Why This Matters for SG60

SG60 isn’t just about time—it’s about relationships across it. Ms Keerthana demonstrates how letting youth and seniors speak and listen builds compassionate, connected communities—right at the heart of our nation’s future.

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Written by

Gio Adriano

SG60sg60 listGenLab CollectiveMs P Keerthana