Singapore is bracing for a rapidly aging population, and a growing number of domestic helpers are taking the initiative to learn local dialects to better connect with the seniors in their care. On February 8, 56 domestic workers graduated from a conversational Hokkien class, highlighting a unique approach to fostering empathy and understanding.
Bridging the Communication Gap for Singapore’s Elderly
A new initiative is helping migrant domestic workers connect with aging Singaporeans through language, easing care and building stronger relationships.
- Singapore’s population is aging quickly, with at least one in five residents projected to be 65 or older by 2026.
- Domestic helpers are increasingly learning Hokkien and Cantonese to communicate with elderly employers who prefer these dialects.
- The initiative, a collaboration between the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy and NTUC’s Centre for Domestic Employees, aims to build harmonious relationships.
- Employers are reporting significant improvements in communication and a stronger bond with their domestic helpers.
- Similar Cantonese classes are also being offered, with plans to continue the program through at least June 2027.
Q: Why are domestic helpers learning Hokkien and Cantonese in Singapore? A: As Singapore’s population ages, many seniors are more comfortable communicating in their native dialects. Learning these languages allows domestic helpers to better understand and respond to the needs of their elderly employers, fostering a stronger connection and improving the quality of care.
For Hilda Tunliu, a domestic helper from Indonesia who has worked in Singapore for 20 years, learning Hokkien became essential while caring for an 88-year-old woman and her 97-year-old husband. Initially, she relied on gestures, but she began picking up basic phrases as the couple spoke to each other. “The first time I spoke to Ah Gong (grandpa) in Hokkien, he was very surprised, but he was so happy,” recounted Ms. Tunliu, 51. “Since then, he would always speak Hokkien to me. Ah Ma (grandma) understands some English, but she’s very happy that I am putting in the effort to speak Hokkien.” She now confidently uses phrases like “jiak ba buay?” (“have you eaten?”) and can inquire about her employers’ comfort levels.
Ms. Tunliu’s experience is echoed by Jileen Ng, whose 69-year-old mother has benefited from the improved communication. “This initiative is really useful because the elderly at home are usually more comfortable speaking in dialect, and sometimes they cannot express themselves well in English and Mandarin,” Ms. Ng explained. “There’s really been a big change. Now, I can see that it’s a lot easier for Hilda and my mother to communicate on a daily basis.”
Thiri Phone Htut, a 33-year-old domestic helper from Myanmar, also found the classes invaluable while caring for an 88-year-old woman with dementia. Discovering the classes through a Facebook post from NTUC’s Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), Ms. Thiri sought to better understand her charge’s needs. “Ah Ma can’t speak Mandarin or English. So I decided to learn some Hokkien to be able to converse with her and learn more of her needs,” she said, adding that the ability to communicate has strengthened their bond and helped the elderly woman recognize her.
Ms Thiri Phone Htut jumped at the chance to improve her daily communication skills as she cares for an 88-year-old woman with dementia.
The initiative, launched in July 2025 following a partnership agreement between CDE and the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy, builds on earlier pilot programs. A total of 25 participants took part in a Cantonese class, and 11 attended the Hokkien class during the pilot phase. Currently, approximately 80 domestic workers have completed the Hokkien classes, and another 60 have finished the Cantonese courses.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang, speaking at the February 8 graduation ceremony held at the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy’s Sennett Road campus, emphasized the importance of communication in fostering understanding and empathy. “This learning exchange builds harmonious relationships, creates mutual respect and a sense of belonging for everyone involved,” he said. “When we create spaces for learning and sharing, we strengthen the bonds that make Singapore a caring and inclusive society.”
With Singapore projected to become a super-aged society in 2026—defined as having at least one in five residents aged 65 or older—addressing the needs of seniors is a national priority.
Migrant domestic workers at the graduation ceremony held at the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy’s campus on Feb 8.
Michael Lim, director of NTUC’s migrant workers segment, confirmed that the initiative will continue for at least another year, until June 2027, based on the positive feedback received from both employers and domestic workers.
Keep reading
