Photo: “Find Your Way” – a collaborative effort between Dementia Singapore and SBS Transit, now launched at Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange! (Photo: SBS Transit)
Following the launch of “Find Your Way” by Dementia Singapore and SBS Transit at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and Chinatown MRT in 2022, the third edition of the initiative was rolled out to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange in January 2023 to help persons with dementia and seniors in the vicinity get to their intended berths with greater ease.
A wayfinding initiative by Dementia Singapore and SBS Transit, “Find Your Way” was first launched at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange in February last year, and subsequently at Chinatown MRT Station in August, with the aim of making it less challenging for persons with dementia to navigate these public transport nodes. This was done using vibrant reminiscence-inspired murals and corresponding floor arrow decals.
On 28 January 2023, “Find Your Way” was extended to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange and was officially launched by Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Adviser to Ang Mo Kio GRC Grassroots Organisations. He was joined by Dr S Vasoo, Second Adviser to Ang Mo Kio GRC Grassroots Organisations, Dementia Singapore representatives including Mr Jason Foo, CEO of Dementia Singapore, representatives from SBS Transit including Mr Jeffrey Sim, CEO of SBS Transit and Mr Lim Tien Hock, CEO of Bus Business, as well as Ms Ku Geok Boon, Public Transport Council Member and CEO of SG Enable.
Berths Denoted by Colour-Coded Murals of Traditional Treats
This installment of “Find Your Way” sees the interchange divided into three distinct zones, colour-coded through the use of vivid murals of traditional food items – namely, pandan cake (green), ‘huat kueh’ (pink) and pineapple tarts (orange). These were intentionally selected as they are commonly found in the neighbouring food centres in the Ang Mo Kio estate, therefore being particularly familiar to those residing in the area.
These murals are complemented by directional floor stickers with a listing of bus numbers from each corresponding zone, to guide commuters to their intended bus berths.
The ever-popular pandan cake, also Singapore’s national cake, denoting bus berths in the green zone. (Photo: SBS Transit)
Berths in the pink zone are represented by ‘huat kueh’, a traditional Chinese steamed cake. (Photo: SBS Transit)
Murals of pineapple tarts, a much-loved festive bake in Singapore, guide commuters to bus berths in the orange zone. (Photo: SBS Transit)
Dementia Self-Advocates as Project Advisors
Throughout the course of this project, from conceptualisation to implementation, our dementia self-advocates, Mr Anjang Rosli and Ms Emily Ong, lent their valuable counsel and insights to help make this wayfinding initiative one that suitably addresses the challenges and needs of our dementia community. Mr Anjang and his wife and care partner, Mdm Sarimah, were also in attendance at the launch event.
Said Mr Gan Thiam Poh in a Facebook post, “It was particularly encouraging to hear from the Dementia Self-Advocates who shared about how the new measures introduced will make commuting easier and safer.”
Dementia self-advocate, Mr Anjang Rosli, chats with Mr Gan Thiam Poh about the implementation of “Find Your Way” to make journeys on public transportation less challenging and more enjoyable for persons with dementia. (Photo: SBS Transit)
In addition to the “Find Your Way” launch, SBS Transit also held a “No Falls on Board” roadshow at the interchange on the day, whereby they shared safety tips to help prevent falls as one journeys on public transport, especially so for seniors, pregnant women, and those with mobility challenges.
Having visited this booth as well, Mr Gan Thiam Poh added, “These initiatives go a long way in enhancing the transport experience of all commuters and making our society more inclusive.”
Working Towards a Dementia-Friendly Singapore
“Find Your Way” will be next rolled out to Mattar MRT Station, and thereafter continue to be implemented in several public transport nodes in areas frequented by seniors, as we ramp up efforts to provide a safe and pleasant commuting experience for all, especially persons living with dementia.
This initiative complements Dementia Go-To-Points (GTPs) as part of the Dementia-Friendly Singapore national movement, supported by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Learn more about “Find Your Way” and how it started here.
