Milestones

1998

• A pro-tem committee was formed by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and supported by the then Ministry of Community Development to establish RSVP Singapore.
• RSVP Singapore was officially launched by the then Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong on October 31.
• The Mentoring Programme was inaugurated on September 28 at the then Bukit Ho Swee Primary School. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School was the other chosen.
• Project Cyberguide was formed in mid-1998 to promote lifelong learning and basic IT skills among seniors.

1999

• On October 19, RSVP was officially registered with charity-status.
• On October 31, RSVP celebrated its first anniversary with a grand Dinner & Dance graced by the then Minister for Community Development Mr Abdullah Bin Tarmugi. A commemorative magazine was produced.
• In December, RSVP moved to its own office at MND Building, Annex B.

2000

• On July 17, RSVP held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the first Board of Management was elected.
• In September, the inaugural issue of NETWORK, our newsletter, was launched in place of the earlier photocopied version. 
• On November 26, RSVP organised the “Walk for Seniors” fundraising event with the help of MacRitchie Runners 25. The guest-of-honour was Mr Abdullah Bin Tarmugi. 
• In December, RSVP launched its nationwide essay-writing competition for youths and young adults, in conjunction with the International Year of Older Persons. 

2001

• On July 14, RSVP held its 2nd AGM and it was decided that a $12 annual membership subscription be charged. 
• On October 9, RSVP launched its book titled “The Gift of Age” at the Singapore Repertory Theatre. The guest-of-honour was Mr Abdullah Bin Tarmugi.
• October 21 marked the start of the RSVP Donation Draw drive to raise funds for the organisation. The grand prize was $10,000.
• RSVP moved into a bigger and better office at Boon Siew Building. In December with the support of Central Singapore Community Development Council and the Rotary Club of Singapore, the RSVP IT Centre was set up.
• Two new projects were launched early this year - the Polytechnic Students Outreach Programme and the Mentally Disadvantaged Outreach Programme. 

2002

• RSVP started the year with a new look, from our stationery with a new logo to a fresh, new format for NETWORK magazine. 
• On January 17, nine outstanding volunteers were presented with our very first Volunteers’ Recognition Award at our second Dinner & Dance.
• On May 31, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, the then Acting Minister for Community Development and Sports, officiated at the launch of RSVP’s own IT Centre and RSVP’s new office at Boon Siew Building. A revamped website was launched by the Minister.
• On July 13, the 3rd AGM was held. A new Board of Management was elected for a two-year term. 
• August 31 was our very own Flag Day, with a large-scale fundraising drive, which was a great success. 

2003

• RSVP entered the public education arena by promoting positive ageing and intergeneration integration. A series of talks and an island-wide essay writing competition for secondary schools were held, culminating with a public forum on the topic “Bridging the Generation Gap: A Roadmap for All Ages”.
• A new programme called NUS (National University of Singapore) Host Family Programme, commenced in partnership with NUS. This programme helps international students to adjust to Singapore. It involves family-based hosting without accommodation. 

2004

• RSVP received funding approval for our Mentally Disadvantaged Outreach Programme under NCSS VWO (Voluntary Welfare Organisation) Capability Fund.
• RSVP initiates and heads an intergenerational strategy team to come up with a recommendation to promote intergenerational integration as a natural way of life in Singapore for MCYS’s review.
• On March 29, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was held to obtain approval for the formation of RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd, a social enterprise company to generate funds for RSVP through consultancy services. There were also other constitutional changes concerning clauses relating to the Board and editorial clarity.
• On July 17, the 5th AGM was held. A new Board of Management was elected for a two-year term.
• A seminar-cum-workshop titled: “Intergenerational Integration … Issues, Challenges and The Way Ahead” was held on July 31 at Novotel Apollo Singapore. The guest-of-honour was Mr Chan Soo Sen, the then Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Ministry of Education (MOE). The keynote speaker was Dr Matthew Kaplan, an intergenerational specialist and author from Penn State University, US.
• An essay writing competition, supported by MCYS and MOE, on community harmony for secondary school students was organised in late April. The closing date was August 13. This event was supported by MCYS and MOE. 

2005

• The Mentally Disadvantaged Outreach Programme celebrated its 4th year on February 1. Appreciation certificates were presented to volunteers in recognition of their work. The party ended with a light-up tour of Orchard Road and Chinatown with 30 residents from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
• On March 12, RSVP held its “Gift of Age” event, which showcased our programmes and activities. We demonstrated active ageing in action through talks, laughter exercises, song and dance, and even a fashion show - all planned, produced and carried out by RSVP members.
• May 14 was our Flag Day. Volunteers from APEX Singapore, Singapore Soka Association and RSVP members were busy raising funds that day.
• June 2005 saw the amalgamation of the hosting programmes from NUS, Temasek Polytechnic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• In July, we saw the launch of Vitality and Me Contests (photo and photojournalism) to promote active ageing among seniors and intergeneration bonding among families.
• On August 10, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, who was then the Parliamentary Secretary for MCYS, visited the RSVP office with his party of 11 from the Ministries of Health and Community Development, Youth and Sports and the Committee on Ageing Issues. They came on a fact-finding and familiarisation visit.

2006

• An EGM was held on February 16 to appoint a new auditor - K B Lee. Minor changes to the constitution were also made.
• On April 10, two visitors from RSVP International, Mr Jack Steele, co-director, and Pastor Larry Light, a volunteer, visited our office. They met up with Dr Philbert Chin and some Board members.
• RSVP held the “Gift of Age” event on April 29 at the Singapore Power Auditorium, Somerset Road. There was a turnout of around 540 participants.
• On May 19, we hosted three RSVP members from Guilin, China, at our office. They met up with our president and members of the Mandarin Committee.
• RSVP Flag Day was held on May 31. As it was a weekday, we were unable to raise much funds.
• RSVP held its 7th AGM on July 29 when members voted for their new Board members for the new two-year term. There were 24 contestants with 15 positions to be filled.
• RSVP moved to its new office at Bishan Junction 8 Shopping Centre on October 14. We resumed operations effective October 16.
• RSVP’s Volunteers’ Appreciation Nite was held on November 2. This is the first of such events organised by RSVP to honour active volunteers for the period August 2005 to July 2006. Around 200 active volunteers attended. Certificates of Appreciation were given to these volunteers and Long Service Awards to those who have volunteered with the organisation for more than five years.
• November 3 saw the visit of the Mayor of Central Singapore District Zainudin Nordin to RSVP’s office as part of the launch of all the VWOs within the building. An Open House for the public was held later. All 12 VWOs in the building were grouped under the theme ‘One Central’.
• RSVP staged its annual Senior Computer Day in conjunction with Senior Citizens’ Week on November 25. This year’s event was at our new office.

2007

• Four sub-committees were formed under the Mentoring Management Committee – Human Resource, Programme Development, Curriculum Development and Operations. Each was headed by a chairman, who is instrumental in the expansion and enhancement of the programme.
• RSVP started its Ladies’ Choir with 30 members on March 17. It subsequently recruited male members and was renamed RSVP Choir.
• RSVP Charity Golf Tournament, the first for RSVP, was held on April 24 at the Singapore Island Country Club. There were three categories - the Open Division, the Senior Division and the Ladies Division.
• The RSVP Infocomm Centre underwent upgrading after receiving 62 PCs with XP operation systems and LCD monitors, donated by IDA Singapore and SGX (Singapore Exchange Ltd).
• The Changi Senior Ambassador Project, a partnership project with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, was launched in November with some 80 volunteers. These volunteers offer a directional and assistance service to travellers at the Changi Airport.
• The RSVP Senior Computer Day was renamed Silver Infocomm Day and was held on November 24. On that date, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Second Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts launched the RSVP Infocomm Centre as the first IDA-appointed Silver Infocomm Junction.
• RSVP celebrated its second Volunteers’ Appreciation Nite on November 30 at Bishan Community Club. Some 200 active volunteers attended the event and they received Certificates of Appreciation for their voluntary services.

2008

• Name changed from Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme, Singapore to RSVP Singapore - The Organisation of Senior Volunteers through the kind assistance of Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, MCYS.
• Refined RSVP’s core values.
• Celebrated RSVP’s 10th anniversary in a big way with a special Mentors-Mentees Learning Journey to Changi Airport T3 on May 20 and 21, a Members’ Gala Nite on October 17 and a Gala Charity Dinner at Meritus Mandarin on November 12.
• Held the 9th AGM-cum-election on September 27.
• The first Silver Infocomm Day was organised with IDA and Singapore Polytechnic at the polytechnic grounds. It was scheduled over two days (22 and 29 November).
• RSVP volunteers spot new look with our green corporate T-shirts.

2009

• On March 2 was the official launch of the rebranding of RSVP Singapore. The guest-of-honour was Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in charge of Ageing Issues and Minister in Prime Minister’s Office.
• RSVP hosted Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC CLN Networking Session on March 9. Addressing the session was Mayor of Central Singapore District Mr Zainudin Nordin. Mrs Josephine Teo, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, was also present.
• Mr Eugene Lim joined RSVP ProGuide as its General Manager on May 1.
• RSVP organised its first Strategy Formulation Workshop under trainer, Mr Andrew Sng, to identify and prioritise critical issues and develop action plans for a five-year period.
• Credit Suisse cheque presentation ceremony in support of RSVP Mentoring Programme was held on June 8. The donation was part of its Asia Pacific Philanthropy Grant, which supports lifetime education opportunities for disadvantaged children.
• Launched our Active Ageing Seniors Programme with two initiatives - SeniorsExpress comprising enrichment activities and the practice of healthy lifestyle habits and SeniorsView for seniors interested in photography.
• Established a partnership with Microsoft in its Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme to prepare seniors with employable IT skills using Microsoft 2007 software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) in May.
• RSVP played a part in the launch of Microsoft 7 operating software on October 21.
• RSVP is now a Certiport-certified testing centre in Singapore where examinations are held for Microsoft 2007.
• RSVP launched the Learning Journey Programme, an outdoor interactive learning activity for school children and senior groups. Here, volunteers guide students and seniors engaging them with the background and history of the place of visit. 

2010

• On April 28, RSVP launched Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme (MUP) with Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Manpower as the guest-of-honour. The MUP programme prepares seniors with employable IT skills using Microsoft 2007 software. 
• RSVP held its first InterGenerational Walk-N-Fun Day on May 30 at Angsana Green East Coast Park. The guest-of-honour was Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean. More than 400 participants turned up for the event, which raised $160,000.
• RSVP launched its Senior Guiding Programme where we provide guiding services at the NEWater Visitor Centre, Marina Barrage, Science Centre Singapore and the Envision Gallery.
• RSVP formed the Programmes Creation, Assessment & Development Committee. This committee is tasked with assisting the Board in creating, assessing and developing new programmes and reviewing existing ones.
• RSVP Singapore won the NCSS Outstanding VWO Award 2010 for Innovation. Dr Philbert Chin accepted the award at the NCSS Members Conference 2010 on Innovation Applications in Policy & Practice on October 12. Guest-of-Honour Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, Community Development, Youth and Sports presented the award.
• RSVP elected its new Board of Management at its 11 AGM held on October 23 at the Civil Service College. Ten members were elected to the Board.
• RSVP's first ever Photography Competition and Exhibition attracted a total of 700 entries. The event was organised by RSVP Photograhpy Interest Group, a section of the Active Ageing Seniors Programme's initiative. Prize presentation waas held at Civil Service College on 23 October.
• RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Nite 2010, held at The Grassroots' Club on 10 December, was attended by 350 active volunteers. Guest of Honour was Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament and MP for East Coast GRC. The President's Award was introduced for the first time to allow the President to recognize individuals who have rendered special services to him in advancing the mission of RSVP during his tenure of office.

2011
 

• RSVP held its Flag Day on 2 July with support from members, participating schools and corporations. We raised a total of $105,000.
• As a beneficiary of President's Challenge 2011, RSVP was featured in Media Corp President's Star Charity Show on July 31. The segment showed two Media Corp artistes interacting with our volunteers and patients from RSVP's Mentally Disadvantaged Programme.
• Two new schools joined the Mentoring Programme. They are Unity Primary on 8 July and Tampines North on 3 August.
• RSVP held its 2^nd Charity Golf 2011 on 7 September at the Laguna National Golf & Country Club. The guest of honour was Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of NTUC Eldercare. A total of 121 golf enthusiasts supported the event. We raised $190,000.
• The Senior Guiding Programme expands to more areas. We now provide guiding services at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium .
• Silver Infocomm Day 2011 was jointly organised by IDA, RSVP Singapore, Singapore Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education. More than 5,000 seniors took part in the hands-on ICT workshops and talks.
• RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Nte 2011 was held once again at The Grassroots' Club on  7 December. This year's theme was Country and Western and many came dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. Guest of Honour was Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister, Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports. 

2012

• February saw the start of RSVP's volunter training initative to equip seniors with skills to be an effective volunteer. 25 facilitators took part in the Train-the -trainer workshop. 
• On 17 March, RSVP became one of the adopters of Kallang River@Bishan Park . As an adopter, RSVP will organise activities in support of a clean and green environment.
• RSVP rolled out its Physically Challenged Outreach Programme with the training of volunteers on 18 June.The Programme involves befriending and training the physically challenged in IT skills and simple bookkeeping to prepare them for re-employment. 
• Minister for Health & Minister-in-Charge of Ageing Issues, Mr Gan Kim Yong launched Senior Volunteer Week and the Senior Volunteer Training Centre on Wednesday 5 September.
• RSVP AGM on 10 November at Queenstown CC saw the stepping down of founder President Dr Philbert Chin as required by RSVP's constitution. The newly formed Board later appointed Mr Koh Juay Meng as the new president. Dr Chin remains as Advisor in the Board of Management.
• Some 60 RSVP members took part in the Singapore Conversation dialogue session held at RSVP multi-purpose hall on Wed 28 November. The focus of this dialogue was on senior issues .Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister of Education, was present to listen to some of the issues raised.

• RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Nite on 27 December witnessed the stepping down of Dr Philbert Chin as President of RSVP since its inception in 1998 and the introduction of Mr Koh Juay Meng as the new President. This event was graced by the then Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Mdm Halimah Yacob. Besides awards presentations, RSVP members and invited guests were treated to an evening of entertainment, reminiscent of the 1950s.