03/09/2026
💡 “Practical and in tune with real-life challenges.”
That was how Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung described ideas and prototypes like WhatsApp Companion — an innovation co-developed by NOC alumnus Zacchaeus Chok, co-founder of Marymount Labs.
Powered by AI, WhatsApp Companion is a smart messaging system designed to engage less active seniors through personalised health check-ins, activity recommendations and gentle nudges to encourage participation in community activities. Developed in partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation, the solution has engaged around 700 seniors across two Active Ageing Centres, contributing to a 50% increase in programme participation since its introduction - a strong affirmation of how technology, when grounded in genuine community needs, can translate into meaningful social impact.
At NOC, we’re proud to see alumni like Zacchaeus taking an entrepreneurial approach to solving real-world challenges and building solutions that make a difference. Congratulations to Zacchaeus and the Marymount Labs team! 🚀
🔗 Read more here: https://bit.ly/MarymountLabs
📷: The Straits Times