You Won't Believe How This Singaporean Turned a $5K Grant into a Thriving Aqua Fitness Revolution!

In late 2019, Ms. Yu Poh Leng was poised to embark on a new chapter of her life, teaching aqua fitness—a sport that had quickly become her passion. However, her aspirations took a serious detour when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. After recovering in 2020, she returned to her dream with renewed vigor, determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

Now, at 60 years old, Ms. Yu is not only teaching aqua fitness to affluent seniors at private clubs like the Chinese Swimming Club and Tanglin Club, but she has also decided to broaden her outreach. As she approaches her milestone birthday in 2025, Ms. Yu is launching a project called the ‘60-for-60 aqua fitness project,’ aiming to offer free aqua fitness classes to 60 seniors.

“I wanted to reach out to the seniors in the heartland. My idea was if I can do a class that’s free for them, they will come,” said the former public relations consultant. However, the path to realizing her vision was not straightforward. Ms. Yu encountered challenges in securing venues and sponsorships, prompting her to seek assistance from the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO).

With the support of the SGPO, she was able to apply for funding through the Our Singapore Fund (OSF), which has been instrumental in supporting over 800 citizen-led initiatives since its inception in 2016. Ms. Yu's project received funding of about $5,500, which primarily covers starter kits for participating seniors. These kits include swimsuits, towels, swim bags, and bottles of sunblock and shampoo.

During a speech in Parliament on March 5, Acting Minister David Neo emphasized that the OSF aims to empower citizens to turn their community ideas into reality. The fund is set to evolve, as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during the Budget 2026 address on February 12 that a new $50 million SG Partnerships Fund (SGPF) will replace the OSF. This new initiative will provide stronger support for citizen-led projects across various domains and sectors, effectively lowering barriers for individuals like Ms. Yu to contribute to their communities.

The SGPF will introduce three tiers of funding to support projects at different growth stages. The Seed tier, the entry-level option, allows for the quick activation of small-scale projects via a simplified application process, offering up to $5,000 in funding. The Sprout and Scale tiers will cater to more established projects, providing up to $50,000 and $1 million respectively.

Ms. Yu has expressed interest in applying for the SGPF under the Seed tier to enhance her aqua fitness program. She aims to introduce fitness goal-setting and assessments of the seniors’ fitness levels before and after the program. “Fitness data could serve as a great motivator for seniors,” she noted, as it allows them to share progress with friends.

In addition to connecting Ms. Yu with sponsors such as SportSG, the SGPO has also facilitated partnerships with other organizations to meet her project's diverse needs. Recognizing the importance of capturing memories, SGPO engaged volunteers from the National Youth Council to photograph and video the classes, ensuring that participants could share their experiences with family.

Ms. Yu now teaches seven classes weekly, fully dedicating herself to her role as an aqua fitness instructor. Her passion for water sports ignited in her youth, and upon discovering aqua fitness in early 2019, she quickly enrolled in classes. Tragically, just four months later, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. This life-altering experience prompted her to reevaluate her priorities, leading her to abandon her corporate career in favor of pursuing her passion for teaching fitness.

Aqua fitness also provides a unique solution for seniors who may have challenges with traditional land-based exercises. “Why not try it in a pool, where there’s no impact but still enough resistance to work your muscles?” Ms. Yu recalls thinking. This innovative approach has resonated with many seniors, including sisters Ms. Yew Poh Leng and Ms. Yew Poh Yok, who found joy and mobility through Ms. Yu’s classes.

At 69 years old, Ms. Yew Poh Yok was searching for physical activities that would keep her mobile. After trying chair Zumba classes and feeling disappointed, she found her fit with aqua fitness. “When I came to aqua fitness classes and found that I could follow all the exercises easily, and that it makes me more mobile, I was very happy,” she said.

For those battling personal fears, such as aquaphobia, Ms. Yu's classes offer a supportive environment. Ms. Yew Poh Leng, who developed a fear of water after a childhood incident, felt reassured by Ms. Yu’s attentiveness, especially when she faced challenges during class. “I felt looked after,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of community in overcoming personal hurdles.

Applications for the SGPF will open in April, providing more opportunities for Singaporeans to bring their community-focused projects to life. For more information, interested parties can visit www.sgpo.gov.sg/sgpf.