ACTRESS and singer Jesseca Liu firmly believes that what old folk need most is not money but "somebody to talk to and care for them".

Malaysia-born Liu, 32, spoke to my paper yesterday at a media event for SMRT at the Asian Women's Welfare Association (Awwa) Community Home for Senior Citizens. She was responding to questions about Warmth, her recently recorded duet with Singaporean actress and singer Olivia Ong.

The Chinese piano ballad was written by veteran producer Chen Jia Ming and composed by singer-songwriter Dick Lee.

Commissioned by SMRT for its Silver Tribute Charity, it was released for radio airplay last week.

Liu is no newcomer when it comes to helping the elderly.

"There is an old folk's home in my hometown of Kedah and, in the past, I would gather with a few of my friends every New Year's Day and go down to cook a meal for them," she said.

Liu said she and her friends wanted to let the elderly feel that they had someone there with them on New Year's Day.

The HIM International artist said she felt the song was "very positive and bright".

Liu said: "I'm hoping that the song will influence people to donate money (to the Silver Tribute Charity), in addition to spreading the message."

Warmth will be the theme song for SMRT's fund-raising show, the Silver Tribute Charity Night, on June 5.

The proceeds will benefit voluntary welfare organisations catering to the needy elderly, which include the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Community Fund and the Awwa Community Home for Senior Citizens.

Ms Elaine Koh, chairman of the SMRT Silver Tribute Fund, said the song aims to "rally the community to go through life's ups and downs together, in both good times and bad; lending strength and support to one another".

For Liu, the media event also doubled as a chance to connect with the elderly at the Awwa.

"I've already promised to visit the old folk again when given the chance and time to," she said.

"I hope that, from now on, there will be more opportunities for me to help out," she added.

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To find out more about SMRT's Silver Tribute Charity, and to listen to Warmth, visit www.facebook.com/stfsmrt

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