·E27
How a Simple Walk Became a Global Movement. 23 Million Steps. Over $500K Raised for Dementia | Tom Platts, Walk-to-Talk.com | Tank Talks Asia
Episode Description
In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Tom Platts, the Singapore-based M&A lawyer who turned a spur-of-the-moment walk around MacRitchie Reservoir into a global movement raising money and awareness for dementia.
Tom shares how swapping a beer with a client for a walk in the jungle spiralled into Walk to Talk, a foundation now active across five countries that has raised more than half a million US dollars — and why two phone-free hours in nature each morning completely changed his outlook on life.
Featured VoicesHosts: Manisha Tank & Andrew
Guest: Tom Platts, Founder, Walk to Talk
Key takeaways• Tom explains how a chance decision in January 2023 (swapping a client beer for a charity walk around MacRitchie Reservoir) grew into a movement called Walk to Talk.
• He says the daily loops have spread far beyond Singapore, with regular walks now running in London, Melbourne, Dubai and New York.
• Tom reveals the initiative has raised more than half a million US dollars for dementia charities across Singapore, the UK and Australia.
• He argues that walking and talking away from screens is powerfully good for connection, wellbeing and brain health.
• Tom urges anyone touched by dementia not to suffer in silence, noting that roughly 55 million people worldwide live with the disease.
Chapter heads02:45
The Expat Who Never Left
Tom explains how an 18-month posting to Singapore in 2011 quietly turned into 13 years and counting.
03:26
A Beer That Turned Into A Big Idea
He recalls a difficult year and the January morning he persuaded a client to swap a pint for a walk and a donation.
07:50
What Exactly Is MacRitchie?
He gives a tour of the 12.1-kilometre loop, its wartime history and the wildlife he logs for Singapore's National Parks.
09:50
The Challenge Goes Global
Tom shares how Walk to Talk spread from Singapore's jungle to London's streets, Melbourne, Dubai and New York.
12:26
The Numbers Behind The Steps
Tom talks through the steps he took and the funds he raised for dementia charities across three continents, plus one-off causes close to his heart.
16:04
Getting Dementia Outdoors
He explains why bringing people living with dementia into nature matters so much for memory and the senses.
18:46
Don't Suffer In Silence
Tom offers advice to families facing dementia and puts the sheer scale of the disease into perspective.
20:10
Why Walking And Talking Is Beneficial For You
He looks ahead to brain health, a growing team and how the whole thing reshaped the way he sees life.
23:35
How Can People Get In Touch
Tom shares how people can get involved with Walk to Talk.
Watch a mini-documentary about Tom & The MacRitchie Challenge Useful linkshttps://www.raceagainstdementia.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/walktotalk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-platts-18924475
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