Lingnan University’s Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project held the "Silver Tech Symposium" at Lingnan@WestKowloon in the M+ Tower of the West Kowloon Cultural District today, 1 April. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), it established a platform for exchanging ideas, exploring opportunities arising from the silver market, and discussing how to enhance the quality of life of the elderly.

Over a hundred professionals, industry leaders, and community representatives from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area participated in person or virtually, including Ms Gilly Wong, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, and Mr Anthony Lam, Executive Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Chairman of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council. They exchanged views, experiences and knowledge of the silver markets in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, recommended innovative solutions, and encouraged cross-sector collaboration.

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing of Lingnan University, said, "With the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Lingnan University has promoted multiple gerontechnology projects since 2019 in order to increase the understanding and skills of seniors, caregivers, and students in the local communities. Lingnan has consistently been at the forefront of gerontechnology development, aligning with the Hong Kong government’s Policy Address, which emphasised the development of the silver economy. In addition to continually seeking technological advancements, the University actively pursues interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and collaboration with industry partners to improve elderly care services and support gerontechnology for a better quality of life for the elderly."

Ms Gracie Ng, Chief of Staff and Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer, HKSTP, explained, “HKSTP, Hong Kong’s largest hub for gerontechnology and solutions for the elderly, is dedicated to assisting the silver technology sector by creating a platform for quality product development and startups that focus on new gerontechnological solutions. Beyond the technological aspects, ‘quality’ from the perspective of elderly users encompasses more than just functionality; it includes a high-touch experience that prioritises user comfort, ease of use, and pre- and post-sales support services validated by feedback from seniors. We shall continue to collaborate with stakeholders and tech companies to create solutions for the elderly in order to improve their quality of life and well-being.”

Ms Gilly Wong, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, highlighted the Consumer Council's role in raising awareness among the elderly in the community, and focused on key areas for stakeholders to drive this forward. Mr Anthony Lam, Executive Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Chairman of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, emphasised the significance of Q-Mark certification and its applications in the silver market, particularly its role in product quality, building consumer trust, and providing a competitive edge. Dr Zeng Weiling, Deputy Director of the Strategic Operations Department at the Shenzhen Wellbeing and Wellness Group Co., Ltd., talked about the development of the elderly care industry in the Greater Bay Area, and the new technologies shown in exhibitions in Mainland China. Representatives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Park Companies also reviewed the development of local technological innovations and the definition of "quality" in silver technology products from the perspective of elderly users.

The symposium considered the development of gerontechnology, and modernisation and entrepreneurship within the silver products market, and interdisciplinary research and community engagement. Dr Chloe Siu, Senior Lecturer at the School of Graduate Studies and Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), and Project Manager of the Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project at Lingnan University, said, "Exploring and creating an age-friendly community while promoting the development of the silver market is crucial for Hong Kong’s ageing society. Although assisting the elderly population to participate in community and economic activities aligns not only with the active aging framework advocated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and also helps the silver economy, specific policy actions are still needed to achieve this goal in Hong Kong. This symposium will help stakeholders understand the development framework so as to inspire future actions to achieve this goal."

She added, "The Lingnan research team will continue to explore the needs of the silver market, and provide recommendations to the government and industry, for example through surveys to learn the needs of older adults and caregivers. Our aim is to help them understand the available technology, so as to facilitate the development of gerontechnology and enable their lives to continue to be productive."

For more details about the symposium, please visit: LU_X_HKSTP_SilverTech_and_Silver_Economy_Rundown.pdf