SINGAPORE, April 9 (Bernama) -- The
17th World Ageing Festival 2026, organised by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, will take place from 14–15 April at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, convening over 8,300 attendees, including more than 5,000 trade participants and 130 speakers from over 40 countries, to explore the opportunities and challenges of ageing in a rapidly greying world.
Held in partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU) as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner, the Festival is honoured to have
Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, as the Guest-of-Honour on its opening day, and
Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as the Guest-of-Honour on day two.
Global Line-Up of Thought LeadersThe 17
th World Ageing Festival 2026 will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions by internationally recognised experts in ageing, longevity and health systems, including:
· Dr Maliki, Deputy Minister for Community Empowerment, Population and Labor, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, Indonesia
· Honorable Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association, New Zealand
· Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University, Singapore
· Dr Cheong Wei Yang, Vice Provost (Strategic Research Partnerships), SMU; and Senior Adviser (Health Economics), Ministry of Health, Singapore
· Professor Paulin Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), SMU, Singapore
· Dr Paul Ong, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Tsao Foundation, Singapore
· Professor Axel Börsch‐Supan, Executive Director, Munich Research Institute for the Economics of Aging and SHARE Analyses, Germany
· Mr Mikio Okumura, Group Chief Executive Officer, President and Representative Executive Officer, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Japan
· Dr Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Head, WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing in Europe, Clinical Lead and Global Director, National Academy for Social Prescribing, United Kingdom
· Ms Francien van de Ven, Director, Zorggroep Grootenhout, Netherlands
· Mr Daniel Reingold, Trustee, President and CEO (Ret.), RiverSpring Living, United States of America
· Mr Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia, Australia
· Mr Tan Chee Wee, Chief Executive Officer, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Singapore
Their addresses will set the tone for the Festival, examining how societies must adapt to longer life expectancies and shifting demographics. Discussions will also explore the transformation of retirement and workforce participation, the redesign of healthcare and care systems, and the rise of the longevity economy as a key growth frontier.
One of the main draws of the Festival is the Ageing Asia Innovation Exhibition, featuring over 200 leading global brands and solutions supporting successful ageing across Assistive Living, Home and Community Care, Healthcare, Active Ageing, Technology, Wellbeing, Rehabilitation and Wellness Tourism.
Among the innovations showcased, Buddy of Parents will introduce its BOP Monitor Voice, a technology-enabled eldercare solution designed to support safer independent living through features such as fall detection, activity monitoring and real-time emergency response.
Also featured is LiveLong.AI, a tool powered by EliteFit.Ai which enables early detection of fall risks in adults aged 55 and above through a quick screening of balance and strength, delivering personalised risk insights and next steps.
Another featured solution is an intelligent flooring system by Zao that uses embedded sensors and AI to detect falls in real time and alert caregivers instantly. Designed to be non-intrusive and privacy-safe, the system provides continuous, whole-room monitoring—offering a seamless approach to fall prevention and protection without the need for wearables or cameras.
Emphasising Collaboration and Real-World ImpactMs Janice Chia, Founder & Managing Director of Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, said, “Longevity is reshaping how we live, work and care for one another. The Festival will create a space for global and local stakeholders to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and co-develop solutions that will define the future of ageing societies.”
The opening day will also mark the official launch of the SMU Longevity Societies & Economies Institute (LSEI), a new institute dedicated to advancing the economic and societal sustainability of ageing populations. Also to be launched by Ageing Asia is the 5th Edition of
The Asia Pacific Silver Economy Business Opportunities Report 2026–2030, published by Ageing Asia, produced in collaboration with LSEI. The report will present an in-depth examination of the economic and societal implications of population ageing across Asia Pacific, drawing on regional perspectives and cross-sector insights.
It highlights the rapid growth of the region’s silver economy from approximately US$4 trillion today to nearly US$7 trillion by 2030, alongside emerging trends such as new senior tourism metrics, with older travellers quietly becoming Asia’s most valuable guests. The report also underscores how healthier ageing could unlock trillions in economic opportunity by reducing the cost burden of ill health among seniors.
It further explores key shifts shaping the longevity economy, including demographic change, evolving health and care systems, and financial preparedness, offering actionable insights into opportunities across the region.
Caregiving, Culture and Community in Focus on Opening DayFrom the realities of caregiving to the vibrancy of inter-generational performance, the opening day will spotlight the human dimensions of ageing. As part of the caregiving forum, a special screening of
Nowhere Like Home, a documentary commissioned by Tsao Foundation, will offer an intimate portrayal of caregiving through the lived experiences of three families. The film highlights the challenges, resilience, and dedication involved in supporting ageing in place, while also underscoring the importance of professional and community support for both caregivers and care recipients.
There will also be an inter-generational samba performance featuring senior performers, celebrating active ageing through culture, creativity and lifelong engagement.
“Engaging seniors as part of the ‘silver force’ at the festival reflects our belief that ageing should be redefined as a stage of continued contribution and participation. By creating opportunities for older adults to be actively involved, we hope to demonstrate the value of experience, purpose and community in shaping more inclusive ageing societies,” added Janice Chia.
The
17th World Ageing Festival is organised by Ageing Asia in partnership with SMU as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner. The Festival provides a global platform to advance evidence-informed dialogue and collaboration on the future of ageing and the silver economy.
Notes to EditorsEvent Details
Dates: 14–15 April 2026
Time: 14 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 5:00PM)
15 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 4:00PM)
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall C
Expected Attendance: 8,300+ participants
Exhibitors: 200+ global brands and solution providers
Media registration contact: Florence.fang@flamecomms.com
About Ageing Asia Pte LtdAgeing Asia is Asia Pacific’s first industry alliance on the business of ageing. We are an independent network and social enterprise that seeks to unite business, government, community leaders and the media, to drive change for APAC’s ageing landscape. Our vision is to lead an advocacy and educational role in improving quality and standards of eldercare, nurture partnerships and curate development of solutions that address the new opportunities and market demands of the ageing baby boomer population. Ageing Asia is a member of the Singapore Business Federation and raiSE. For more information on Ageing Asia, please visit
https://www.worldageingfestival.com/ About Singapore Management University (SMU)
A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU's mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU's education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: College of Integrative Studies, College of Graduate Research Studies, School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors', masters', and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU's city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. In March 2026, SMU is recognised as the World’s Most Improved University in the QS 2026 World University Rankings by Subject.
SOURCE: Flame Communications
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Florence Fang
Flame Communications (Official PR Agency)
Tel: (65) 92769231
Email: florence.fang@flamecomms.com
--BERNAMA