HKPC’s Virtual “Gerontechnology Conference” Successfully Concludes - Joining Government, Business & Civic Forces to Crave Ways for “Hong Kong-Style” Gerontech

(Hong Kong, 17 December 2020) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) initiated gerontechnology industry cluster, “Glink”, today organised the virtual “Gerontechnology Conference - Insight of Gerontechnology in Hong Kong”, diving deep into various topics relating to innovative technologies and home caring. Aiming to promote technology-based solutions to address the needs of the elderly and develop Hong Kong into a gerontech friendly society, the conference invited Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Elderly Commission; Ms Elsa Hung, Assistant Commissioner for Efficiency of the HKSAR Government; and representatives from social welfare, academia and research institutions to share invaluable insights on gerontech development. 

Addressing the opening, Mr Willy Lin, Chairman of HKPC, said, “HKPC is committed to scaling up living standard of the elderly, leveraging on innovative technologies. Organised by “Glink”, the “Gerontechnology Conference” draws upon experts from the Government departments and industries to shed light on the latest trend and development of gerontech in various aspects, further fostering cross-industry collaboration and grasping the business potential arisen in the gerontech market. The recently released ‘Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0’ by the Government highlights the continuous implementation of the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care, which serves to support trial use, rental or procurement of technology products by the elderly and rehabilitation service units. This initiative is a testimony to the Government’s vigorous support of industries to push ahead gerontech development. HKPC will spare no effort in working with the industries and community for the betterment of smart age city, craving ways for the ‘Hong Kong-style’ gerontech.”

Dr Lam Ching-choi shared at the conference, “To address the needs of the elderly population, the Government is committed to promoting the wide use of gerontechnology and supporting the research and development of gerontechnology products. The Government's efforts in promoting gerontechnology include providing funding support for universities, local public research institutions and private companies to conduct research and development projects involving gerontechnology, as well as providing subsidies for elderly service units to trial use and procure gerontechnology products. However, the lack of test bed for products is a significant gap in the gerontechnology ecosystem. This must be tackled in a multi-prolonged approach which demands cross-sector collaboration and a mentality of change.”

Other guest speakers also engaged audience with inspiring views, saying that the coming decade will determine the development of gerontech. They highlighted the significance of applying the existing technologies, such as 3D printing, big data, IoT, etc. From R&D, product validation to product commercialisation, all processes require integration with the entire value chain in order to effectively forge ahead with development.

HKPC spearheaded the establishment of Hong Kong’s first gerontech cluster - ‘GLink’, creating an information sharing platform for gerontech users and service providers, also accelerating R&D of innovative gerontech products and services and achieving the building of smart ageing community. More than 100 organisations and enterprises have already joined the cluster. GLink has organised 13 gerontech-related activities, such as conferences, forums and consultation sessions. It also pinpoints the need of elderly and carers by developing intelligent meal delivery cart, IoT system for the elderly homes, as well as the Wheelchair Rooftopper System. In collaboration with the industries and community, GLink welcomes interested parties to join. Please contact us at 2788 5678 or hkpcenq@hkpc.org for inquiries.

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