Singapore Launches First Professional Society Dedicated to Gerontechnology as Nation Enters Super-Aged Era

SINGAPORE, May 20, 2026 – As Singapore officially enters its “super-aged” phase in 2026, a new professional body focused on ageing and technology has been launched to help accelerate the adoption of practical solutions for seniors, caregivers and healthcare ecosystems.

The newly formed Society for Gerontechnology Singapore (SfG) was formally launched on 16 May during the “Humanised Technology for Caregivers: Building a Sustainable Society” symposium organised by Silver Caregivers Co-operative Ltd (SCCL).

The move comes at a time when Singapore, like several advanced Asian economies, is grappling with rapidly ageing populations, rising healthcare costs and increasing pressure on caregiving systems. Against this backdrop, gerontechnology, the intersection of ageing and technology, is emerging as a critical sector spanning AI-driven healthcare, robotics, assistive technologies, smart homes and independent living solutions.

SfG is positioning itself as Singapore’s first dedicated professional society focused on gerontechnology, bringing together expertise from fields such as engineering, design, business, social sciences and the care sector.

Founded by Dr Kelvin Tan, the organisation aims to create stronger industry collaboration while helping translate emerging technologies into practical applications across healthcare, eldercare and community environments.

“Gerontechnology is about creating environments that value and support older adults’ abilities and aspirations, rather than designing solutions based on stereotypes,” said Dr Tan.

“Today, AI and robots are playing an increasingly important role, from preventive health and care to home and independent living, with a strong emphasis on co-creation and co-design with older adults. SfG focuses on building the capabilities, partnerships and public awareness needed to translate gerontechnology into practical solutions for older persons and the wider community.”

The launch also underscores Singapore’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for ageing innovation and longevity-focused technologies. In March 2026, SfG became formally affiliated as the Singapore Chapter of the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG) during the organisation’s 15th World Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

The affiliation provides Singapore-based members with access to a global network of researchers, practitioners and innovators working on ageing-related technologies and solutions. Dr Tan was also elected Secretary General of ISG during the conference.

Globally, ageing societies are increasingly becoming a major economic and policy challenge. Countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and several European nations are investing heavily in robotics, AI-enabled monitoring systems, assistive devices and smart living infrastructure to support ageing populations while easing pressure on healthcare systems.

The International Society for Gerontechnology, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, works with organisations including the World Health Organization’s European Region and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics to advance ageing research and innovation worldwide.

A key highlight of the Singapore launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SfG and SCCL, aimed at expanding awareness and adoption of gerontechnology solutions among caregivers and families.

The collaboration will focus on community education programmes, workshops and talks designed to help individuals understand how technology can support caregiving, ageing-in-place and senior wellbeing.

The initiative also reflects growing recognition of caregiver stress and burnout as major societal issues. The release cited studies showing median prevalence rates of 33.35 per cent for depression, 35.25 per cent for anxiety and 49.26 per cent for caregiver burden.

Several senior care organisations have already joined SfG as corporate members ahead of the launch, including Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, PCF Sparkle Care and Vanguard Healthcare, signalling broader industry interest in the emerging gerontechnology ecosystem.

As Southeast Asia’s ageing demographics accelerate, the launch of SfG highlights how technology, healthcare and social innovation are becoming increasingly intertwined in shaping the future of ageing societies across the region.