The Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place chosen as one of the Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Community Services

The Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project (GTSA), organised by Lingnan University with two non-governmental organisations, The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council (NAAC) and Yan Oi Tong, increased knowledge of gerontechnology in the community from 2022 to 2025. Thanks to cross-sector collaboration, the project has actively facilitated its integration into the daily lives of older adults, enhancing their quality of life and strengthening community support.

Recently, the project was nominated by the NAAC and honoured as one of the award-winning organisations in the 2025–2026 Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Community Services Award. Organised by Lions Clubs International District 303 (Hong Kong & Macao, China), the award is for outstanding service initiatives that have made significant contributions to society through an open, fair, and impartial selection process. It seeks to enhance public awareness and acknowledgement of social services while establishing exemplary models for the sector. The evaluation criteria for the award cover multiple aspects, including the innovation of service concepts, contributions to society (such as target service groups and number of beneficiaries), planning and execution, social service awareness, use of resources, and the sustainability of the project, as well as volunteer and public participation.

Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Project Manager of the GTSA and Senior Lecturer at the School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University, said “We are greatly honoured to receive this recognition. Over the past three years, the project has worked closely with community organisations, and recommended a cross-sector collaboration model. Through home visit assessments conducted by the NAAC alone, the project has engaged over 8,000 beneficiaries, giving them experience with and understanding of gerontechnology.” In addition, Lingnan University has been publicising its Gerontech Ambassador training programme continuously, and 126 volunteers have taken part in related services and promotional activities at the NAAC. Beyond older adults and caregivers, the project has also trained young people to become Gerontech Ambassadors, encouraging intergenerational inclusion.

Dr Siu added “Young people can contribute knowledge and innovative thinking to aid the development of gerontechnology, for example by using tools that better meet the needs of older adults in the community. Gerontechnology elements have also been incorporated in postgraduate curricula at the School of Graduate Studies for students to optimise service models through evidence-based research and technological innovation, address the challenges of an ageing population, and prepare for future societal needs.”

This award not only recognises Lingnan University’s endeavours and achievements in gerontechnology and community services, but also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing societal needs, providing a valuable model of best practice for the community.