LU holds gerontechnology conference to tackle challenges of ageing population and celebrate the opening of Gerontech-X Lab

Lingnan University (LU) - ‘LU Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing Project’ (the project) organised a two-day conference entitled “Gerontechnology Conference⸺Partnership Strategies for a Collaborative Society’ on 15 and 16 April 2021. The guests of honour, Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Elderly Commission and Mr Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, officiated at the launch ceremony with Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of LU, and Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President of LU.

 

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the project aims to promote gerontechnology and support smart ageing and socialpreneurship activities. It also serves as an educational platform providing training courses and workshops on“Gerontechnology in Healthcare, Dining, Living and Transport” to the public. The project team will also conduct baseline studies for the establishment of a database of gerontech products, services, social innovation and startups in Hong Kong, aiming to offer suggestions and advices to the industry and policy makers.

 

The project also includes the establishment of the 2,000-square-foot “LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab” on LU campus which showcases latest gerontechnology products, raises awareness among the public and provides hands-on experience of how the products can benefit the elderly and their carers. The opening ceremony of the “LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab” was held on the first day of the conference.

 

Speaking at the conference, Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of LU, thanked Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation, and Hong Kong SAR Government for its tremendous support. “We, as a member of the education sector, are committed to providing visitors with a unique experience which exposes them to the latest gerontechnology development. We also aim to take the lead in encouraging gerontechnology and innovation as well as promoting ageing in place in Hong Kong. To foster a more holistic discussion,  we have invited speakers and participants from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore with different backgrounds to take part in the conference,” said President Cheng.

 

Mr Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club noted that the support towards gerontechnology development and collaborative partnership is part of the Club’s strategy in promoting an age-friendly Hong Kong. “The support for various technology and innovation initiatives was only made possible through the Jockey Club’s unique integrated business model. It is through this model that the Club is able to offer tax subsidies and support for projects which contribute to the betterment of our society,” said Mr Cheung.

 

Apart from sharing sessions, the conference also featured booth activities showcasing a wide range of gerontechnology products designed by students from five primary and secondary schools, including a “smart shopping cart” and an “infrared-based automatic motion-tracking system”.