Lingnan University’s Gerontechnology Project honoured by the Social Welfare Department for its volunteer service promoting technology to benefit society

The Lingnan University Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project has been nominated and, after being reviewed by the judging panel, acknowledged as one of the Outstanding Volunteer Projects at the Social Welfare Department’s 2025 Tuen Mun District Volunteer Promotion Award Ceremony, held on 24 January. The project, dedicated to creating Gerontechnology Ambassadors and encouraging age-friendly technology knowledge through cross-generational collaboration, applauds volunteers who have long cared for the Tuen Mun community. The team received an award in recognition of its contributions and long-standing dedication to the community.

Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University, said “We are grateful to the charitable organisation Yan Oi Tong for nominating our project and supporting Lingnan, which has led to our recognition in the ‘Tuen Mun District Volunteer Recognition Scheme’. Lingnan has always been dedicated to community care, and our team will continue to uphold the spirit of service, promote the popularisation of gerontechnology, and bring greater benefits to the community. This award not only acknowledges Lingnan’s work in encouraging gerontechnology and volunteer training but also inspires the team to strengthen community connections, continue to expand its impact, foster mutual support and inclusion within the community, and promote technology to benefit more elderly people and individuals in need.”

Ms Choi Yuet-ling, who has served as a Gerontechnology Ambassador for three years, spoke about her volunteer experience after the ceremony. “I am sincerely grateful to Lingnan for the training in age-friendly technology that enables me and other volunteers to apply what we have learned and share our knowledge of gerontechnology with those in need. Together with other volunteers, I guide at the LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab, explaining various assistive products relating to themes such as dining, living, and transport, and this helps the elderly and their caregivers gain a deeper understanding of gerontechnology. The X Lab attracts visitors of different age groups, including university and secondary school students, and we hope to make the technology more widely known through hands-on services.”

Ms Choi described a memorable volunteering experience: “An elderly visitor who used hearing aids came to the X Lab. Due to prolonged use and improper cleaning of hearing aids on both ears, she suffered from ear infections, and I showed her the hearing aid with material conduction technology available at the X Lab. The visitor later reported a significant improvement in her ear condition, and was most grateful for my advice. I believe that as an ambassador, I have a mission to spread knowledge and give back to society by helping those in need through practical action.”

Since 2005, the Social Welfare Department has encouraged volunteers from the area through the “Tuen Mun District Volunteer Recognition Scheme”, which honours compassionate volunteers and motivates ongoing community backing for a caring and inclusive community.