A half-day symposium on gerontechnology illuminates cross-sector communication

The School of Graduate Studies (GS) at Lingnan University (Lingnan) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) co-organised a half-day symposium titled “Gerontechnology Innovation Journey: From Idea to Impact” on 1 April 2026. The event explored the development of gerontechnology from concept to sustainable community impact. Drawing more than 120 participants, including students from the health-related taught postgraduate programmes offered by the GS, the symposium fostered insightful discussions on ideation, incubation, and practical application in gerontechnology, and demonstrated how technology-driven solutions can effectively address the evolving needs of older adults.

The symposium provided participants with the opportunity to learn from experts representing NGOs, incubation programme, property management, and the financial sector:

• Mr Ivan To Chun-man, Manager of True Light Villa District Elderly Community Centre, Christian Family Service Centre, shared insights on “Empathy and User Needs Assessment”, exploring challenges faced by older adults and emphasising user-centred gerontechnology design informed by NGO perspectives.

• Ms Grace Lai, Senior Manager, University Collaborations of HKSTP, presented a session on “Ideation, Incubation and Startup Development”, outlining resources available to accelerate the growth of gerontechnology start-ups.

• Mr Pius Lam, Senior Project and Program Development Manager of Hong Yip Service Company Limited, discussed “Implementation and Field Application”, addressing strategies for integrating gerontechnology within local communities and property management to ensure practical usability.

• Mr Kevin Wong, Head of Structured Banking of Hang Seng Bank Limited, spoke on “Financial Sustainability and Silver Finance”, highlighting funding models, investment opportunities, and the potential of silver finance to sustain innovation in gerontechnology.

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost of Lingnan University, delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasising “At Lingnan, we are deeply committed to ‘Education for Service’, which aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Today, we are honoured to have not only our students but also young entrepreneurs, senior ambassadors, and older adults joining us! This diverse and intergenerational gathering provides a unique platform for learning, sharing, and collaboration, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and benefit.”

Students from the Master of Science in Smart Ageing and Gerontology (SAG) programme offered by the GS had the opportunity to showcase their gerontechnology solutions and ongoing projects. Following the event, several students shared thoughtful reflections on their learning experiences. Kimmy He Qiwei from the SAG programme shared, “The symposium gave me a valuable opportunity to speak directly with older adults. I was encouraged to see that their curiosity and openness to technology were higher than I had expected. It also made me reflect that designing for young-old users is not only about age-friendly interfaces, but also about intuitive interaction, low learning costs, and real device compatibility. In addition, a conversation with an older adult inspired me to think more about technological advancements such as voice interaction and future work on improving Cantonese applications in technology for older adults in Hong Kong.”

Li Jiayi from the SAG programme, who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, expressed, “According to presentations by experts from diverse fields, I gained a clearer understanding of how gerontechnology in Hong Kong is being integrated into property management, finance, and other sectors. I also learnt about the existing challenges in its development, as well as how various organisations support the sustainable growth of gerontechnology. This event broadened my horizons and deepened my insights into the practical application and future of gerontechnology innovation.”

Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer at the GS and the event moderator, emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing gerontechnology. She stated, “Building a strong gerontechnology ecosystem requires a co-creation process involving people of different age groups and professional backgrounds. Everyone’s participation is essential for success.” She further highlighted that the inclusive approach ensures that solutions are not only technologically feasible but also socially relevant, user-friendly, and truly responsive to the actual needs of older adults. She stressed that fostering open communication and mutual understanding across sectors is key to overcoming barriers and accelerating the development and adoption of impactful gerontechnology innovation.

The symposium successfully fostered cross-sector dialogue and knowledge exchange, bridging academia, industry, community organisations, and financial institutions. By highlighting the entire innovation journey, from ideation to practical impact, the event underscored the vital role of collaborative efforts in advancing gerontechnology. Participants left with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, and they were motivated to contribute to sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for older adults in Hong Kong and beyond.