HKSTP Showcases Innovations from 34 Park Companies at Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2020 to Address Hong Kong’s Growing Ageing Population

(Hong Kong, 20 November 2020) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) co organised the fourth Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES), from 18 to 22 November,  together with the HKSAR Government and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). This  annual flagship event gave 34 HKSTP partner companies and incubatees the opportunity to showcase  their innovations that help improve healthcare and quality of life for the elderly.  

Through the Healthy Ageing Platform, HKSTP is committed to connecting Park companies with NGOs,  healthcare and elderly services sectors. The goal is to encourage the trial and adoption of solutions  that reduce the pressure on caregivers, as well raising quality of life for the elderly.  

Under the theme of “Healthy Ageing Tech Leads the Way”, the HKSTP Pavilion at GIES presented a  range of Gerontech innovations from Park companies. These included infection controlsolutions, anti wandering systems, health monitoring and screening devices, telemedicine and assistive technologies that provide better support for the daily lives, healthcare, and mobility for the elderly.  

On 18 November, Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP joined a panel titled: “Gerontech - Enhanced  Care in Hong Kong - Achievements and the Way Ahead” which was hosted by Mr Chua Hoi Wai, Chief  Executive of HKCSS. Dr Chai discussed about the increasingly important role of technology in improving public health and elderly care, and how innovators are adjusting their innovations to  capitalise on the expanding market opportunities. 

He was joined by fellow panelists Mr Lam Ka Tai, Deputy Director of Social Welfare (Services), Social  Welfare Department, the HKSAR Government; Dr Lam Ching Choi, Chairperson, Elderly Commission,  Hong Kong; Mr Bryan Wong, Head of Charities (Grant Making), The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Ms  Martha Hao, Chairperson, Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association.  

Gerontech helps the elderly live longer, stay healthy and improve their quality of life – thus  contributing to a better society. Research and development in this area brings together different  disciplines including artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and smart city technology.  Currently over 70 companies at Science Park are actively pursuing Gerontech solutions. This growing  sector is especially important as it addresses the challenges posed by the rise in Hong Kong’s elderly  population, which is projected to hit one third of the city’s population by 2039. 

List of Park companies exhibiting at GIES: 

Photo 1: HKSTP co-organised the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2020, together with the HKSAR Government and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Officiating guests at the opening ceremony were:

• Dr Chi-kwong Law, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, the HKSAR Government (centre)
• Mr Bernard Chan, Chairperson of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (2nd from the left)
• Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP (2nd from the right)
• Mr Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st from the left)
• Mr Wang Cuijun, Director of China Merchants Group Limited (1st from the right)

Photo 2: Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP (2nd from the left) joined a panel titled: “Gerontech - Enhanced Care in Hong Kong - Achievements and the Way Ahead”.

Photos 3 and 4: Thirty-four tech companies from HKSTP showcased their innovations that help improve healthcare and quality of life for the elderly at the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2020.