Opening remarks by SLW at opening ceremony of Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2022 (English only) (with photos)
2.11.2022

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the opening ceremony of the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2022 jointly hosted by the Government and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service this morning (November 2): Kennedy (Vice-chairperson of Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Mr Kennedy Liu), Sunny (Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Mr Feng (Executive Vice President of China Merchants Group Limited and Director of China Merchants Foundation, Mr Feng Boming), Mr Okada Kenichi (Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and friends, Indeed, a very good morning to you all. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2022. I am also really thankful to Mother Nature for granting us this very narrow window, so that we can hold the ceremony as scheduled while the typhoon is approaching Hong Kong. Thank you very much. Hong Kong enjoys one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Estimates by the Census and Statistics Department forecast that come 2040, there would be over half a million old-old, those aged 85 or above. While we are taking pride in how quality healthcare services have contributed to our longevity, we also have to cope with the challenges of our rapidly ageing population. As our population ages, the demand for medical and care services will inevitably increase. We must harness gerontechnology as a solution to improve the quality of life and self-care capabilities of the older generations. A decade ago, gerontechnology had not gained much popularity. No one would have imagined gerontology and technology could come together and become the bandwagon that transforms the ability and ways elderly people age in place. Just take an example: after three years into COVID-19, I am sure now we all have a deeper understanding of how a prolonged period of social isolation would have a toll on the mental and psychological well-being of the elderly. Companion robots with functions such as video calls, behavioural training programmes and even amusement programmes could become a good companion of the elderly and provide support when the physical presence of their family members and acquaintances is not always possible. In December 2018, the Government launched a $1 billion Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care (I&T Fund) in order to equip the care sector with technological products and solutions. The I&T Fund has since been subsidising elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure or rent technology products to enhance their quality of service to the elderly while relieving the pressure and burden of the staff who take care of them. Thus far, grants totalling about $470 million have been approved, subsidising about 1 500 elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure or rent over 12 000 items of technology products. Since September 2022, two months ago, the Government has expanded the application eligibility under the I&T Fund from subsidised service units to all residential care homes, so as to promote the use of gerontechnology in the sector. Over the years, the Expo has attracted more than 170 000 visits from all walks of life and different age groups. The popularity of the Expo speaks volumes about the changing attitude towards gerontechnology and its development. This year, the Expo will be receiving over 80 groups of visitors from religious bodies, schools and non-governmental organisations. By bringing users and suppliers under one roof, the Expo is doing a great service to the elderly and their carers. Many of them would find something truly useful to improve their quality of life during their "treasure hunt" here! Last but not least, I am grateful to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service for organising the Expo for the sixth year in a row. My gratitude also goes to the China Merchants Foundation and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation for their very generous sponsorships and support which make this Expo possible. May I wish the Expo a huge success and all of you a most rewarding experience here. Thank you very much.