Hong Kong (13/01) – A delegation from the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM), consisting of SPs administrators, the management of the Master and Doctoral Leadership and Policy Innovation Program, staff, and students from the Barito Selatan Regional Government collaborative class, participated in an Innovation Study titled “Fostering Change Through Innovation: Insights from Lingnan University’s Policy Innovative Program”. This program is an integral part of the learning curriculum for Barito Selatan Government students, aiming to provide experience and insights into innovative programs conducted at Lingnan University.
Currently, the Hong Kong Government faces a significant challenge of a super aging society, with approximately 20% of its population classified as elderly. Hong Kong boasts a high life expectancy of 87–93 years, surpassing Japan’s figures. To address this, the Hong Kong Government collaborates with the private sector, particularly in providing elderly care services that promote active and independent living.
On the first day, the SPs UGM delegation visited Forward Living, a senior housing community in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, which adopts Scandinavian-style elderly care focusing on individual-based approaches and technology integration. The visit offered participants insights into how technology and community-based designs are applied to support healthy, active, and independent aging, aligning with Forward Living’s mission. Known for its customization and community-driven care, Forward Living serves as a critical model for public policy development in elderly care services.
The SPs UGM delegation was welcomed by Stephanie Law, Managing Director of Culture Home. “The Hong Kong Government addresses elderly care challenges through three main roles: supporting caregivers, fostering investment by offering incentives to the private sector to develop elderly care services, and enhancing at-home care services with daycare facilities and technologies to support elderly independence,” she explained.
This activity is expected to inspire students in developing elderly care policies in Indonesia, catering to local needs. It highlights the importance of synergy between the government and private sectors in delivering innovative and sustainable elderly care services.
Author: Ika Krisnadewi
Editor: Arfikah Istari