5 Key Insights on Ageing from the DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Dialogue
Hong Kong is one of the world's most rapidly ageing cities, a trend mirrored across the Greater Bay Area. With high urban density and a shrinking caregiver workforce, the region requires scalable, AI-driven solutions that can operate across the GBA's 80-million-strong market to provide sustainable care and financial security.
The inaugural GBA Impact Beyond Dialogue 2025 in Hong Kong established a new blueprint for regional cooperation in the face of rapid ageing. By positioning the Greater Bay Area as a unified "Silver Economy" hub, the event highlighted how cross-border synergy can turn demographic pressure into a source of competitive advantage.
The dialogue aimed to connect businesses and social enterprises to co-create a "senior-friendly community." By merging Hong Kong’s professional service excellence with the GBA’s technological manufacturing power, the purpose was to drive actionable solutions that empower seniors to live with dignity, purpose, and independence.
Here are the five key takeaways from the Dialogue:
1. Fostering a Culture of Collaborative Innovation
Cross-sector and cross-border partnerships are the foundation for GBA's longevity strategy.
Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR Government, addressed: "As we navigate the complexities of an ageing population, it is essential for the community to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. This Dialogue offers an invaluable platform for stakeholders to co-create a supportive environment."
2. A Shared Promise of Dignity
Ageing well must be a universal goal across the region's social and economic tiers.
Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, shared "Ageing well should not be a privilege for just the select few but a shared promise for all – as we work together to build a future where seniors... can live with dignity and purpose."
3. Connecting Ecosystem Players
The GBA serves as a unique marketplace for testing and scaling elderly care ideas.
Alphae Chen, Head of Group Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank Hong Kong, addressed: "We aim to connect like-minded businesses to collaborate, share different perspectives and generate innovative ideas that will drive actionable solutions to empower and enable our seniors to age and live in dignity, and to foster a society where seniors are supported and engaged, where their life knowledge and experience can be shared across generations "
4. Restoring Joy Through "Dignity Dining"
By transforming soft-meal aesthetics and nutrition, social enterprises are proving that dining with dignity is a fundamental right that prevents the cognitive and physical decline associated with malnutrition and loneliness. "Food is more than just nutrients; it’s a source of joy and dignity. We must ensure seniors can continue to eat well and live well, regardless of their physical limitations." — said Queenie Man, Founder, The Project Futurus.
5. Building Financial Resilience in a Long‑Life Society
As Hong Kong moves deeper into a super‑aged era, financial security emerged as a critical enabler of ageing well. The dialogue highlighted the rising cost of urban ageing and the need to equip vulnerable communities with the skills and knowledge to manage longevity‑related financial risks—particularly around wealth protection, healthcare, and long‑term care planning. Strengthening financial literacy is essential to ensuring seniors can age in place with dignity and independence.
Scaling Impact through Social Enterprises
The event also spotlighted the role of purpose-driven enterprises in addressing ageing challenges at scale through the DBS Foundation Grant 2024. Among the 22 grantees recognised, three Hong Kong-based social enterprises were featured:
- The Project Futurus, which promotes positive ageing, dignity dining, and social inclusion through education, advocacy, and community programmes
- Motive Force, which enhances elderly and disability care through innovative gerontechnology, rehabilitation, and primary healthcare solutions
- Rhys Workshop, which empowers marginalised communities through sewing skills training and remote work opportunities for sustainable livelihoods
Together, these enterprises demonstrate how social innovation can complement policy and capital to build inclusive, resilient ageing ecosystems.