In order to understand Hong Kong citizens' views on the development of gerontechnology, Lingnan University recently held a public opinion survey. The results show that gerontechnology products related to healthcare and exercise are of the greatest interest to the public, although about 60 per cent of respondents find the cost of such products prohibitively high, which presents a barrier to purchase. At the same time, over 90 per cent hope that the government will increase support for elderly service organisations to adopt gerontechnology, and for research and development. This would stimulate growth and the silver economy, ultimately benefiting more older adults and caregivers.
A research team from Lingnan University interviewed 869 Hong Kong citizens aged 18 and over during this year's Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES), which was held from 20 to 23 November. The results show an ongoing upward trend in public awareness of gerontechnology, and 78 per cent of respondents were familiar with the word, up from 76 per cent the previous year.
Gerontechnology is extremely relevant in everyday life, and the survey reveals that public interest is strongest in development in 'healthcare' (72 per cent) and 'exercising' (52 per cent), which attract greater attention than ‘dining' (42 per cent) or 'living' (38 per cent). These findings reflect the public's different priorities for gerontechnology and its potential role in improving the overall quality of life for older adults.
Lingnan University's recent survey indicates that the public shows the strongest interest in gerontechnology products for healthcare and exercise.
Regarding the potential use of gerontechnology products, 95 per cent of respondents said they are very optimistic or optimistic. However, there are still obstacles as 60 per cent consider high prices the main barrier, 52 per cent cited a lack of product information, and about 34 per cent are unclear about where to buy the products. Compared to a similar survey last year, there is a rising trend in the number of citizens who consider gerontechnology products ‘too expensive’.
Around 60 per cent of respondents viewed the cost of these products as prohibitively high, 52 per cent cited a lack of product information, and approximately 34 per cent were unclear about where to buy them, all presenting a barrier to use.
92 per cent of respondents either ‘strongly support' or ‘support' the government allocating additional financial assistance to elderly care homes and other senior service organisations for the purchase and use of gerontechnology products. 90 per cent also expressed strong or general support for broadening the scope of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme to subsidise older adults wishing to acquire the products. Meanwhile, more than 91 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the government should boost backing for the industrial and commercial sectors in the research and development of gerontechnology products, thereby encouraging the growth of the industry. On the topic of education, most respondents considered both older adults and caregivers to be important target groups, and indicated willingness to continue disseminating information. 95 per cent of those surveyed recognise that universities play a key role in advancing the development of gerontechnology.
Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University, observed that the survey results indicate a particular public interest in gerontechnology in healthcare and exercise, a trend that may be linked to the HKSAR government hosting the 15th National Games this year, which has helped to raise public awareness of sport. This aligns with the government's aim to promote community physical activity, and encourage all sectors of society to exercise regularly.
Dr Siu added that the survey also shows respondents' hopes that the government will support issues such as sarcopenia. As people age, they often experience a reduction in muscle mass and strength, which may impair daily living activities, making walking or climbing stairs more difficult and increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Some respondents suggested that a greater preventive investment in older adults' exercise and health may help to reduce future healthcare expenditure, and offer broader societal benefits. Such investment might include technology or services designed to maintain muscle strength and encourage regular exercise.
Dr Siu affirmed Lingnan University's continuing commitment to cross-sector collaboration, professional elderly care, and the quality of life for older adults, and is working with partners to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of an ageing society.
Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University (second from right), hopes that universities, the government, and industry can collaborate to advance gerontechnology.
Lingnan University and the Universidad de la República (University of the Republic, UdelaR), the largest public higher education institution in Uruguay, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 February 2026 on Lingnan campus, formally establishing an academic partnership. This is an important step in advancing academic cooperation between Lingnan and universities in South America.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, welcomes the delegation, introduces them to the university, and explores opportunities for collaboration during the meeting.
Prof Héctor Cancela, President of the UdelaR, and Mr Federico Lage, Consul-General of Uruguay in the Hong Kong SAR, led a delegation to Lingnan University, where they were welcomed by Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning, Prof Zhang Dian, Associate Dean of the School of Data Science and Person-in-Charge of the Division of Industrial Data Science, Prof Jean-Michel Morel, Chair Professor of the Division of Industrial Data Science, and Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Special Advisor to President on Internationalization and Director of Global Education.
President S Joe Qin said, “Lingnan University is committed to supporting the vision of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub and promoting the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand. In response to changing times, the University has in recent years integrated artificial intelligence and data science elements across various disciplines, advancing its distinctive ‘Liberal Arts + Technology’ development model. More than 20 per cent of our academic and research staff were recognised by Stanford University in 2025 as being among the world’s top 2% of scientists. We look forward to working with the Universidad de la República to leverage the strengths of both institutions, advancing interdisciplinary research collaboration and developing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.”
The delegation visits the Lingnan campus and the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI).
The signing ceremony was chaired by Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu and Prof Héctor Cancela, and attended by senior representatives of both universities. Prof Chan said “Lingnan University actively establishes partnerships with leading universities worldwide. To date, we have set up academic collaborations with over 280 institutions across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. UdelaR is the oldest public university in Uruguay, and this will open up valuable networks, academic resources, and exchanges between researchers in Lingnan and South America, making the most of both universities’ strengths, and improving knowledge transfer.”
In the MoU, the two universities will establish a framework for academic exchange and cooperation in research, and explore potential areas of collaboration, including the exchange of academic and research staff, possible student exchange, and joint academic research and publication in fields of interest to both. The partnership aims to expand cross-regional academic networks.
The UdelaR delegation toured the Lingnan campus and the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI), gaining an understanding of the University’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, which encourages faculty and students from different disciplines to design innovative humanitarian technologies together, and teaches students to address social issues through pivotal research.
Lingnan University and the Universidad de la República (University of the Republic, Udelar) sign a Memorandum of Understanding. The ceremony is officiated by Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing of Lingnan University (left), and Prof Héctor Cancela, President of the Udelar (right), with senior representatives of both universities attending the event.
Lingnan University has made considerable progress in recent years, and came first globally under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 4 (Quality Education) in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Impact Rankings 2025, the first university in the Hong Kong SAR to achieve a global first in any UN SDG. Lingnan was also in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 for the first time, one of the top 301–350 universities worldwide out of 2,191 institutions, its international outlook rated 47th. Universidad de la República (University of the Republic, Udelar) is consistently ranked as the top university in Uruguay and a premier public institution in Latin America, holding a #650 position in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
