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 held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation (NSO) and Official Welcome for undergraduate students at its Tuen Mun campus today (24 August).
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, officiated at the University’s Official Welcome and greeted incoming undergraduate students from the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Mainland, and overseas. This year’s cohort includes students from a wide range of countries and regions, including Russia, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.
In his remarks, President Qin said the University is committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He noted that the geographical diversity of the student intake has further expanded this year, with Lingnan admitting non-local freshmen from Ethiopia for the first time, underscoring the University’s diverse, inclusive and international campus.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, officiated at the Official Welcome and stated that the University warmly welcomed the new students from diverse backgrounds and cultures into the Lingnan community.
President Qin said, “I believe that every student harbours unique dreams and potential and looks forward to finding their own stage at the University. Lingnan is committed to providing an interdisciplinary learning environment and diverse opportunities for development, supporting students in pursuing excellence in academics, innovation, and personal growth. Launched this academic year, the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class will provide selected students with comprehensive learning resources, including a four-year full tuition scholarship and a full accommodation subsidy, priority access to cutting-edge research projects, and artificial intelligence (AI) training offered by leading global enterprises, culminating in professional certification. The University will continue to refine its scholarships and talent-development programmes to help students chart a suitable formative path at Lingnan and make the most of their strengths.”
President Qin added that demand for Lingnan among JUPAS applicants has grown significantly. For three consecutive years since 2024, Lingnan University has recorded the highest growth in JUPAS Band A applications among Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities, with a cumulative increase of 88%. In the 2026/27 admission cycle, Lingnan’s mean JUPAS admission score increased by 6.7%, the largest increase among all eight UGC-funded universities. The Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Business Analytics and Innovation programme was the most competitive programme in Hong Kong, with a 77-to-1 application-to-admission ratio. The average JUPAS admission score for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science programme reached 20.8, which is 2.7 points higher than last year. For Chinese Mainland Gaokao students, the highest admitted score at Lingnan was 129 points above the Batch 1 or Special Admission cut-off score across provinces and cities, an increase of 18 points over 2025.
The national flag-raising ceremony is conducted during the Official Welcome.
Lingnan has made significant leaps in international rankings in recent months, reinforcing its position as a leading research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, Lingnan was in the global top 100 for the first time, and 63rd overall, with first place in the Hong Kong SAR in six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It retained its World No. 1 ranking in "SDG 4: Quality Education", and came first in the Hong Kong SAR in "SDG 1: No Poverty", "SDG 2: Zero Hunger", "SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth", "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities", and "SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals".
Lingnan also came 84th in its debut appearance in the THE Asia University Rankings, and in the QS World University Rankings 2027 it climbed sharply by over 120 places to 581st, its largest upward leap in recent years.
To help freshmen adapt to university life early and foster a sense of belonging, Lingnan has been running online orientation sessions and activities since mid-July, helping students build social networks and integrate swiftly into campus life. On the day of the inauguration ceremony, it launched the Kaleidoscope Programme, tailored for newcomers with library and campus tours, sports facilities briefings, and workshops on hostel life explaining campus resources and facilities. Themed seminars have covered scholarship applications, academic exchanges, service-learning, and student-led community service, and distinguished alumni have shared inspiring stories, suggesting new students plan their objectives in advance and build up their confidence and preferences.
During the NSO, core administrative units briefed the freshmen, giving them practical information so they could familiarise themselves with university resources, use AI for independent learning, and master learning opportunities. After several specialist sessions, the finale featured performances by the Dancing and Music Societies, sparkling with youthful campus vigour and opening the curtain on a vibrant university life.
Lingnan University held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation and Official Welcome on campus today, welcoming a record intake of about 1,500 new undergraduates into the Lingnan community.
The orientation activities also placed a strong emphasis on community cohesion, with the University arranging for freshmen to interact with departments and societies related to their major subjects and meet their wardens. Representatives from various departmental societies shared tips on subject selection, extracurricular activities, and learning opportunities, fostering interaction among students across different departments. Meanwhile, the University’s Peer Mentoring Programme was launched on the same day, pairing new undergraduates with senior student mentors to help them adjust to university life and actively engage in campus activities.
Lingnan will also host the Campus Life Carnival on the evening of 3 September to encourage freshmen to integrate. Student bodies, sports teams, and several departments will set up over 40 promotional booths providing practical information on extracurricular activities, and recommending ways to expand their social networks to help them settle into the Lingnan community more swiftly.
