Prepare to raise a toast and applaud as we honor the pioneers revolutionizing how our aging population thrives! On January 31, 2025, all roads lead to the dazzling city of Bangkok, Thailand, where the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) together with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) will host an illustrious award ceremony at the opulent Chadra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel. Here, visionaries and brilliant minds will converge to celebrate the Healthy Aging Prize for Asian Innovation (HAPI) winners.
Committed to transforming aging societies, the HAPI award shines a spotlight on trailblazers with groundbreaking policies, services, and products addressing the challenges of aging in ASEAN and East Asia. As the program steps into its formidable fourth edition, the intensity of this year’s competition stood as a testament to its growing significance, with a deluge of awe-inspiring entries from 12 countries across East and Southeast Asia.
A discerning panel of seven international experts meticulously selected the most promising ventures under three pivotal categories: Technology & Innovation, Community-Based Initiatives, and Supporting Self-Reliance. For the first time, a grand prize found its way to the Philippines, marking a milestone moment, while laurels were also bestowed upon innovative entities from Japan and Thailand. Reflective of the contemporary spirit of lifelong learning, many applications emphasized the empowerment of older adults through educational and income-generating opportunities, not forgetting crucial efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Amid the joyful celebrations, a Special Prize for Care Network Development was awarded, spotlighting a game-changing South Korean initiative that developed a holistic care system affecting positive change for seniors in sparsely populated areas. Additionally, those basking in the glory included Thailand and Malaysia, with three projects earning honorable mentions for their meritorious contributions.
Leading this dazzling host of innovators for the 2024 HAPI Grand Prizes are:
- Technology & Innovation: Nurse & Craft, Japan – Pioneering home nursing services to rejuvenate communities.
- Community-Based Initiatives: Padyarescue Inc., Philippines – The ‘Go Bike Project—Ronda Kalusugan Program’ igniting health through mobility.
- Supporting Self-Reliance: School of Lifelong Education, Chiang Mai University, Thailand – Empowering seniors with digital prowess via the MEDEE program.
A special nod goes to the Institute for Community Care and Health Equity, Chung-Ang University, and collaborators from South Korea for the CARE-Net initiative—crafting a seamless, smart integration of care for aged residents in secluded locales.
Highlighting the remarkable endeavors vying for the Second Prize are:
- Technology & Innovation: Lions Befrienders Service Association, Singapore – Spearheading the groundbreaking ‘IM-OK Program’ supporting solitary seniors.
- Community-Based Initiatives: Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and the Agency for Integrated Care, Singapore – Fostering engagement and productivity with their ‘Micro-Jobs Program’.
- Supporting Self-Reliance: Graduate School of Medicine, Tokushima University, and Beauty Life Corp., Japan – Innovating fitness with the ‘Online Exercise Salon’ collaboration.
The UK’s Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing™) takes an honorable mention for pioneering digital literacy for elders, paralleled by Thailand’s YoungHappy Plus Co., Ltd and the insightful ‘Ready Senior Project’ by the Ageing Business and Care Development Centre at Thammasat University.
For press enthusiasts eager to capture these stories of innovation, delight, and inspiration live, the event promises engaging sessions—from press briefings starting at 1:00 PM to press conferences with the victors at 4:30 PM. Press registration opens at 12:30 PM, and for those wishing to delve deeper through interviews, the 4DPR media relations team awaits your query at [email protected].
Dive into a world where making a difference is a shared ethos. This immense tapestry of creativity and compassion is chronicled in full wonder on the AHWIN website. Join us as we embark on this riveting journey to celebrate and champion the incredible ideas shaping the future of aging society.
The idea of celebrating aging is fantastic! Finally, communities are valuing their elder populations instead of marginalizing them.
It’s about time, but I wonder how many of these initiatives are just for show. Many of these fancy events don’t translate to real, on-the-ground change.
That’s a valid concern, Bob. I hope the recognition promotes genuine progress. They should prioritize accessible solutions for everyone.
Call me skeptical, but corporations have a knack for using these events as a PR stunt. Are these programs benefiting everyday seniors or just looking good on paper?
It’s easy to get cynical, but these awards can also spur competition to create real solutions for elder care. Let’s hope they are meaningful.
True, Sara, competition can drive innovation. Let’s hope companies focus on long-term changes rather than short-term accolades.
Wow, a South Korean initiative receiving special praise for a care network is remarkable. South Korea seems to be leading in elder care innovations!
Indeed, Zoe. They are often ahead in tech too. I hope other countries follow suit. Nobody should be left without care because of where they live.
Absolutely! Equitable access to resources should be a global priority.
Congratulations to all the winners! It’s events like these that help push the boundaries in how we care for our aging society.
While awards highlight innovations, the struggle is often in the widespread implementation. Here’s hoping for policies that can make it mainstream.
You’re spot on, Joe. Implementation is crucial. Governments need to step up and support these innovative projects.
But are governments willing to really invest in aging populations? Too often, funds go elsewhere.
I’m thrilled to see Thailand’s School for Lifelong Education empowering seniors with digital skills. It’s never too late to learn something new!
Exactly, Kate! Digital literacy is essential in today’s world. And it’s heartening to see programs directed at bridging the digital divide.
These initiatives sound wonderful, but I can’t help but worry about the sustainability of such projects. Do they have long-term plans?
That’s a great point, Yuki. Sustainability often gets overlooked when the focus is just on initial success or media coverage.
I just hope these programs reach the rural and most marginalized seniors who need them the most. Innovation shouldn’t only benefit city-dwellers.
True, Emily. Equitable access should be a fundamental goal of any initiative, especially in elder care.
Singapore seems to be doing a lot with this ‘IM-OK Program’. It’s encouraging to see support for solitary seniors.
It’s promising, Chris. But we still need cultural changes along with such programs to address isolation among seniors.
It’s impressive to see the variety of initiatives and countries involved. This could truly foster an international culture of innovation.
Inter-country collaboration and shared learning are integral. It’s an exciting time for elder care globally.
The effort from Japan’s ‘Nurse & Craft’ is commendable. Pioneering home nursing services can rejuvenate entire communities if done right.
Fostering engagement and productivity through the ‘Micro-Jobs Program’ is a fun way to keep seniors active. I wish more nations adopted this strategy.
Hopefully, these awards inspire others to implement similar policies elsewhere. The need for comprehensive elder care is global.
It’s disheartening that while these events celebrate innovation, many seniors still face neglect even in developed nations.
The deluge of entries this year is a hopeful sign. Awareness and interest in elderly care are growing.
Ed tech for the elderly is vital as it can unlock new opportunities, enhance mental health, and bring joy. Kudos to those prioritizing this.